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What is a Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty, or an eyelid lift, is a surgical procedure designed to address drooping eyelids, under-eye bags, and puffy under-eyes. By removing excess skin and fat and lifting the eyelids, Dr. Hassanzadeh can give you the refreshed, alert, and younger appearance you’re seeking. This procedure can even widen your field of vision if drooping eyelids are blocking your line of sight or peripheral vision.

There are different types of blepharoplasty: an upper blepharoplasty works to address concerns with the upper eyelids, a lower blepharoplasty addresses the lower eyelids, and a combined procedure improves both at the same time. Nuanced techniques that Dr. Hassanzadeh specializes in include pinch blepharoplasty, transconjunctival blepharoplasty, and fat repositioning.

A pinch blepharoplasty is when a small amount of skin is “pinched” and removed. This results in precise removal of only the necessary, redundant skin, without distorting eyelid position or underlying muscle.

Transconjunctival blepharoplasty is when a lower eyelid lift is performed through an incision on the inside of the eyelid, protecting the skin from any visible scars. This is best for addressing puffy under eyes with removal of fat and can be combined with a pinch blepharoplasty.

Fat repositioning is one of the latest advances in blepharoplasty. This adjusts the position of the fat around your eyes to smooth your tear troughs and resolve puffiness.

A blepharoplasty is often combined with a facelift, brow lift, and many other nonsurgical treatments to maximize your rejuvenation.

Patient Testimonial

Deep Plane Facelift

I cannot recommend Dr. Tania Hassanzadeh, MD, enough. She performed my lip lift, facelift, blepharoplasty, and Erbium laser treatment, and the entire experience—from pre-care to aftercare—was outstanding.

I have never felt so cared for by a doctor in my life. Dr. Hassanzadeh is incredibly hands-on, attentive, and compassionate. She patiently answered all of my countless questions (and I had a lot!) faster than you can say Jiminy Cricket.

Her skill, precision, and genuine care gave me complete confidence at every stage of the process. If you are looking for a doctor who delivers exceptional results while making you feel safe and supported, Dr. Hassanzadeh is truly one of a kind.

What are the Benefits of a Blepharoplasty?

There are many benefits you can expect with a blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery, including the following:

  • Boost in confidence: By reducing drooping eyelids, under-eye puffiness, and sagging skin, your new enhanced appearance will give you a huge boost in confidence.
  • Wider field of vision: If sagging skin or drooping eyelids are blocking your field of vision, you’ll also be able to enjoy better vision as well.
  • Younger appearance: By lifting your eyelids, removing sagging skin, and reducing under-eye bags, you will also look years younger with this procedure.
  • Minimal scarring: Dr. Hassanzadeh will place the incisions within the eyelid crease and/or the lash line so you never have to worry about visible scarring.
  • Long-lasting results: While a blepharoplasty can’t stop the aging process, you can expect the results to last for years to come.

The Blepharoplasty Procedure

The blepharoplasty procedure will begin with the administration of general anesthesia. From there, Dr. Hassanzadeh will make the appropriate incisions for your custom eyelid surgery. If it’s an upper eyelid surgery, incisions will be made along the natural crease in the eyelid. For a lower eyelid surgery, the incision will be hidden just below the lash line or inside the eyelid, away from sight.

From there, she will remove excess skin, muscle, and fat and reshape the area. She’ll then close the incisions, and you’ll be ready to start your recovery and healing process. The procedure can take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours, depending on the type of blepharoplasty being done.

Blepharoplasty Recovery

After surgery, you might temporarily have blurred vision, dry eyes, swelling, bruising, and some discomfort. Dr. Hassanzadeh will prescribe pain medication to help with any discomfort and provide detailed instructions on how best to take care of your incisions and any side effects.

You’ll want to use cold compresses to help address swelling, use your prescribed eye drops or ointment, and lay with your head elevated. You’ll also want to avoid strenuous exercise for at least a week, direct sun exposure, smoking, and rubbing your eyes. Wearing glasses and contact lenses should also be avoided. Blood thinners will also need to be stopped to decrease the risk of bleeding.

You will start to see results in about 1-2 weeks, with full results visible after 3-6 months. Results last a lifetime, but after many years or decades pass, revision surgery may be needed for additional lifting.

Am I a Candidate?

Ideal candidates for blepharoplasty surgery are typically adults who are at least 30 years or older, in generally good health with realistic expectations, and with no eye conditions or recent eye surgery. We also recommend you be a nonsmoker. You should also be struggling with drooping eyelids, puffy under-eyes, or under-eye circles.

Schedule A Consultation

Tired of looking tired due to drooping eyelids and puffy under-eyes? Dr. Tania Hassanzadeh can help you refresh your appearance with a blepharoplasty. Want to learn more or schedule a consultation? Don’t hesitate to call our Beverly Hills office or send us a message using our online contact form. We can’t wait to help you look and feel your best!

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FACIAL PLASTIC SURGEON

Dr. Tania Hassanzadeh

Tania Hassanzadeh, MD, is a fellowship-trained Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon in Beverly Hills, CA. She graduated with honors in Neuroscience from Duke University in Durham, NC and completed her medical degree at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson, where she was one of few graduates inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society for top academic performance.

MEET DR. H

Frequently Asked Questions About Blepharoplasty

Are there different types of blepharoplasty surgeries?

Yes, there are a few different types of blepharoplasty surgeries. The two main procedures are upper and lower blepharoplasty. The upper blepharoplasty works on the upper eyelids and addresses dropping and full eyelids, sagging skin, and lines and wrinkles. On the other hand, the lower blepharoplasty works on the lower eyelids and can fix puffiness, excess skin and fat, and sagging.

Can blepharoplasty fix asymmetry between the eyes?

Absolutely! Every procedure is customized, and your anatomy is carefully measured to enhance natural proportions and symmetry. During your consultation with Dr. Hassanzadeh, she will listen to your concerns and build a dedicated treatment plan that suits all your needs.

What are the options for patients with thin or delicate eyelid skin?

Combining gentle surgical treatments with non-surgical options is typically the best option for patients with delicate eyelid skin. This may include a combination of a transconjunctival eyelid lift (which is scarless) and laser resurfacing for tightening. Another option may be injection of platelet-rich plasma, also known as PRP, to revitalize your skin. The primary goal is to revitalize your skin using minimally invasive techniques.

Can blepharoplasty improve chronic eye irritation from eyelid sagging?

Yes, eyelid surgery can improve eye irritation that is caused by eyelid sagging. When excess skin is removed, it will no longer rub on itself and cause obstruction and irritation. The surgery can also reduce eye fatigue, discomfort, and headaches.

How do lifestyle factors like sleep, hydration, and sun exposure affect long-term results?

Sleep, sun exposure, and hydration can greatly affect the blepharoplasty results you see over the long term. Not getting enough sleep, getting too much sun, and not drinking enough water can lead to puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkling. Getting plenty of sleep, protecting yourself from the sun, and drinking as much water as possible are recommended to maintain your results.

How is eyelid surgery performed?

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a precise procedure designed to remove excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids. For the upper eyelids, a small incision is typically made along the natural crease, while lower eyelid surgery often involves an incision just below the lash line or inside the eyelid (transconjunctival). Through these incisions, Dr. Hassanzadeh carefully removes or repositions tissue to create a smoother, more youthful eyelid contour. The incisions are then closed with fine sutures, leaving minimal visible scarring.

Can a blepharoplasty affect your vision?

In most cases, blepharoplasty does not negatively affect vision. In fact, upper eyelid surgery can sometimes improve vision if excess skin was obstructing the line of sight. Temporary blurred vision or mild swelling may occur immediately after surgery, but these effects are short-lived. Permanent changes to vision are extremely rare.

Are you put under anesthesia for eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery can be performed awake in the office with local anesthesia (numbing), or under general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s needs and the extent of the procedure. Dr. Hassanzadeh will discuss the safest option for you during your consultation to ensure comfort and safety throughout the surgery.

When can I wash my face after blepharoplasty?

You can gently wash your face about 24–48 hours after surgery, avoiding direct pressure or scrubbing over the incision areas. It’s important to follow your post-operative instructions carefully to prevent irritation or infection. Using a mild cleanser and lukewarm water is recommended during the initial healing phase.

Can you undergo blepharoplasty more than once?

Yes, it is possible to have a second (or “revision”) blepharoplasty if needed. This may be desired to address additional skin laxity, persistent puffiness, or changes that occur with aging. Revision surgery is typically more complex than the initial procedure, so a skilled surgeon like Dr. Hassanzadeh will carefully evaluate your eyelids to determine the safest and most effective approach.

How long does eyelid surgery take?

The duration of eyelid surgery varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, including whether surgery involves the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Typically, this will range between 1-3 hours.

How long are eyes blurry after blepharoplasty?

Blurriness is usually related to application of medicated ointments and/or eye drops and goes away after the first week.

Can I sleep on my side after eyelid surgery?

The best sleeping position after any facial procedure is on your back, propped up with a couple of pillows. This will help reduce swelling the fastest and avoid undue traction on the stitches.

Why are my eyelids hooded?

Hooded eyelids are a very common concern. They can be genetic or caused by aging due to lax skin and descending eyebrows. The best treatments for hooded eyelids are an eyelid lift, brow lift, or both. Nonsurgical options such as a Botox brow lift or laser treatment, can provide temporary improvements.

What can I expect after eyelid surgery?

The biggest concerns after eyelid surgery are swelling and bruising, which peak during the first few days after surgery and quickly subside over the next 1-2 weeks. Change in vision is NOT common, but ointments and eye drops can temporarily cause blurred vision. However, it is important to notify your surgeon of any history of dry eye problems or recent eye surgery (like Lasik), as eyelid surgery can make dry eyes worse.

I have very hollow under-eyes; will lower blepharoplasty make them look even more sunken?

Not at all. In fact, modern lower blepharoplasty techniques are often designed to improve a hollow or sunken look rather than make it worse. During your consultation, Dr. Hassanzadeh will evaluate whether your under-eye appearance is caused by volume loss, puffiness, skin laxity, or a combination of factors. If hollowing is the main concern, your procedure can be customized to restore volume and create a softer, more youthful contour rather than increase hollowness.

When can I comfortably wear makeup (specifically eyeshadow or liner) again after the procedure?

Most patients can safely return to wearing eye makeup about 10 to 14 days after blepharoplasty. This allows enough time for the incisions to heal and for swelling to settle so that applying or removing makeup won’t irritate the area. Dr. Hassanzadeh will check your healing progress during your follow-up visit and let you know exactly when it’s appropriate based on your individual recovery. When you do start wearing makeup again, choose clean brushes and gentle products to avoid unnecessary irritation.

Can I combine my blepharoplasty with another facial procedure, like a Brow Lift or Facelift?

Yes, blepharoplasty is commonly combined with procedures such as a Brow Lift, Forehead Reduction, or Facelift. Combining surgeries can provide more balanced, harmonious facial rejuvenation and may also reduce overall recovery time. Dr. Hassanzadeh frequently performs combination procedures to address both the eyelids and the surrounding structures in a single, customized plan.

Can blepharoplasty help with dark circles?

It can help depending on the cause. If dark circles are caused by shadowing from under-eye hollowness or bulging fat, surgery can significantly reduce them. If the darkness is due to pigmentation or thin skin, complementary treatments like lasers or skin care may be recommended.

Do blepharoplasty results look different for men compared to women?

Yes. Men often want to maintain a natural eyelid crease without creating too much lift, which can feminize the eyes. Dr. Hassanzadeh adjusts her approach to preserve a masculine, natural appearance while still creating a refreshed look.

Schedule a Consultation

Discover an even better you with the help of Dr. Hassanzadeh! Schedule a consultation today and start your journey toward looking and feeling your absolute best.  

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