What Is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that can remove excess skin and fat from the eyelids to help reduce common signs of aging. Some areas that blepharoplasty can target include drooping or sagging skin along the eyelids. A blepharoplasty in Newport Beach can also tighten the underlying muscles to ensure they remain taut and do not shift from their original position.

What Is the Best Age for Eyelid Surgery?

There is no “right age” to undergo eyelid surgery. Most men and women seeking blepharoplasty have traditionally been in their 40s and 50s. However, in recent years Dr. Lee has seen a growing number of individuals in their mid to late 30s undergo the procedure to address these early signs of facial aging when they first start to develop.

If you prefer to experience the facial rejuvenation benefits of eyelid surgery at a younger age, Dr. Lee can discuss your options with you in detail. It’s never too early to enjoy the perks that come along with looking young and feeling your best.

How Is Blepharoplasty Performed?

Typically, blepharoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia. The specifics of the surgery will depend on whether you’re having upper or lower blepharoplasty. Once you’re sound asleep, Dr. Lee will begin by making the necessary incisions, which will be located either along the folds of the upper eyelids, just below the lower eyelashes, or inside the lower eyelids. 

Next, Dr. Lee will begin making adjustments to your eyelids based on your unique treatment plan. Typically, this will include removing and/or redistributing excess skin, muscle, and fat from the eyelids and surrounding areas. Once the doctor is satisfied with the changes, he will close the incisions to complete the procedure. On average, blepharoplasty takes between one and two hours to complete.

Blepharoplasty Before & After

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Ideal Eyelid Surgery Candidates

Eyelid surgery candidates should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations for the outcome of their procedure. Blepharoplasty in Newport Beach is an excellent option for men and women who would like to address one or more of the following signs of aging:

  • Drooping upper eyelids
  • Lost upper eyelid crease
  • Sagging or wrinkling in the upper or lower eyelid skin
  • Hollows underneath the eyes create an appearance of dark bags
  • Puffy fat deposits in the lower eyelid, which commonly result in a tired appearance
  • Excess skin in the upper eyelid that impedes your visual field

Blepharoplasty only addresses signs of aging around the eyes. If you are looking to correct more extensive signs of aging throughout your face, Dr. Lee may recommend a facelift or a brow lift in conjunction with your eyelid surgery to achieve the comprehensive facial rejuvenation results you desire.

In some instances, nonsurgical treatments such as injectables and fillers can be used to enhance the facial rejuvenation results achieved during blepharoplasty.

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Benefits of Blepharoplasty

Eyelid surgery in Newport Beach is one of the most effective ways to reverse the signs of aging and restore a more youthful facial appearance. Some of the benefits you’ll experience from blepharoplasty include:

  • Improvement in the appearance of dark circles under the eyes
  • Elimination of eye puffiness
  • Elimination of hollows in the eyes
  • Opening the eye region
  • Removing deep folds in the eyelids
  • Elimination of bags underneath the eyes
  • Elimination of excess skin responsible for wrinkles and droopy eyelids

You may also experience vision benefits from your procedure. Droopy eyelids can often impede your visual field, and removing them during eyelid surgery can help you see more clearly. Your rejuvenated, youthful appearance can also lead to improved self-confidence, which will provide tremendous benefits in all of your social and professional interactions.

Upper vs. Lower Blepharoplasty: What’s the Difference?


Depending on the specific needs of the patient, Dr. Lee can perform either upper or lower blepharoplasty. The main difference between the two procedures is the area of the face that they address. However, there are also differences in how each version of the surgery is performed.

Upper Blepharoplasty:

Upper blepharoplasty is typically performed to correct sagging skin, loose muscles, and/or excess fat tissue in the upper eyelids. Most commonly, this procedure is used to alleviate pressure on the upper eyelids, open up the eyes, and create a more youthful facial appearance. Upper blepharoplasty is not to be confused with ptosis surgery, which is performed to tighten or shorten the upper eyelid muscle to correct a drooping eyelid.

Lower Blepharoplasty:

As we get older, our lower eyelids often begin to droop, which can cause the appearance of dark circles or “bags” under the eyes. Lower blepharoplasty can be used to remove these bags or correct various other lower eyelid issues, including puffiness, wrinkles, and sagging eyelids. This procedure is typically performed by removing excess fat and/or skin from the lower eyelid area. In some cases, excess fat may also be repositioned to fill hollow spots beneath the eyes.

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Can I Achieve an Eyelid Lift Without Surgery?


Although blepharoplasty will provide the most complete, long-lasting results, there are several non-surgical alternatives that can help you achieve an eyelid lift:

Botox:

Botox is an injectable treatment that uses the active ingredient botulinum toxin type A. When it’s injected into the facial skin, it prevents the muscles from contracting, which smooths the skin and reduces wrinkles. When administered around the eyebrows, Botox can provide a slight lift and make the eyelids appear less droopy.

Ultherapy: 

Ultherapy, which is often used as a non-surgical alternative to a facelift, is a treatment that uses high-intensity ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production. When collagen production is increased around the eyelids and eyebrows, it rejuvenates the skin and gradually provides a slight lift.

Dermal Fillers:

Dermal fillers are injectable treatments that are typically made from hyaluronic acid. These fillers, which come in many varieties, add natural-looking volume and plumpness to the skin. As a result, they eliminate fine lines and wrinkles and provide lift. Dermal fillers can also be used to reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.

Blepharoplasty Recovery Process

The recovery process is relatively short, and most patients are able to resume normal activities within about ten days. While your eyes are healing, you may experience:

  • Mild bruising and swelling
  • Light sensitivity
  • Blurred or double vision

Your vision should clear up after a day or two, and the other side effects will gradually subside within two weeks after surgery.

Your Blepharoplasty Results

Dr. Lee will give you detailed aftercare instructions. It’s important to follow them as directed in order to ensure proper healing and the best possible outcome. Initial results should appear once the swelling and bruising subside, but it may take a few months before you see your final outcome. Results from your eyelid surgery in Newport Beach should last a long time, providing a more youthful appearance for years to come.

Why Choose Dr. Lee For Your Eyelid Surgery?

Dr. Richard H. Lee is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 15 years of experience performing eyelid surgery for men and women in the Newport Beach area. He will listen carefully to your goals and concerns in order to develop a customized treatment plan that will deliver the beautiful, natural-looking results you desire.

You can learn about your options and receive individualized recommendations by speaking with Dr. Lee in person. Please call our office today to schedule a blepharoplasty consultation. We serve patients in Newport Beach, Irvine, and throughout Orange County, California.

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Contact Our Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Richard H. Lee is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Newport Beach. His goal when working with patients is to educate and guide patients through their plastic surgery journey while operating with safety, integrity, and natural results as his highest priority. If you're looking for a personalized and elegant blepharoplasty in Newport Beach, Dr. Lee is the surgeon for you. 

Please contact Dr. Richard H. Lee to schedule your eyelid surgery consultation. We serve patients in Newport Beach, Irvine, and Orange County, California.

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Blepharoplasty FAQs

Should I expect bruising after my surgery?

How long will my results last?

What is the right age for blepharoplasty?

Is blepharoplasty surgery covered by insurance?

Should I expect bruising after my surgery?

Usually, there will be some bruising around the eyelids after undergoing blepharoplasty. This bruising should fade within a few weeks, and you can speed up the process by applying a cold compress and sleeping with your head elevated.

How long will my results last?

Usually, the results of blepharoplasty will last for at least five years. However, the effects often last longer, and in some cases, they can be permanent.

What is the right age for blepharoplasty?

You can undergo blepharoplasty at just about any age. However, if the effects you’re looking to correct are a result of aging, you’ll usually have the best results after age 40.

Is blepharoplasty surgery covered by insurance?

Usually, your health insurance will only cover the cost of blepharoplasty if your eyelids are significantly impairing your vision.

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