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Medically reviewed by Dr. Jay Bansal, MD, Founder and Medical Director, LaserVue Eye Center. Last updated September 14, 2026.

Eyelid Surgery

LASIK Eye Surgery in the San Francisco Bay Area

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Restore a Refreshed, Youthful, and Alert Appearance to Your Eyes

Your eyes are often the first feature people notice, but they are also one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Over time, the delicate skin around the eyelids can stretch, muscles may weaken, and natural fat pockets can bulge.

This can result in droopy upper lids that make you look tired, sad, or older than you feel—even when you are well rested. In some cases, sagging upper lids can even block your visual field.

At LaserVue Eye Center, our expert surgeons, Dr. Swati Singh and Dr. Stephanie Wangyu, specialize in advanced eyelid rejuvenation techniques to help you look as vibrant on the outside as you feel on the inside.

What Is Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery, medically known as blepharoplasty, is a precise procedure designed to improve the appearance of the eyelids. It is a highly individualized treatment that can address:

  • Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disrupts the natural contour of the upper eyelid

  • Excess fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the eyelids

  • Bags under the eyes

Upper Blepharoplasty

Upper blepharoplasty specifically addresses the upper eyelids. By removing excess skin and fat, the procedure restores a more open, awake appearance. For patients with heavy eyelid hoods that obstruct vision, this surgery may also provide a medical benefit by expanding the visual field.

Lower Blepharoplasty

Lower blepharoplasty targets the area beneath the eyes to remove under-eye bags and correct puffiness. This is often accomplished by removing or repositioning herniated fat pads to create a smooth, youthful transition from the lower eyelid to the cheek.

Non-Incisional Upper Lid Blepharoplasty

Available with Dr. Stephanie Wangyu

For patients seeking a subtle, natural enhancement without the downtime of traditional surgery, we are proud to offer non-incisional upper lid blepharoplasty.

What Is It?

Unlike traditional blepharoplasty, which involves removing skin, this technique uses fine, medical-grade sutures to create a defined crease in the upper eyelid. It is a minimally invasive approach that contours the eyelid without the need for long incisions.

Who Is a Candidate?

This technique is ideal for younger patients or those with:

  • Thinner eyelid skin

  • Minimal excess skin or fat

  • A desire to create a “double eyelid” crease or enhance an existing one

Benefits of the Non-Incisional Method

  • No visible scarring: Because there are no large incisions, cosmetic results are seamless

  • Faster recovery: Reduced tissue trauma leads to significantly less swelling and bruising

  • Natural results: Creates a subtle, refined definition of the eye

The Surgical Experience

Blepharoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure in our comfortable surgery center.

Anesthesia

Most procedures are performed under local anesthesia with light oral sedation, ensuring you remain relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure.

The Procedure

  • Traditional incisional technique:
    Small incisions are made in the natural creases of the upper eyelid or just below the lash line or inside the lower lid. This allows excess tissue to be removed while keeping scars discreetly hidden within natural anatomy.

  • Non-incisional technique:
    Strategic sutures are placed through small punctures in the skin to fold the tissue and create a lasting eyelid crease.

Duration

Surgery typically takes one to two hours, depending on whether the upper lids, lower lids, or both are being treated.

Recovery & Results

Recovery is generally well tolerated, with most patients returning to normal social activities within 10 to 14 days.

  • The first few days: Mild swelling, bruising, and tightness are common. Cold compresses and keeping the head elevated help minimize these effects. Swelling and bruising continue to improve over the first few months.

  • Vision: Temporary blurriness may occur due to antibiotic ointment used to soothe the eyes.

  • Stitches: For traditional surgery, stitches are typically removed after one week. Non-incisional sutures remain buried and do not require removal.

  • Scarring: Incision lines are hidden within the natural structures of the eyelids and fade significantly over time, becoming virtually invisible.

FAQ’s

Does eyelid surgery leave scars?

Like all surgeries, blepharoplasty does leave scars. However, our skilled surgeons place incisions in natural creases (like the eyelid fold or lash line) to make scars nearly invisible over time. Proper aftercare and treatments like scar creams can further minimize their appearance.

 

While blepharoplasty can’t make you see images more sharply as glasses and contacts do, it can help patients see better if their eyelids droop so much that they obstruct their vision. A consultation with our surgeons will be able to tell you if this surgery can help improve your vision.

 

Once the fat pads are removed from the lower eyelids there is no chance of them re-appearing. What will need to be addressed as the aging process continues, is the elasticity of the fragile skin beneath the eyes. Radio-frequency treatments for the lower eyelids will help maintain the results of your lower blepharoplasty because these treatments help to tighten the skin.

 

Eyelid surgery is often considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. However, if droopy eyelids interfere with your vision (a condition verified through visual field testing), insurance may cover the cost of upper eyelid surgery. Always consult your insurance provider for specifics.

 

Yes, upper and lower eyelid surgeries can be performed during the same procedure. This combination is common and efficient, minimizing overall recovery time compared to undergoing separate surgeries.

 

To minimize bruising use cold compresses for the first 48 hours, keep your head elevated while resting, avoid strenuous activity, smoking, and alcohol, and follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions closely.

 

Scars from eyelid surgery typically heal significantly within 2-4 weeks, with continued improvement over several months. Full scar maturation, where scars flatten and fade, can take up to a year. Your surgeon may recommend scar treatments to accelerate healing.

How Long Does it Take to Recover from Blepharoplasty?

Recovery time periods for any surgery will vary from patient to patient. In general, blepharoplasty patients need at least a week off work to recover from their surgery, during which time they can’t wear makeup. Your exact recovery time period will depend on your unique case. Staying well-hydrated, resting, icing, eating well, and sleeping at a 30-degree angle usually results in a faster recovery.

 

Your eyes are one of the first areas of the face to show the signs of aging. Wrinkles, loss of skin laxity, and the way your body stores fat in the eyelid and under-eye area can all contribute to you having a sleepy, older look to your eyes even though you’re still young and well-rested. Blepharoplasty can treat all these signs of aging and provide results that make you look as great as you feel inside.

 

The cost of eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) varies based on the surgeon’s experience, location, and whether you’re having upper, lower, or both eyelids done. For more detailed information regarding pricing, please schedule a consultation with us today.

 

Eyelid surgery typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on whether you’re having upper, lower, or both eyelids addressed. Combined procedures or complex cases may take slightly longer.

 

If your droopy eyelids obstruct your vision, make you look constantly tired, or affect your confidence, you might be a candidate for eyelid surgery. A consultation with our surgeons can confirm if surgery is necessary.

 

Yes, eyelid surgery can effectively remove excess skin and fat, causing hooded eyes. By tightening and contouring the area, the procedure creates a more open and refreshed appearance.

 

Eyelid Surgery Doctors

Stephanie Wangyu MD, Comprehensive Ophthalmologist, Eye Surgeon, LASIK Surgeon, Cataract Surgeon in San Francisco Bay Area Santa Rosa LaserVue Eye Center

Stephanie Wangyu, MD

Ophthalmologist

Swati Singh, MD, Director of Aesthetics at FountainGrove MedSpa in collaboration with LaserVue Eye Center

Swati Singh, MD

American Board of Ophthalmology Certified

Ready to SEE a Change?

Helping you to achieve your personal best vision is our mission at LaserVue Eye Center. Wondering where to start?

Please complete the fields on the right to schedule a free consultation and discuss your options with our eye doctors! You can also Call 1-800-527-3745 to speak with our staff.

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