Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Dr. Chang and Dr. Wang are both highly skilled and experienced in performing facial plastic surgeries like blepharoplasty. They perform both upper and lower eyelid surgeries using the latest and most advanced techniques to ensure natural-looking, lasting results.

Sagging upper eyelids can make you appear tired or older than you feel and, in some cases, may even obstruct your vision. Upper eyelid surgery involves creating a small incision within the eyelid’s natural crease, allowing your surgeon to remove drooping tissue so you look rested and brighter. The scar typically heals very well and can become virtually unnoticeable over time.

Lower eyelid surgery addresses puffiness, bags or hollowness beneath the eyes that can contribute to a tired or aged appearance. Through an incision placed either just beneath the lower lash line or inside the eyelid (transconjunctival approach), your surgeon removes or repositions fat deposits and skin below the eyes that cause bags or dark circles. The result is a more youthful and rested appearance, often with no visible scarring.

In some cases, a brow lift may be a more beneficial approach to your cosmetic concerns than eyelid surgery. Our surgeons perform brow lifts using a minimally invasive technique often called an endoscopic forehead lift. The procedure involves making small incisions within your hairline and then inserting a thin tube that has a tiny camera attached. Specialized surgical instruments allow your surgeon to reposition the muscle and skin, resulting in an elevated brow and eyelids and a smoother forehead.

Additionally, combining treatments may be a good choice for you. A brow lift may be combined with eyelid surgery or a lower facelift to complete a comprehensive facial rejuvenation in a single operation. Combining eyelid surgery with BOTOX® Cosmetic injections to minimize wrinkling around the eyes is also an excellent way to refresh your appearance without adding additional surgery. You and your surgeon can discuss during your consultation the approach best suited for your specific needs and cosmetic goals.

Proper preparation can help to ensure a smooth eyelid surgery experience and optimize your results. Before your procedure, Dr. Chang or Dr. Wang will provide you with detailed pre-op instructions tailored to your needs. 

Common eyelid surgery preparation steps include:

• Stop taking blood-thinning medications or supplements (ibuprofen, naproxen, vitamin E, fish oil and others) 1 to 2 weeks before your procedure.
• Refrain from smoking or vaping for at least 2 weeks before and after eyelid surgery.
• Avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours prior to your procedure.
• Arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment. 
• Do not wear any makeup, false eyelashes or contact lenses on the day of your procedure.

Dr. Chang and Dr. Wang often perform upper and lower eyelid surgeries right in the office under a local anesthetic, which numbs the treatment area while keeping you awake and comfortable. For patients who feel more anxious or are having multiple procedures performed at once, your surgeon may recommend sedation combined with local anesthesia. In these cases, the surgery will be performed at an accredited outpatient surgical center. You and your surgeon will make this decision together prior to the procedure, ensuring safety and comfort based on your unique needs.

The procedure itself typically takes 45 minutes to an hour to complete for either the upper or lower eyelids alone, and a bit longer if both are addressed together. Dr. Chang or Dr. Wang will make precise incisions along the natural creases of your upper eyelids or just beneath the lash line or inside the lower eyelids. Excess skin and fat are carefully removed or repositioned to create a refreshed and more youthful look, without changing the natural shape of your eyes. Once complete, the incisions are closed and you can expect to return home that same day.

It is important to arrange for someone to drive you home following your procedure, whether it is performed at our office or a surgical center. While patient experiences vary after eyelid surgery, swelling, bruising and mild discomfort are all normal in the first few days. You may also experience some temporary dryness, tearing or light sensitivity. These symptoms typically peak around day 2 or 3 and should gradually subside. 

Most people feel well enough to return to light activities after 3 to 5 days and can typically go back to work in about a week. Makeup can usually be worn again after 10 to 14 days, once healing has progressed. Many patients are surprised at how comfortable and manageable the recovery process is overall.

Eyelid surgery is highly effective at helping patients look more refreshed, youthful and alert without changing their natural appearance. Initial results typically begin to appear within 1 to 2 weeks, once the majority of swelling and bruising has resolved. Final results are typically visible within 3 to 6 after surgery. Because incisions are carefully hidden in the eyelid creases or lash lines, most scars fade to be virtually invisible with time. While eyelid surgery doesn’t stop the aging process, the improvements can last for many years, often a decade or longer.