What Eyelid Surgery Is

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is an outpatient procedure to address signs of aging around the eyes. The goal of this surgery is to provide San Diego patients with a more refreshed and rested appearance around their eyes, as well as to address any drooping of the upper eyelids which may be impairing the patient’s vision.

During the surgery, patients are given either local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on their preference. Once the patient is sedated, San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Kaweski of Aesthetic Arts Institute of Plastic Surgery makes an incision inside the lower eyelid and in the upper eyelid crease to disguise scars. From these incisions, Dr. Kaweski works carefully to remove excess fat and skin, tighten and reposition the underlying skin structure, and replace the skin over the eyelid.

View Before & After Photos

What the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery Are

From an aesthetic standpoint, blepharoplasty provides patients with more youthful and refreshed looking eyes. To accentuate this youthful appearance, some San Diego patients combine blepharoplasty with other facial plastic surgeries such as a facelift or brow lift, or with skin rejuvenation procedures.

Functionally, upper blepharoplasty (which is performed on the upper eyelids) helps patients whose eyelids are drooping so much over their eyes that their vision is impaired. In this case, the goal of the surgery is to remove enough drooping eyelid tissue so that vision is no longer obstructed.

Other benefits of eyelid surgery include:

  • A more youthful and refreshed appearance, including looking more awake.
  • Reduction of bagginess and excess fat around the eyes.
  • Little chances of scarring after the procedure thanks to clever incision placement.
  • Fast recovery because of the minimal use of incisions.
  • No need for general anesthetic, which saves money and reduces the chance of complications.
  • Long-lasting results that can keep a person looking younger for years to come.

Am I A Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

San Diego residents who are in good general health are typically excellent candidates for blepharoplasty. The procedure is indicated if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • Eyes that have a “tired” appearance, which is caused by tiny pockets of fat in the upper or lower eyelid
  • Loose eyelid skin of the upper eyelid that droops so low it’s obstructing vision
  • Bags under the eyes that don’t go away with adequate rest or skin treatments
  • Loss of the natural eyelid crease
  • Lower eyelids that droop so low you can see the whites beneath the irises
  • The appearance of fine lines or wrinkles around the lower eyelid

What Is the Cost of Eyelid Surgery?

In 2018, the American Academy of Plastic Surgeons reported that the average blepharoplasty in the US was priced at $3,168. However, San Diego patients should remember the actual cost of their procedure is dependent on the work they’d like performed. Blepharoplasty can include work on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, so all surgical treatment plans and prices will be different.

In select cases, when blepharoplasty is indicated because the upper eyelids are drooping so low they’re obstructing vision, some health insurance companies may reimburse patients who opt for the procedure. If you’re interested in pursuing insurance reimbursement, our team is happy to share our knowledge of the process with you.

If you are interested in the price of eyelid surgery, please click here.

Dr. Kaweski accepts credit cards and also offers a number of financing options for her San Diego patients. You can learn more about the financial options we offer here.

What Is the Recovery With Eyelid Surgery?

Recovering from eyelid surgery is not as harrowing as other procedures because of the minimal incisions and lack of general anesthesia. You will be able to return to your homes the same day of the surgery, where you’ll need to rest and relax. While you’re resting, you should apply ice packs to your eyes about once an hour to reduce swelling and tenderness. Other side effects you may experience directly afterward include:

  • Blurry or double vision.
  • Watery eyes.
  • Numb or swollen eyelids.
  • Sensitivity to light.
  • Swelling and bruising.

In the days following the surgery, you’ll want to keep applying ice packs every so often, as well as gently clean the eyelids and apply any prescribed ointments or drops to keep them moisturized and reduce the risk of infection. Keeping your head elevated is also important to reduce swelling. You’ll also need to avoid rubbing your eyes or smoking for some time after the surgery.

While you can get up and walk around the next day, you’ll need to avoid strenuous physical activity for at least a week and avoid bending over. You will also be unable to wear contact lenses for at least two weeks.

How to Book Your Consultation and What to Expect

If you’re interested in blepharoplasty, call Aesthetic Arts Institute of Plastic Surgery at (619) 464-9876 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kaweski. During this appointment, she’ll listen to your concerns, ask you about your desired outcomes, and examine the area around your eyes and your eyelids to determine the recommended course of treatment.

Eyelid Surgery FAQs

  • Can blepharoplasty improve my vision?

    Blepharoplasty improves vision in patients whose upper eyelids are drooping so much they are obstructing the eye. The surgery doesn’t improve a patient’s visual acuities or help with field of vision loss caused by retinal dystrophy.

  • How long after surgery can I wear eye makeup?

    Dr. Kaweski recommends patients wait 2 weeks after blepharoplasty to wear any makeup around the eyes.

  • Can I have blepharoplasty on just my upper or lower eyelids?

    Yes. This surgery can be customized by patient to include working on the upper eyelids only, the lower eyelids only, or both eyelids during the same surgical event.

  • How Long Do Eyelid Surgery Results Last?

    The results of eyelid surgery are permanent and will keep your eyes from looking better than they would have if they never had surgery. With that in mind, the aging process will still occur, meaning you may find that your eyelids start drooping again in a few years. However, this can often be treated with other cosmetic touchup procedures.

  • Will Eyelid Surgery Be Painful?

    The procedure itself will not be painful, as Dr. Kaweski will ensure that you are properly numbed before making any incisions. That being said, it’s inevitable that you will experience some discomfort afterward. Luckily, much of this can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs.

  • Can You Just Do Eyelid Surgery on One Eye?

    In some cases, patients have just one eyelid that’s droopy or saggy. Even in cases like this, Dr. Kaweski may still recommend performing eyelid surgery on both eyes. This way, it’s much easier to match the appearance of the eyelids and keep them looking symmetrical.

  • Does Insurance Cover Eyelid Surgery?

    For most San Diego patients seeking eyelid surgery for cosmetic reasons, insurance companies won’t foot the bill. However, if you are getting eyelid surgery to correct vision impairment, there’s a good chance insurance will pay for the procedure. If patients are interested, they should get in contact with their insurance company to learn more.

Eyelid Surgery Before/After Photos

Before committing to eyelid surgery, it helps to know exactly what the results might look like. By browsing before and after pictures of Dr. Kaweski’s San Diego patients, interested parties can see just how brilliant she is at turning back the hands of time.

Click here to see Dr. Kaweski’s amazing eyelid surgery photos.