Category: Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty, more commonly known as eyelid surgery, was one of the top five most popular plastic surgery procedures performed in 2024. More than 120,000 people chose to enhance the appearance of their eyes by addressing both cosmetic and functional concerns related to aging eyes, including removing excess skin, repositioning fat, and tightening the muscles in their upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. As with any surgery (and especially one affecting the eyes), prospective patients often ask about what they can expect from the recovery process after blepharoplasty. In this blog, we’ll go over the general timeline of blepharoplasty recovery, as well as when you’ll see your final blepharoplasty results.

Table of Contents

• Blepharoplasty Recovery Timeline
  • Day 1–2
  • Days 3–5
  • Day 7
  • Week 2
  • Weeks 3–4
  • 6 Weeks and Beyond
• What Factors Affect Blepharoplasty Healing?
• Tips for Blepharoplasty Recovery
• When Will I See My Complete Blepharoplasty Results?
• Explore Blepharoplasty Options in Orange County

Blepharoplasty Recovery Timeline

While everyone’s blepharoplasty healing journey will be different (influenced by several factors, which we’ll address below), you can typically expect your recovery to follow this general timeline.

Day 1–2

You’ll return home the same day as your blepharoplasty procedure with detailed instructions regarding how to care for your healing eyelids. Swelling, bruising, tightness, and mild discomfort are normal; however, applying cold compresses and keeping your head elevated can help alleviate these symptoms.

Days 3–5

Swelling and bruising typically peak around this time, but then begin to subside gradually. Your vision may be a bit blurred due to the use of ointment, or your eyes may feel drier than usual.

Day 7

Dr. Wald typically removes your blepharoplasty stitches within the first week. You will also start to feel more comfortable and see a noticeable reduction in bruising and puffiness.

Week 2

By the second week after your blepharoplasty surgery, you may still have some mild swelling, but your eyelids will start to look more natural. In fact, you might feel confident enough to return to work and social activities, and can use light makeup to conceal any residual discoloration.

Weeks 3–4

Most visible signs of your blepharoplasty surgery are gone, and the shape and contour of your eyelids continue to refine.

6 Weeks and Beyond

You’ll continue to see the final results of your blepharoplasty emerge gradually over the next couple of months as the tissues fully settle into place and your scars continue to fade.

What Factors Affect Blepharoplasty Healing?

Several factors can influence how quickly and smoothly you recover after blepharoplasty. Your age and skin elasticity play a role, since patients with firm, youthful skin often experience faster healing compared to those with less skin tone. The type and extent of your surgery also matter—upper blepharoplasty usually involves less swelling and downtime than lower blepharoplasty or a combination of the two.

Your overall health is also essential when it comes to blepharoplasty recovery, as conditions such as diabetes, thyroid issues, or poor circulation can affect your body’s ability to heal. Lifestyle choices such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can impair blood flow and delay tissue repair, which increases your risk of complications.

Finally, your commitment to following Dr. Wald’s postoperative instructions, such as using prescribed ointments or drops, protecting your eyes from the sun, and avoiding strenuous exercise and activities until given the go-ahead, can significantly impact your blepharoplasty recovery.

Tips for Blepharoplasty Recovery

• Use cold compresses during the first 48 hours to reduce swelling
• Sleep with your head elevated to minimize fluid retention around the eyes
• Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes, even if they feel itchy or irritated
• Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect healing skin from UV rays and wind
• Limit screen time to avoid eye strain and dryness
• Follow Dr. Wald’s blepharoplasty aftercare plan closely, including using any prescribed eye drops or ointments

When Will I See My Complete Blepharoplasty Results?

While initial improvements after blepharoplasty surgery may be visible within the first few weeks, the final results typically take several months to become fully apparent. Subtle swelling can linger for up to three months, and incision lines on your lids can continue to fade for up to a year. The good news is that once healing is complete, you’ll enjoy a refreshed, more youthful appearance that can last for many years to come.

Explore Blepharoplasty Options in Orange County

If you’re considering upper or lower blepharoplasty (or both), it’s time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert Wald. He’ll help you determine what blepharoplasty option is right for you, whether you should add other cosmetic facial procedures to your surgery, and create a personalized treatment plan designed to offer gorgeous results. To learn more about blepharoplasty in Orange County, schedule an appointment at The Aesthetic Institute today by calling (714) 312-3549 or completing the online contact form.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025 at 10:20 am and is filed under Eyelid Surgery. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

The eyes are some of the most expressive parts of the face, with the potential to reflect your moods, emotions, and age. However, the delicate skin muscles around them weaken with age, leading to the buildup of excess skin and fat around the eyes. This leaves you with under eye bags or drooping upper eyelids, making you look perpetually tired. This blog discusses blepharoplasty options so you can make an informed decision for your own procedure.

Table of Contents

• Will I Need Upper Blepharoplasty, Lower Blepharoplasty, or a Combination of Both?
• Upper Blepharoplasty
• Lower Blepharoplasty
• Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty
• Factors to Consider Before Going for Eyelid Surgery
• Appearance or Vision Concerns
• Overall Health
• Skin Elasticity and Age
• Realistic Expectations
• Considering Your Options in Orange County, CA

Will I Need Upper Blepharoplasty, Lower Blepharoplasty, or a Combination of Both?

Depending on your goals, one type of eyelid surgery—also known as blepharoplasty—may be more beneficial than the other.

Upper Blepharoplasty

The upper eyelid lift is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries for improving the appearance of the eyes. It typically involves the removal of skin, and, if necessary, protruding fat pockets from the upper eyelid. During the operation, a surgeon carefully makes a well-hidden incision in the eyelid’s crease.

Lower Blepharoplasty

Lower eyelid surgery is typically ideal for people who want to remove under eye bags. Protruding fat deposits and excess skin are the main causes of these bags. The surgeon creates an incision beneath the lower lash line, allowing them to rearrange the underlying tissues and remove excess fat, causing puffy eye bags.

Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty

This procedure aims for a complete transformation of the eyes by addressing excess skin, fat pockets, and tissues in both the upper and lower eyelids.

Factors to Consider Before Going for Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty can be a transformative procedure for those experiencing aging signs in the eyes. However, it is important to consider the following factors to know whether the operation is appropriate for you:

Appearance or Vision Concerns

It is very important to understand your goals for this type of surgery. The common concerns include droopy eyelids obstructing your vision, looking older than you feel, and puffy under eyes.

Overall Health

Most plastic surgery procedures require patients to be in good health. This is why blepharoplasty specialists often require a general physical assessment before the procedure. They will also check your eyes for conditions like glaucoma and dry eyes, and examine your medical history.

Skin Elasticity and Age

There is no fixed age limit for eyelid surgery. However, the skin starts losing its elasticity after age 30, which is why most candidates are in this age bracket or older. However, the procedure may also be ideal for younger individuals with droopy eyelids or hereditary puffiness.

Realistic Expectations

It is important to understand what a blepharoplasty surgery can and cannot achieve before the procedure. For instance, the operation cannot stop the aging process or eliminate all facial wrinkles. While it may lead to a younger look, you may need to combine it with other procedures, such as BOTOX® Cosmetic or facelift surgery, for better results.

Learn More About Eyelid Surgery in Orange County, CA

A blepharoplasty operation could refresh your facial appearance, improve your vision, and boost your confidence. A trusted expert like Dr. Robert Wald can help evaluate your surgery goals and determine which blepharoplasty option is right for you.

Call (714) 312-3549 or complete our online contact form to schedule a consultation.

This entry was posted on Monday, June 30th, 2025 at 11:05 am and is filed under Eyelid Surgery. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

As we age, genetics, habits, environment, and gravity all play a role in how we appear. 

As our muscles begin to weaken, wrinkles, fine lines, creases, and puffy, sagging lower eyelids can develop. Sometimes, excess skin on the upper eyelids can also develop, which leads to vision impairment. 

These conditions cause a tired or frustrated appearance, even when we feel calm and well rested.

Beautiful Face of Young Woman with Clean Fresh Skin.

Eyelid lift surgery, also referred to as blepharoplasty, is a procedure designed to correct signs of aging around the eyes and reduce obstructed vision caused by loose eyelid skin.

By removing excess fat and skin, and repositioning the remaining tissue around the eyes, the face can appear refreshed and rejuvenated.

What Are My Options?

There are two approaches to address signs of aging around the eyes. Your concerns and preferences will determine which method can achieve your desired results.

During your consultation, Dr. Wald will analyze your medical history, facial concerns, aesthetic preferences, and desired results to determine which approach can benefit you.

Traditional

Traditional blepharoplasty makes an incision along the upper eyelid crease that is concealed by the natural eyelid contours. If the lower eyelid is also being corrected, an incision is made across the eyelash line, which is hidden by the eyelashes.

Transconjunctival

Transconjunctival blepharoplasty creates an incision inside the lower eyelid. This approach removes excess fat but is only appropriate for patients who do not also have excess skin. There is no visible scarring, as incisions are made within the eyelid.

Non-surgical 

If you have mild wrinkling around your eyes, then laser resurfacing may be used as a less-invasive alternative to address your eyelid concerns. Laser skin resurfacing tightens the dermis in targeted locations, providing a tighter, smoother skin surface.

What Does Eyelid Surgery Entail?

Dr. Robert Wald uses local anesthesia around the eyes, along with intravenous (IV) sedation to ensure comfort and relaxation during the procedure. The selected incision technique is utilized, and excess fat and/or skin are removed. Muscles and underlying tissue are repositioned as needed, and the incisions are closed.

Combining Procedures With Your Eyelid Surgery 

Patients who have multiple facial concerns can combine other procedures with their eyelid surgery. When performed in conjunction with eyelid surgery, combining procedures can help save money, reduce the recovery time, and avoid repeat anesthesia use. 

Along with an eyelid lift, Dr. Wald commonly performs a facelift or brow lift to provide further balance to the face and improve the appearance of nasolabial folds. You also have the option to include a forehead lift or mini-facelift to address multiple facial concerns at once.

Your Recovery

Eyelid surgery is performed on an outpatient basis at our surgical center, so you will need to have a friend or loved one drive you home after your surgery and take care of you for the next day or two while you relax.

Dr. Wald will provide aftercare instructions, which should be followed carefully. Rest, relax, and take it easy for the first few days while you recuperate. 

What Results Can I Expect?

Without excess eyelid skin or fat, patients appear more refreshed and relaxed. Fat and excess skin are removed, so most patients appear youthful with smoother skin and improved vision.

To learn more about eyelid surgery and which technique can benefit you, please call our office at (714) 312-3549 or contact us online.

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 5th, 2019 at 2:56 pm and is filed under Eyelid Surgery. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Temporal Hooding, Upper Blepharoplasty, Browlift

Many people develop droopiness to the lateral upper aspect of their eyelids. This is referred to as temporal hooding. The common procedure of upper blephoplasty (removing excess upper eyelid skin) does not correct this problem since it will only pull the eyebrow down. The procedure to correct this is called a temporal lift or browlift. By pulling up the forehead and eyebrow, this extra skin is brought back to its normal position. The small scars for this are hidden within the hairline. This is usually performed by using small endoscopes and done under sedation.

This entry was posted on Saturday, September 15th, 2012 at 11:02 am and is filed under Eyelid Surgery.

Baggy Lower Eyes-The Stigmata of Aging

Men and women tend to develop puffiness or bagginess of their lower eyes with age. This makes us look tired and old. Unfortunately, no diet, exercise, or eye cream can improve this appearance.

Correction of this problem involves a minor surgery. It is performed as an outpatient under local sedation or general anesthesia. The fat is removed from the inside of the eyelid so no scar is visible. The patient returns to work after 3-5 days with essentially no pain. Bruising and swelling in most cases is minimal. I have found this to be one of my most satisfying surgeries. Patients are extremely pleased and the results are immediate without prolonged swelling or downtime.

Dr. Wald

This entry was posted on Monday, April 27th, 2009 at 10:40 am and is filed under Eyelid Surgery.