Facial Procedures
Eyelid Surgery
Upper and lower blepharoplasty to restore a bright, rested, and youthful eye area with one of the quickest recoveries in facial surgery.
About the Procedure
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, rejuvenates the eye area by addressing excess skin, fat deposits, and muscle laxity that contribute to a tired, aged, or heavy appearance. The eyes are the first feature people notice, and subtle changes here can transform your entire look.
Dr. Chen performs both upper blepharoplasty, which removes the hooded skin that can droop over the eyelid crease, and lower blepharoplasty, which smooths under-eye bags and hollowing. The procedure is often called the “lunchtime lift” because of its remarkably quick recovery, with most patients back to normal activities in under a week.
Areas Addressed
Is This Right for You?
Ideal Candidates
Dr. Chen's Philosophy
“The eyes communicate more than any other feature. My goal is to let your natural vitality shine through again.”
Surgical Artistry
Dr. Chen's Approach
Dr. Chen's approach to blepharoplasty is conservative and precise. Rather than aggressively removing tissue, he focuses on repositioning fat pads and removing only what is necessary to avoid the hollow, over-operated appearance that can result from overly aggressive techniques.
For patients who also exhibit brow descent, Dr. Chen may recommend combining blepharoplasty with a brow lift. This ensures the most natural, harmonious outcome by addressing the root cause of the heaviness rather than just the symptoms.
Your Procedure
Step by Step
Periorbital Assessment
Dr. Chen evaluates the skin, fat, and muscle around both upper and lower eyelids, assessing brow position and tear trough depth.
Visual Field Testing
If upper lid excess may obstruct vision, a visual field test is performed to document functional impairment for potential insurance coverage.
Anesthesia & Comfort
Performed under local anesthesia with twilight sedation for maximum safety and comfort. You are relaxed but responsive throughout.
Precise Excision
Excess skin, muscle, and fat are carefully removed or repositioned. Incisions are hidden within the natural eyelid crease or just below the lash line.
Gentle Recovery
Dissolvable sutures are used. Cold compresses and lubricating drops provided. Most patients return to normal activities within one week.
Recovery
Day-by-Day Recovery Timeline
Rest at home with head elevated. Apply cold compresses for 10 minutes every hour while awake. Mild swelling and bruising are normal. Use prescribed lubricating eye drops.
Swelling and bruising peak. Your eyelids may feel tight and puffy. Continue cold compresses and eye drops. Light activities around the house are fine.
Noticeable improvement in swelling. Bruising begins transitioning from purple to yellow-green. Many patients feel comfortable going for short walks.
Follow-up appointment with Dr. Chen. Any non-dissolvable sutures removed. Most patients feel comfortable returning to desk work and can apply concealer over residual bruising.
Bruising fully resolved for most patients. Swelling continues to improve. Incision lines are fading to thin pink lines hidden in the eyelid crease.
Final results becoming apparent. Incision lines continue to fade and become virtually invisible. Eyes look naturally rested and open.
Real Results
Before & After
Drag the slider to see eyelid surgery transformations. Brighter, more rested eyes without looking “done.”
Upper Blepharoplasty — 6 weeks post-op
Lower Blepharoplasty — 2 months post-op
Upper + Lower Bleph — 3 months post-op
Individual results may vary. Photos used with patient consent.
Investment
Pricing
Upper or Lower
$4K–$6K
per area
Upper + Lower Combined
$6K–$8K
comprehensive
Pricing includes surgeon's fee, anesthesia, facility fee, and all post-operative follow-up visits.
Upper blepharoplasty may be partially covered by insurance if vision obstruction is documented. Financing available through CareCredit, Alphaeon, and PatientFi.
Explore Financing OptionsCommon Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the upper eyelid that can create a hooded, heavy appearance or even obstruct vision. Lower blepharoplasty addresses under-eye bags, puffiness, and hollowing by repositioning or removing fat and tightening loose skin. Many patients benefit from having both performed together for a comprehensive rejuvenation.
When performed by a skilled surgeon like Dr. Chen, blepharoplasty enhances your natural eye shape without altering it. The goal is to restore the youthful, rested appearance of your eyes while maintaining their unique character. Dr. Chen is particularly careful to preserve the natural curvature and ethnic characteristics of each patient's eyes.
Yes, and Dr. Chen frequently recommends this combination. Sometimes what appears to be excess upper eyelid skin is actually a descending brow. A brow lift repositions the brow to its natural position, and blepharoplasty then refines the eyelid. Combining both procedures achieves the most harmonious, natural result around the entire eye area.
Upper blepharoplasty results typically last 7 to 15 years, making it one of the longest-lasting facial procedures. Lower blepharoplasty results are often considered permanent, as the fat pads that cause under-eye bags rarely recur once repositioned. You will continue to age naturally, but will always look more refreshed than if you had never had the procedure.
Upper blepharoplasty may be covered by insurance if excess eyelid skin demonstrably obstructs your peripheral vision. This is documented through a visual field test performed during your consultation. Lower blepharoplasty is considered cosmetic and is not covered. Dr. Chen's team will help determine your eligibility and assist with insurance documentation.
Most patients describe the recovery as easier than expected. You may experience mild swelling and bruising for 7 to 10 days. Cold compresses, head elevation, and prescribed eye drops keep you comfortable. Most patients return to desk work in 5 to 7 days. Your eyes may feel slightly dry or gritty for a few weeks, which resolves on its own.
Open your eyes to
a refreshed you.
Schedule your eyelid surgery consultation with Dr. Chen. Discover how blepharoplasty can restore a bright, rested appearance with minimal downtime.