Blepharoplasty in San Francisco

Considering eyelid surgery in San Francisco? A tired, aged, or angry facial appearance can be improved with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). At our Bay Area cosmetic surgery practice, Dr. Kenneth Bermudez can reduce the appearance of drooping upper eyelids and puffiness under the eyes with this effective procedure. Eyelid surgery can make your entire face look younger and more vibrant. Read on to learn more about eyelid surgery with Dr. Bermudez.

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Eyelid surgery, medically referred to as blepharoplasty, entails the removal of excess fat, skin, and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids. This serves to correct a number of aesthetic imperfections of the eyes, including puffiness and droopiness. These common problems not only make you look tired or unhappy, they can even interfere with your vision. One thing to note: Although eyelid surgery can help make the entire face look younger and more refreshed, it is not designed to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles or crow’s feet. However, when performed in conjunction with other cosmetic treatments, such as Botox or laser skin resurfacing, blepharoplasty can provide a more enhanced makeover and a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Contact our plastic surgery offices for more information on this effective, minimally invasive procedure.

The Procedure

Imperfections around the eyes such as bagginess and puffiness can be addressed with either upper or lower eyelid surgery, or both, by our blepharoplasty physician in San Francisco. The procedures can be performed separately or in one surgery.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

During upper eyelid surgery, excess skin that is affecting vision or giving you a tired appearance is trimmed away by our cosmetic surgeon. The remaining skin is lifted and reattached to provide a more rejuvenated look. Incisions are made in the crease of the upper eyelid, so any visible scarring should be minimal. The procedure can be performed while the eyelid surgery San Francisco patient is under local anesthesia. However, general anesthesia may also be used.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty of the lower eyelids is performed to remove fat deposits and extra skin, with focus on bags underneath the eyes. In performing lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Kenneth Bermudez makes an incision discreetly under the lower eyelashes and removes excess fat, muscle, and skin. The procedure makes the skin smoother and firmer, leaving it with a much younger-looking surface. Lower eyelid surgery is also typically performed using local anesthesia.

Upper and/or lower eyelid surgery generally takes from one to three hours per procedure, depending on the extent of surgery.

Recovery

After your eyelid surgery is complete, Dr. Kenneth Bermudez will most likely lubricate your eyes with ointment. Any residual pain and discomfort can be controlled with medication. Some bruising and swelling should be expected for the first two weeks after the procedure. You may also experience tearing, light sensitivity, and temporary blurring or double vision. Most patients are able to return to normal daily routines after about 10 days.

Risks

Although blepharoplasty is a minimally invasive surgery, as with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks involved. These risks include:

  • A drooping effect of the lower lid

  • Blood accumulation under the skin

  • Retinal detachment

  • Difficulty keeping eyes closed while sleeping

  • Infection

  • Reaction to local anesthesia

You and Dr. Kenneth Bermudez will weigh all the risks and benefits of eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) at your initial consultation here in the San Francisco Bay Area. During the consultation, Dr. Bermudez will explain all aspects of the procedure, and you can determine if it is right for you.

Benefits

Eyelid surgery can restore a pleasant expression on your entire face, as well as correct longstanding imperfections around your eyes. Some of eyelid surgery’s major benefits include:

  • More alert, youthful appearance

  • Reduction of bagginess and puffiness

  • Better vision

  • Increased self-confidence

Dr. Kenneth Bermudez is highly skilled in performing eyelid surgery procedures, and he has made it one of the focal points of his practice.

FAQs

What type of anesthesia is used for eyelid surgery?

Lower and/or upper eyelid surgery can be performed with local, twilight, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the surgery.

Dr. Bermudez will discuss anesthesia and other surgery details with you during your pre-operative, private consultation. At this time, you can feel free to ask Dr. Bermudez all of your surgery questions and to discuss your goals for the surgery, with him.

How long do the effects of blepharoplasty last?

Though eyelid surgery results may vary, most patients enjoy the younger-looking effects of the procedure for the rest of their lives. For this reason, the overwhelming majority of blepharoplasty patients will need only one blepharoplasty procedure in their lifetime.

Blepharoplasty, in effect, turns back the clock on facial aging so that the patient appears to age slower than their chronological age for the rest of their life. Blepharoplasty is a popular procedure at Bermudez Aesthetic Medicine due to its long-lasting, natural results.

Is blepharoplasty scarring noticeable?

Any surgical procedure that involves incisions will result in scarring. But since the incisions made in a blepharoplasty procedure are very small, and are made in the eyelid’s natural creases, the resulting scarring is minimal and not noticeable to the naked eye.

As with any plastic surgery procedure, avoid direct sunlight on incision points for the first week or more of your recovery period. When you need to be out in the sun, use sunscreen and sunglasses for additional protection while your incisions heal; this will prevent scars from darkening. Dr. Bermudez will outline these and other post-surgery recovery details for you during your private consultation.

What is liquid blepharoplasty without surgery?

Liquid blepharoplasty, or a liquid eye lift, uses injectable fillers and/or Botox to plump, smooth, and lift the eye area for a more youthful-looking face. This minimally invasive procedure is a semi-permanent, non-surgical alternative to blepharoplasty.

Some considering blepharoplasty might first consider liquid blepharoplasty to “try on” the younger-looking results before considering the more invasive procedure. If you have questions about blepharoplasty or liquid blepharoplasty, contact Dr. Bermudez’s office to schedule a consultation.

How much does blepharoplasty cost?

Though the price of blepharoplasty surgery can vary based on a patient's facial structure and the complexity of the procedure, prices can range anywhere from $8,800 to $13,000. To receive a more specific quote, and to discuss your medical background and surgery goals, contact our office to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Bermudez.

How much does lower eyelid blepharoplasty cost?

As with any blepharoplasty procedure, the cost of lower eyelid blepharoplasty can vary, though the average cost is anywhere from $5,300 TO to $8,500. For more information on blepharoplasty, including a personal quote, schedule a private consultation with Dr. Bermudez.

What is an appropriate age for cosmetic eyelid surgery?

When it comes to eyelid surgery, as with any cosmetic surgery procedure, the patient’s age matters less than whether they are in good physical health and are emotionally mature and sound enough to handle the surgery and its results. That being said, we typically don’t recommend this procedure for anyone under 18 years of age.

Most of our eyelid surgery patients are in their 30s, 40s, and older. For younger patients who want to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, we may recommend non-surgical procedures like Botox and other injectables.

What should I keep in mind when looking
​​​​​​​for a ​​​​​​​blepharoplasty surgeon near me?

For any plastic surgery procedure, and particularly for eyelid surgery that involves the delicate skin in the eye area, we recommend using a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Bermudez. Plastic surgeons have years of schooling and specialized experience that cosmetic surgeons and other medical professionals lack.

Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon for your blepharoplasty will decrease surgery risks and will ensure that you receive natural-looking, long-lasting results.

Do you have blepharoplasty before and after photos?

For blepharoplasty patient before-and-after photos, visit our eyelid surgery patient gallery.

Contact Our Blepharoplasty Surgeon

Eyelid surgery is an effective way of providing dramatic improvement to signs of aging and stress in the areas surrounding the eyes. To schedule an appointment for blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), please contact the offices of Kenneth Bermudez, MD, today. Dr. Bermudez looks forward to meeting you and discussing your goals.