Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty or an eyelid lift, is a popular procedure for men and women wanting to rejuvenate their appearance. Droopy eyelids can make you look older, tired or sad, and they can even impair your vision. Eyelid surgery lifts the eyelids, removing excess skin and fatty deposits that contribute to bags and puffiness.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons specialize in facial sculpting surgeries like eyelid surgery. They have performed almost 1,300 blepharoplasty procedures to help their patients achieve proper functionality as well as the rejuvenated look they desire.
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Why Choose Us
- At The Natural Result / Center for Aesthetic Artistry, we believe in keeping patient comfort as our top priority. Making the decision to move forward with cosmetic surgery shouldn’t be taken lightly, so we’re committed to helping you make the choice that’s right for you.
- Experience matters in every aspect of plastic surgery. Our plastic surgeons perform a high volume of eyelid surgery procedures every year. We have worked with the same team of anesthesiologists since 2006, and most of the office staff have been with us for years.
- The Natural Result / Center for Aesthetic Artistry is an established practice in the Sacramento community that’s been proudly serving men and women throughout the area since 2006. Our patients know they can trust us to deliver the best possible results.
- In addition to surgical procedures, our doctors have a broad range of experience in nonsurgical procedures, so you can trust that we’ll work closely with you to develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific concerns.
What Can Eyelid Surgery Address?
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, can rejuvenate the delicate eye area by correcting both cosmetic and functional concerns that develop with age or due to genetics. This procedure can remove excess skin, smooth wrinkles and reduce puffiness to create a more alert, refreshed appearance.
Some of the main reasons why men and women in the Sacramento area opt for an eyelid lift include:
- Drooping upper eyelids that can create an aged appearance or impair vision.
- Puffy under-eye bags or hollows.
- Loose skin around the eyes.
- Fine lines and wrinkles in the delicate eye area.
- A heavy, tired or “hooded” appearance.
- Asymmetry between the eyes or eyelids.
Good Candidates for Eyelid Surgery
With age, the skin of the eyelids loses its supple quality, and muscles become lax and less supportive. These effects, along with the help of gravity, can cause upper eyelids to sag, creating a constantly tired appearance. Lower lids can also droop, and prominent bags can develop.
The best candidates for blepharoplasty are those who are in good health and have no other eye conditions. Blepharoplasty is an effective option for improving your appearance. However, it can’t change your natural facial structure. Having realistic expectations for your surgery and results and fully understanding what it can and cannot achieve is important when considering if eyelid surgery is right for you.
In addition to being in good health and having realistic expectations, ideal eyelid surgery candidates:
- Have good skin elasticity.
- Do not smoke or are willing to quit prior to surgery.
- Understand the recovery process and are committed to following post-operative instructions.
Eyelid Surgery Techniques
Eyelid surgery can be customized to treat the upper lids, lower lids or both, depending on your needs and goals. Our skilled plastic surgeons have ample experience performing both types of eyelid lifts and always design personalized treatment plans based on the individual needs and goals of each patient.
- Upper eyelid surgery involves small incisions made within the natural crease of the upper eyelid to remove excess skin and fat and tighten the underlying tissues. This technique helps to reduce heaviness, lift drooping lids and improve both appearance and, in some cases, vision.
- Lower eyelid surgery incisions are typically placed just below the lower lash line or inside the eyelid. Through these openings, your surgeon is able to remove or reposition fat deposits and tighten loose skin to smooth under-eye bags and create a firmer, more rested appearance.
During your consultation, your surgeon will help you decide which technique, or both, could be right for you.
Eyelid Surgery with Other Procedures
Eyelid surgery is commonly combined with other facial procedures, such as a facelift/neck lift or brow lift surgery, to achieve the desired outcome. Combination procedures like these come with the added benefit of requiring only a single surgery and recovery period, offering a convenient way for men and women to get the most comprehensive facial rejuvenation results.
For patients concerned with the appearance of crow’s feet and similar signs of aging, your surgeon may suggest BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport® or other nonsurgical med spa treatments.
Request Your Consult
Your Consultation
During your consultation, your surgeon will take the time to carefully listen to your goals and concerns, fully evaluate your facial anatomy and determine the best approach for achieving a refreshed, natural look. You’ll review details such as incision placement, surgical technique and recovery timelines, as well as discuss any complementary treatments, such as a brow lift, facelift or nonsurgical med spa options, that could enhance your results.
You’ll also receive clear, personalized guidance on how to prepare for your surgery and recovery. Our goal is to educate you on your options so you can make an informed decision and feel confident about exactly what to expect from your procedure.
Your Eyelid Lift Procedure
Blepharoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure, often under general anesthesia. The procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours to complete. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home from your appointment.
During eyelid surgery, your surgeon will strategically place the incisions to conceal them within the natural creasing of the surrounding eye area. Most incisions for an upper blepharoplasty are made along the natural crease of the upper eyelid. For lower blepharoplasty procedures, the incisions are made just below the lash line or along the inside of the lower lash line.
From the incisions, excess fat, muscle and skin will be removed from the upper or lower lids or both. Once complete, your surgeon will apply small dressings to cover the incision sites, but should not impede your vision.
Eyelid Surgery Recovery
Immediately after eyelid surgery, you can expect some swelling, bruising, tightness and mild discomfort around the eyes. Your eyelids may feel slightly heavy, and your vision could be blurry or watery for the first day or two.
Most patients feel well enough to move around within a day or so, but it’s best to rest with your head elevated to help reduce swelling. Cold compresses can also help to relieve discomfort and minimize bruising. Swelling and bruising typically peak around day 2 or 3 and then improve steadily over the next 7 to 10 days.
You can usually return to work and light daily activities within 7 to 10 days. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and bending forward should be avoided for about 2 to 3 weeks to prevent increased swelling or bleeding.
Your Eyelid Lift Results
Swelling and bruising tend to conceal initial eyelid lift results for the first week or so, but you should begin to see gradual improvements as swelling dissipates in the coming weeks. Most people are able to enjoy their final outcome around 3 months after eyelid surgery, revealing a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance that still looks like them, only more energized.
Eyelid surgery results can be very long-lasting, often lasting for 10 years or more. While the natural aging process continues, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, protecting your skin from sun exposure and avoiding smoking can help to extend your results. Many patients choose to complement their blepharoplasty with nonsurgical treatments like BOTOX® or laser resurfacing over time to maintain smooth, youthful-looking eyes.
Nonsurgical Alternatives
For those not ready for eyelid surgery, several nonsurgical treatments can help to refresh and rejuvenate the eye area. Options such BOTOX® or dermal fillers can smooth fine lines, lift the brows and reduce hollowness or puffiness under the eyes. Laser skin treatments help to tighten loose skin, even out tone and improve texture, while microneedling stimulates collagen to create firmer, smoother skin over time.
While these treatments can provide noticeable improvement with little to no downtime, it’s important to remember that surgery delivers the most dramatic and long-lasting results, especially for patients with significant sagging or excess skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does eyelid surgery cost in Sacramento?The exact cost of your eyelid surgery will depend on several factors, including whether you are getting an upper eyelid lift, lower eyelid lift or both, the extent of correction needed and if other procedures are included. Because of this, the best way to get the most accurate cost estimate is to schedule a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons. However, if you would like a ballpark price, please call our office at 916-983-9895 for more information.
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Is eyelid surgery covered by insurance?Cosmetic eyelid surgery is not typically covered by health insurance. However, if you have a medical need for a blepharoplasty, such as vision impairment due to severely drooping eyelids, some insurance plans may cover all or some of the costs of your eyelid surgery. Contact your insurance company directly to inquire about health insurance coverage for your specific situation.
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What should I look for in an eyelid surgeon near me?Choose a plastic surgeon in your area who has years of experience performing eyelid surgeries. Facial plastic surgeries like a blepharoplasty are among the most intricate and complex to perform, so experience is a must when searching for the best plastic surgeon. View before and after photos and read reviews online, then schedule an in-person consultation with your top one or two surgeons.
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Is eyelid surgery the best solution for me?Eyelid surgery can be an effective solution for men and women with drooping upper and/or lower eyelids. In some cases, eyelid drooping is so severe that it begins to interfere with your vision. In this case, a blepharoplasty could be the best solution for you.
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What’s the best age for eyelid surgery?There’s no specific “best” age for eyelid surgery; it depends on your individual anatomy and concerns. Many patients choose to have the procedure in their 40s to 60s, when signs of aging like drooping skin or puffiness become more noticeable.
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Does eyelid surgery hurt?Eyelid surgery is typically tolerated very well by most people, with mild discomfort, bruising and swelling among the most common side effects afterward. These symptoms are usually easily managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain medications, cold compresses and keeping your head elevated.
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Will there be scars?Yes, but eyelid surgery scars are typically very small and well-hidden within the natural creases of the eyelids or along the lash line. With proper care, they usually fade significantly over time and become virtually unnoticeable.
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How long do eyelid surgery results last?Eyelid surgery results are long-lasting, usually maintaining results for a decade or more. Know that there is no way to stop the aging process altogether, so you will gradually notice signs of aging such as lines, wrinkles and sagging skin in your brow and eye area over time. That said, you can help prolong your blepharoplasty results by taking great care of your skin and body, including eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and staying out of the sun.
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