A blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is done to awaken tired-looking eyes and give them a more rejuvenated, and even “happier,” overall look. The upper eyelid surgery is a procedure to tighten and lift saggy skin, while the lower eyelid surgery is to remove under-eye bags or lift lower eye droopiness. Whether you want to improve your appearance or are experiencing functional problems with your eyelids, eyelid surgery can be performed on the upper lids, lower lids, or both in a single surgery.
45-120 Minutes
5-7 days
1
Outpatient
One of the best enhancement procedures used in cosmetic surgery, eyelid surgery can make a dramatic aesthetic difference. Patients love how much more alert and youthful they look. A Palo Alto or San Jose blepharoplasty will remove excess skin and fat and tighten the muscles and tissues of the eyelid. It reduces the skin that is drooping into the visual field, improving peripheral vision. This procedure can be performed on upper or lower eyelids, or both, to remove excess skin and fat that might be making the eyes look tired, droopy, or puffy. With a blepharoplasty Palo Alto & San Jose patients are able to achieve natural results with well-concealed incisions. Upper eyelid incisions are blended within the natural fold of the upper eyelid, while lower eyelid incisions are hidden below the lower lashes.
Blepharoplasty can be performed at our AAAASF surgical facilities in Palo Alto & San Jose under twilight sleep or general anesthesia, and the upper eyelids alone can be treated in the clinic under local anesthesia. The procedure can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2.5 hours, depending on whether you are having the procedure for both the upper and lower eyelids.
For the upper eyelids, the incision lines are typically made along the natural crease lines of your eyelids (supratarsal fold). Once the incisions have been made, fat deposits and excess skin are removed, and a strip of the orbicularis oculi muscle that surrounds the eyelids may be removed to deepen the lid crease. For the lower eyelids, an incision may be made either just below the lower lash line or on the inside of the lower eyelid. Excess skin and fat in the lower eyelid is removed or the fat is redistributed to soften the lid-cheek junction or tear-trough. The lower eyelid can be tightened to improve tension in the lower eyelid when loose.
Recovery is generally mild and subsides within two weeks from the day of surgery. Initial discomfort may include some swelling, bruising, irritation or dry eyes. Your stitches will usually be removed approximately one-week post-procedure. You can return to work within a few days to one week but will need to avoid exercise and strenuous activities for at least two weeks. We recommend that you wear dark sunglasses for the first two weeks to protect your eyes from the sun and wind and that you refrain from wearing contact lenses or eye makeup for two weeks post-procedure.
Because the skin of the eyelid is thinner than other areas of the face, the eyes tend to show the first signs of aging. In many cases, eyelid surgery is performed for cosmetic reasons. In some cases, the upper eyelid surgery is performed for functional reasons to lift the tissue that may droop over time due to genetics and/or age, which can obstruct overall vision. The most common reason for eyelid surgery is to offer patients a more youthful gaze. Upper eyelid surgery corrects eyelids that are hooded or droopy, while lower eyelid surgery eliminates under-eye bags and can tighten the muscles in the surrounding areas. A blepharoplasty in San Jose or Palo Alto will remove excess skin and fat and sometimes tighten the muscles and tissues of the eyelid. It reduces the skin that is drooping into the visual field and improves peripheral vision. It offers the patient a more youthful look.
Swelling can normally take 1-2 weeks to completely resolve, and any minor residual healing will take about 12 weeks. This residual healing is normally unnoticed by others, so you’ll feel confident to show off your new, youthful-looking eyes after just two weeks.
The cost of upper blepharoplasty averages between $5,500 to $7,000, while the cost of lower blepharoplasty averages $9,000 to $11,000. For both upper and lower eyelid surgery, the cost can range from $13,000 to $14,000. These estimates include anesthesia and facility fees.
Dr. Boudreault takes the time at your consultation to thoroughly explain the various surgical techniques he recommends to achieve your personal, desired outcome with the most natural-looking results. If you’d like to have your San Jose or Palo Alto blepharoplasty procedure done soon, but would like to apportion your payments over monthly increments over time, we offer financing options to our eligible patients. Many patients have also applied for credit cards with longer terms at 0% interest.
At Illuminate we’re with you during every step of your journey toward greater self-confidence. Schedule a consultation with us today and let Illuminate’s expert team listen to your concerns and guide you through treatments and procedures to help you reach your individual goals. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating your renewed appearance and realized potential.