Eyelid Lift
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Pasadena, CA
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed on the upper and/or lower eyelids to rejuvenate sagging, tired eyes primarily through the removal and repositioning of skin and fat. (1)
When sagging skin, puffiness, or wrinkles form around the eyelids, they can make you look older or more fatigued than you feel. Blepharoplasty surgery can create a refreshed, more youthful, and rested appearance.
Dr. Caroline Min is a board-certified plastic surgeon known throughout Pasadena and Los Angeles for providing exceptional results that look natural and refined. Her approach emphasizes artistry, precision, and safety, helping you achieve a brighter, more vibrant expression without compromising individuality.
If you are ready to explore how eyelid surgery can revitalize your look, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Min today. Call or text (626) 214-5727 or contact Dr. Min online to take your first step toward facial rejuvenation.
Contents
Before and After Photos
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About Eyelid Lifts
An eyelid lift is a cosmetic procedure that addresses excess skin, sagging fat, and weakened muscles around the eyes to restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
An upper eyelid lift removes and repositions sagging skin and addresses bulging fat that can create a heavy, hooded look or even interfere with vision in some cases. (2) A lower eyelid lift focuses on smoothing puffiness, bulging fat, and fine wrinkles beneath the eyes, creating a smoother transition between the lower lids and cheeks. (3) These procedures can be performed separately or combined for a more comprehensive rejuvenation.
Benefits
Eyelid lifts can provide several improvements. Patients frequently describe their results as transformative, restoring a look that better matches how they feel on the inside. Under Dr. Min’s expert care, our patients see improvements like:
- Brighter and more youthful appearance
- Reduction of puffiness and under-eye bags
- Improved field of vision when sagging skin interferes with sight
- Enhanced ability to apply and enjoy eye makeup
- More balanced eyelid symmetry
- Long-lasting improvements compared to non-surgical options
- Increased self-confidence
Ideal Candidates
Eyelid lifts are versatile and can be tailored to a variety of concerns, meaning this treatment appeals to many potential candidates. Ideal candidates are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and are typically struggling with:
- Excess upper eyelid skin that creates a hooded appearance
- Puffy bags or bulging fat under the eyes
- Loose or wrinkled skin around the eyelids
- Eyes that appear tired despite adequate rest
Personal Consultation
Your consultation with Dr. Min is a detailed and collaborative process that serves as the first step in your aesthetic journey. During this meeting, Dr. Min will take time to listen to your concerns, evaluate the anatomy of your eyelids, and discuss the outcomes you hope to achieve. She will review your medical history to ensure your safety and explain whether an upper eyelid lift, lower eyelid lift, or a combination of both will give you the most natural-looking and effective results.
This appointment also provides an opportunity for you to ask questions about the procedure, including anesthesia, recovery, and what to expect long-term. Dr. Min emphasizes patient education, ensuring that you feel confident and informed every step of the way. After your consultation, you will receive a customized treatment plan designed around your goals that has been personally created by Dr. Min.
To get started on your eyelid rejuvenation journey, schedule this personal consultation by calling or texting (626) 214-5727 or contacting Dr. Min and her team online.
Preparation
Preparing for eyelid surgery is an important step in achieving the best possible outcome. If you have not had a routine eye examination within the past year, it is recommended that you schedule one. Once you decide to move forward, Dr. Min and her team will provide you with personalized preoperative instructions. These guidelines typically include pausing medications or supplements that thin the blood, avoiding nicotine and alcohol in the weeks before surgery, and arranging for a trusted companion to drive you home after your procedure. You will also be encouraged to take time away from work and daily responsibilities to allow for proper rest and recovery. By carefully following these instructions and any others you receive, you will help support a safe surgical process and a smoother healing experience.
Procedure
Your eyelid lift will be performed in a comfortable and safe surgical setting. Depending on your treatment plan, Dr. Min may focus on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both in a single procedure. Eyelid surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis under local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s preference and the extent of the procedure.
For an upper eyelid lift, incisions are made within the natural creases of the upper eyelids. Through these incisions, Dr. Min removes bulging fat and trims away excess skin. The placement of the incisions ensures that any scarring is discreet and blends seamlessly with your natural anatomy.
For a lower eyelid lift, there are several different approaches available. Dr. Min may place the incision just below the lash line to remove excess fat and skin in the traditional method. For patients who primarily have excess lower eyelid skin, she can perform a “skin pinch” procedure to remove excess skin while minimizing visible scarring. Another method involves making an incision on the inside of the lower eyelid, known as the transconjunctival approach. This technique allows for the scarless removal of bulging fat, creating a smoother contour beneath the eyes. This approach is best for patients with good skin elasticity who do not wish to remove excess skin or it can be combined with a skin pinch procedure.
All of these approaches are designed to achieve results that look natural rather than overdone, maintaining your unique expression while restoring a refreshed look.
Results
Following an eyelid lift at Dr. Min’s office, results will become visible as swelling subsides in the weeks following your procedure. You can expect your eyes to appear brighter, more open, and more youthful. Many patients also enjoy improved self-confidence, often noticing that they look as energetic as they feel.
These results are long-lasting, although the natural aging process will continue. Most patients enjoy their rejuvenated appearance for many years, with the option of additional treatments later if desired.
Recovery
Recovery from eyelid surgery is typically well-tolerated. You can expect mild swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness around the eyes in the first week, which gradually improves. Pain is usually minimal, but prescribed medication can help minimize discomfort if needed. Many patients feel ready to return to non-strenuous activities within 7 to 10 days, although Dr. Min will guide you regarding the appropriate time to resume exercise or other demanding activities.
Scars fade over time and are carefully placed to remain inconspicuous. Dr. Min will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including scar care and sun protection, to help ensure your results continue to improve throughout the healing process and in the months to come.
Cost of Eyelid Surgery in Pasadena and Los Angeles
The cost of an eyelid lift depends on factors such as whether you undergo an upper, lower, or combined procedure, as well as the complexity of your treatment plan. Some patients also opt to undergo additional treatments to achieve comprehensive results, and this will impact pricing as well. A precise estimate will be provided during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect.
FAQ
What Won’t Blepharoplasty Correct?
Blepharoplasty cannot raise the eyebrows, reduce the appearance of crow’s feet, or improve dark discoloration under the eyes. However, eyelid surgery can be combined with other procedures such as a brow lift, BOTOX® injections, and laser treatments if you have additional concerns.
What Is A Brow Lift, And When Is It Combined With Eyelid Surgery?
The position of the eyebrows is closely related to the upper eyelids. When the eyebrows droop with age, the upper eyelids appear to have more skin excess than they would if the eyebrows were in a normal position. In patients with significant eyebrow drooping, a brow lift is often combined with an upper eyelid lift for the most optimal result and complete correction of aging changes in the upper face.
What Is A Tear Trough Deformity?
The tear trough refers to the groove underneath the lower eyelid that extends from the inner corner of the eye. This groove is often one of the first signs of aging around the eyes and results from a loss of volume. It can be improved by the placement of fat or filler into the groove.
Is Blepharoplasty Ever Covered By My Insurance?
Upper eyelid lift may be covered by insurance for those patients who have a tremendous amount of hanging skin. In these patients, the skin excess must be enough to cause a limitation in vision. Your eye doctor must document this during an eye examination.
What Is Recovery From Eyelid Surgery Like?
Bruising, swelling, and a sense of tightness in the eyelids are common after eyelid surgery. Eyelid surgery is not typically painful. Most patients return to work within 7 to 10 days. Contact lenses may not be worn for two weeks. The eyes may be more sensitive to light and wind and feel drier for a short while – eye drops and lubricants may be used to ease any temporary discomfort.
What Are The Risks Of Eyelid Surgery?
Complications from blepharoplasty are uncommon, but can include infection, reaction to anesthesia, dry eyes, double or blurred vision for a few days, temporary swelling of the eyelids, and difficulty closing the eyes when going to sleep. Uneven healing, scarring, and ectropion (pulling down of the lower lids) are very rare but may require surgical correction.
References
- Rebowe RE, Runyan C. Blepharoplasty. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482381/
- Patel BC, Malhotra R. Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537078/
- Bhattacharjee K, Ghosh S, Ugradar S, Azhdam AM. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty: An overview. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology. 2020;68(10):2075-2083. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/ijo.IJO_2265_19