Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Marin, San Francisco, Sonoma and Napa
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a procedure that improves the appearance of tired-looking eyes, treats under-eye bags, and refreshes your complexion with minimal downtime and risk. It is one of the only procedures to eliminate the heavy skin folds over your eyes (dermatochalasis) that develop with age. Reducing under-eye bags can dramatically change your appearance. If you are noticing droopy skin and wrinkles, eyelid surgery can remove them for a smoother, younger look.
At Plastic Surgery Specialty Group, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Yngvar A. Hvistendahl can eliminate sagging, puffy skin to help you look and feel your best. Do not wait to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can rejuvenate your eyes with customizable procedures that have helped thousands of patients achieve outstanding results. Our beautiful surgery center in Marin County is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and an excellent clinical and professional staff.
Contact our office or call (415) 925-2880 to learn more about how you can achieve brighter eyes.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery can transform both the upper and lower lids. Droopy eyelid skin can occur from changes to protein (collagen) levels in your skin as you age. Sun exposure and hormonal shifts that accompany aging can also result in dry or loose skin (1) that can affect your perceived age.
Blepharoplasty is a popular procedure among both men and women because it yields dramatic results without noticeable scars or a lengthy recovery. In 2023, specialists performed more than 120,000 eyelid surgeries (2) to help patients improve their appearance. We offer several different types of eyelid surgery to help you achieve smoother, more radiant eyes:
- Upper: We can remove excess skin that gives the upper eyelid a “hooded” and wrinkly appearance.
- Lower: We can remove excess orbital fat deposits beneath the lower lids to brighten your complexion and give your eyes a younger, more rested appearance.
- Quad: We can perform an upper and lower eyelid surgery in one appointment to rejuvenate your eyes comprehensively.
Dr. Hvistendahl takes the time to answer all of your questions during your consultation. Contact our office or call (415) 925-2880 to learn more about how eyelid surgery can help you meet your goals.
Eyelid Surgery Benefits
After an eyelid surgery, you can enjoy several benefits, including:
- Brighter eyes: We can help you achieve a more awake, refreshed appearance with eyelid surgery.
- Improved field of vision: Eliminating droopy skin above your eyes can help you see more clearly.
- Improved self-esteem: Droopy skin and wrinkles can result in low self-esteem, but we can reposition your skin and restore your confidence with eyelid surgery.
- Minimal scarring: We make a discrete incision along the natural crease of your upper eyelid and inside your lower lids to remove excess tissue for a natural look.
- Customizable procedure: We can combine your eyelid surgery with other treatments and make discrete incisions based on your unique aesthetic goals.
- Long-lasting results: With proper care, the results of eyelid surgery can endure for many years, providing lasting aesthetic improvements.
Candidates & Consultation
A consultation at PSS can answer all your questions and set you on the path to more youthful-looking eyes and face. During your consultation, please come prepared to discuss your lifestyle, aesthetic goals, current medications, and any previous cosmetic surgeries. We will also perform a physical exam to determine the best type of procedure based on the severity of your skin sagging, cheek projection, and eyelid position to develop a surgical plan that meets your needs. (3) Blepharoplasty is ideal for individuals who want to:
- Bring life back to their faces and get rid of that “tired eyes” look
- Eliminate loose skin overhanging the upper lids that can impair your vision
- Reduce puffy fat deposits beneath the eyes that are creating a tired appearance
- Improve the appearance of droopy eyelids from genetic factors
Those considering blepharoplasty should be in good health and have reasonable expectations.
Preparation
To prepare for eyelid surgery, there are a few steps you will need to take for a comfortable procedure and recovery:
- Stop taking blood thinners
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds that could damage your skin
- Refrain from drinking alcohol
- Stop smoking for 6 weeks before and after your procedure
- Prepare your meals before your procedure
- Schedule time off work
- Arrange for someone to drive you home
Eyelid Surgery Procedure
During your procedure, we will administer a local or general anesthetic. Your surgeon will cleanse your skin and mark it for your procedure. Eyelid surgery can take one to three hours depending on whether or not we perform surgery on both lids. We can use protective plastic shields not unlike contact lenses to protect the eyes during eyelid surgery. To begin, we will cleanse your skin and carefully draw incision guidelines along the natural contour of your eye to make the incisions as inconspicuous as possible:
- Lower eyelid surgery: We can reduce excess skin beneath the eyes with tiny incisions inside the lower eyelid and remove fatty deposits from the conjunctiva.
- Upper eyelid surgery: We can make an incision along the fold of the upper eyelid to remove excess tissue that creates a droopy appearance.
- Quad eyelid surgery: We can adjust the upper and lower eyelids during one appointment to help you achieve a brighter, more youthful look.
Recovery & Results
Recovery from eyelid surgery takes 1-2 weeks. Cold compresses and pain medication can help to ease any discomfort after the surgery. If you receive absorbable sutures, they will heal on their own. We can remove non-absorbable sutures after a week and provide specific instructions about when you can resume exercise based on your procedure. The results of aesthetic eyelid surgery are long-lasting because we permanently remove excess skin and tissue from your eyes. If you take good care of your skin and avoid sun exposure, you can enjoy younger-looking, brighter eyes for many years.
We invite you to schedule a consultation with Plastic Surgery Specialists today or call (415) 925-2880 to learn more.
Corresponding Procedures
We offer several corresponding procedures to help you meet your aesthetic goals.
Face and Neck Lift
A deep plane facelift is a surgical procedure designed to lift and tighten the skin of the face and neck, addressing signs of aging such as sagging skin, deep lines, and loss of volume. This advanced surgical technique not only pulls back loose skin but also repositions the deeper layers, including the underlying facial muscles. The goal is to achieve a natural-looking result that restores youthful contours and appearance. We can also combine a facelift with a neck lift to eliminate droopy skin and help you achieve a smoother facial profile.
Brow Lift
Wrinkles and droopy skin are also common above the brows. As we get older, the eyebrows can gradually droop, contributing to this appearance as much, and sometimes more, than the loose skin on the upper eyelids. For this reason, you may want to consider a subtle brow lift to elevate the brow along with sculpting the lid skin. Modern surgical techniques are much more conservative and in our opinion, the results are even more beautiful. To learn more, see our education center.
The Cost of Eyelid Surgery in Marin County
Eyelid surgery costs vary depending on your procedure and whether or not we need to perform additional treatments. We offer accessible pricing options, and your surgeon can provide you with a specific quote during your consultation. Virtual consultations and convenient financing plans are available to make it easier than ever to achieve your desired look.
Contact our office in Greenbrae at (415) 925-2880 to schedule a consultation.
FAQ
Will eyelid surgery affect my field of vision?
Eyelid surgery can improve your field of vision because it involves removing droopy skin on the upper eyelid.
Should I get a brow lift in addition to eyelid surgery?
Whether or not you need a brow lift will depend on your aesthetic goals and the quality of your skin. We can discuss whether or not a brow lift is right for you during your consultation.
Is it possible to soften heavy lines in the forehead caused by frowning and raising the brow?
Yes, there are several options if you would like to improve the appearance of dynamic lines. BOTOX® Cosmetic injections create a much more rested appearance by minimizing repetitive muscle movements. We are happy to discuss the differences with you during your consultation and how nonsurgical treatments can rejuvenate your complexion.
Can I combine a facelift with eyelid surgery?
Yes, however, eyelid surgery is usually all you need to restore your complexion if you are just beginning to notice signs of aging.
References
- Chaudhary M, Khan A, Gupta M. Skin Ageing: Pathophysiology and Current Market Treatment Approaches. Current Alzheimer Research. 2019;16(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.2174/1567205016666190809161115
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
- Naik M, Honavar S, Das S, Desai S, Dhepe N. Blepharoplasty: An overview. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2009;2(1):6. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-2077.53092
