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San Jose 
A blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is done to awaken tired-looking eyes and give them a more rejuvenated, and even “happier,” overall look. The upper eyelid surgery is a procedure to lift saggy skin, while the lower eyelid surgery is to remove under-eye bags or remove excess skin. Whether you want to improve your appearance or are experiencing functional problems with your eyelids, eyelid surgery may be done on the upper lids, lower lids, or both in a single surgery.
45-180 Minutes
5-7 days
1
Outpatient
A blepharoplasty is performed to refresh the eye area by targeting excess skin and fat of the eyelids. This addresses eyelid drooping as well as lower eye bags and areas of volume loss. Either the upper or lower eyelid can be addressed in isolation, or both can be treated simultaneously. For the upper eyelid the incision is concealed in the natural skin crease of the upper eyelid. For the lower eyelid, the incision is either concealed on the inside of the eyelid or below the lashes.
With a blepharoplasty San Jose or Palo Alto Illuminate patients are treated at our AAAASF surgical facilities under twilight sleep or general anesthesia, and the upper eyelids alone can be treated in the clinic under local anesthesia. The duration of the procedure can vary between 45 minutes to 3 hours, depending on whether you are undergoing the procedure for the upper or lower eyelids, or both simultaneously.
The incision lines for the upper eyelids are typically placed on the natural creases of the eyelids, known as the supratarsal fold. After the incisions are made, excess skin and fat are removed, and a section of the orbicularis oculi muscle around the eyelids may be excised to enhance the depth of the lid crease. For the lower eyelids, the incisions can either be blacked under the lower lash line, or within the eyelid itself. During the procedure, excess skin and fat in the lower eyelid are removed and redistributed to enhance the smooth transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek, known as the lid-cheek junction or tear-trough. Additionally, the lower eyelid can be tightened to address any laxity in the area.
Recovery is generally mild and a majority of the swelling subsides within two weeks from the day of surgery. Initial discomfort may include some irritation, bruising, swelling, or dry eyes. Typically, the stitches can be removed approximately one week after the procedure. You can usually resume work within three to seven days after the procedure, although it is important to refrain from engaging in strenuous activity or exercise for a minimum of three weeks. We recommend that you refrain from wearing eye makeup or contact lenses for two weeks post-procedure.
Because the skin of the eyelid is thinner than other areas of the face, the eyes tend to show the first signs of aging. In many cases, eyelid surgery is performed for cosmetic reasons. In some cases, upper eyelid surgery is performed for functional reasons to lift tissue that may droop over time due to genetics and/or age, which can obstruct peripheral vision. The most common reason for eyelid surgery is to offer patients a more youthful look. With upper eyelid surgery Palo Alto or San Jose patients can correct eyelids that are hooded or droopy, while lower eyelid surgery eliminates under-eye bags, replenishes under eye hollows, and removes excess skin.
After two weeks a majority of the swelling has decreased and most patients are ready to return to their daily activities, while it takes closer to 12 weeks for the eyelids to heal. This residual healing is normally unnoticed by others, so you’ll feel confident to show off your new, youthful-looking eyes after just two weeks.
The cost of upper blepharoplasty averages between $5,500 to $7,000, while the cost of lower blepharoplasty averages $9,000 to $11,000. For both upper and lower eyelid surgery, the cost can range from $13,000 to $14,000. These estimates include anesthesia and facility fees.
Our surgeons take the time at your consultation to thoroughly explain the various surgical techniques they recommend to achieve your personal, desired outcome with the most natural-looking results. If you’d like to have your San Jose or Palo Alto blepharoplasty procedure done soon, but would like to apportion your payments over monthly increments over time, we offer financing options to our eligible patients. Many patients have also applied for credit cards with longer terms at 0% interest.
At Illuminate we’re with you during every step of your journey toward greater self-confidence. Schedule a consultation with us today and let Illuminate’s expert team listen to your concerns and guide you through treatments and procedures to help you reach your individual goals. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating your renewed appearance and realized potential.
