Introduction to Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery (technically called blepharoplasty) is a procedure to remove fat—and usually—excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Our Newport Beach eyelid surgery can be performed to correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes — features that make you look older and more tired than you feel, and may even interfere with your vision. However, it won’t remove crow’s feet or other wrinkles, eliminate dark circles under your eyes, or lift sagging eyebrows. While it can add an upper eyelid crease to Asian eyes, it will not erase evidence of your ethnic or racial heritage. Blepharoplasty can be done alone or in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures such as a facelift or brow lift.

What is a Blepharoplasty?

A blepharoplasty—sometimes referred to as an eyelid lift or eyelid surgery—is a procedure designed to improve the appearance of the eyelids. The procedure is designed to remove excess skin and possibly fat from the upper eyelids. In the lower eyelids, the procedure is aimed at correcting the bags that develop in the lower eyelids. Typically this involves removing some fat and skin from the lower eyelids.

Eyelid Surgery Video

Patient Review

What an incredible surgeon. Dr. Sundine came highly recommended from co-workers and other physicians. His attention to detail and patience was so appreciated and squelched any nervousness about surgery. Start to finish, a very positive experience. I love, love, love my results! My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner. Dr. Sundine is a true artist!
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Who are the Best Candidates for Eyelid Surgery?

Typically a blepharoplasty is performed after 35 years of age or older for men and women.
There are some individuals who may be genetically predisposed and may have lower eyelid bags in their 20’s that may benefit from a blepharoplasty.
The patient should be in good health.

Brow Lift vs Eyelid Surgery?

Many patients come to our office seeking improvement in the appearance of their eyelids; however, after they have been examined they end up needing a brow lift. To determine the appropriate procedure for each patient we first begin by placing the eyebrow into a pleasing position. If the redundant skin of the upper eyelid disappears when the brow is positioned upward a brow lift would probably be the most appropriate procedure. If elevation of the brow does not improve the appearance of the upper eyelids then an upper eyelid blepharoplasty may be most appropriate. In some cases, both blepharoplasty and brow lift may be needed.

Before and After Photos

Blepharoplasty Before Results in Newport Beach by Dr. Sundine

Blepharoplasty After Results in Newport Beach by Dr. Sundine

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How is a Blepharoplasty Performed?

Your Newport Beach Blepharoplasty will be performed by Dr. Michael Sundine in Orange County. For the upper eyelid blepharoplasty, the incision is designed to fall into the crease in the upper eyelids. A small amount of skin and is removed possibly along with some fat in the upper eyelids. The skin is then sutured together and reinforced with some small tapes. For the lower eyelids, there are two possible approaches. In patients who have bags of their lower eyelids but who do not demonstrate significant skin excess (typically younger patients) the procedure may be on the inside of the eyelid (transconjunctival approach) without any external scarring. The excess fat creating the bags in the lower eyelids may then be removed through this incision. In those patients who have both lower eyelid bags along with some skin laxity, a different approach is taken. These patients require an incision below the lower eyelashes. Through this incision, both the fatty bags and the excess skin can be addressed. In some patients who have laxity of the lower eyelids a procedure to tighten the lower lids may need to be added.

Generally, it takes about one hour to treat the upper eyelids and another hour to treat the lower eyelids. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and will be performed at our fully accredited outpatient surgical center.

Where are the Scars for a Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty The scar for the upper eyelids falls into the upper eyelid crease. For the lower eyelid, the scar follows a natural crease below the eyelashes. In cases where a transconjunctival approach is used the scar is actually on the inside of the eyelid. The eyelid skin is very thin and heals quite well.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

A blepharoplasty may be performed under general anesthesia or with sedation. In all cases, anesthesia is also used.

For the first 72 hours after the surgery, you need to take it very easy. You should keep your head elevated and use ice packs on your eyes to minimize any swelling you may have. You should use the eye drops prescribed as well as the pain medication as needed. Your activity should be light for the first three weeks after the surgery. Contacts can be worn when the eyes start feeling normal and the majority of the swelling has subsided. This is usually about 10 days after surgery. If it is necessary to pull down on your eyelid to insert them, they should not be worn for 2 weeks. Wear glasses until then. It is common to have blurred vision after your procedure as the cornea can swell and it can take several weeks to resolve. Be patient, it will go away. Cosmetics can be worn on the face as early as 5 days after surgery. However, eyelid or eyelash cosmetics should not be worn until 2 weeks postoperatively.

How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost in Newport Beach?

The cost of your Newport Beach eyelid surgery can vary on a number of factors. During your consultation, Dr. Sundine will give you an examination and provide his expert recommendations Financing options are available which can make the payment process easier.

Schedule Your Consultation

Dr. Michael J. Sundine is a renowned plastic surgeon in Orange County who has more than 23 years of experience helping patients enhance their facial features. In addition to performing eyelid lift in Newport Beach, he is a renowned Orange county rhinoplasty and facelift surgeon. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Sundine and learn more about your treatment options, contact us today.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) FAQs

Your Newport Beach Blepharoplasty Questions Answered

Is Eyelid Surgery a Painful Procedure?

Typically there is only mild discomfort associated with a blepharoplasty procedure. You may experience a temporary burning sensation after the procedure for an hour or so. Patients are given oral pain medication, which helps to manage any discomfort.

When are the sutures taken out after the blepharoplasty procedure?

The sutures are removed between postoperative days 5 and 7. There is minimal discomfort associated with the removal of the sutures.

When can I return to work following the blepharoplasty?

Patients are generally able to return to work a week following the procedure. Those patients who are very concerned about their privacy may want to wait two weeks before returning to work to make sure that there is no residual bruising or swelling.

How soon can I begin to exercise following the blepharoplasty?

You may perform some exercises such as light walks after the procedure. You should not return to your full exercise regime until three weeks after your surgery. Early strenuous exercise may result in prolonged bruising and swelling and even the risks of developing bleeding behind the eyeball.

Postoperative Instructions

After surgery, it is best for you to keep your head elevated on 2 pillows when in bed.
Apply ice packs to your eyes for at least the first 72 hours to minimize the swelling and bruising you will have after surgery. Use ice packs to your eyes every 1 hour for 20 minutes while awake. It is easiest to use frozen corn or peas that can be re-frozen.
IF YOU HAVE DISCOMFORT IN YOUR EYES, TAKE THE PAIN MEDICATION AS DIRECTED. It is best to take it with crackers, Jello, etc. APPLY REFRESH PLUS EYE DROPS (AVAILABLE OVER THE COUNTER) IN EACH EYE (2-3 DROPS) AS OFTEN AS YOU NEED THEM. If you have no pain, do not take the medication. Do not drink alcohol until you have stopped the pain medication.
A light diet is best on the surgery day after you get home. Begin by taking liquids slowly and progress to soups or jello. You can start the next day with a regular diet.
You can expect some bleeding from the suture lines and swelling of the eyelids. However, you should call the office if you have a continuous bloody drip, significantly more swelling on one side than the other, or any severe eye pain.
IF YOUR EYES BURN OR REMAIN PARTIALLY OPEN WHEN SLEEPING, APPLY THE REFRESH P.M. OINTMENT (AVAILABLE OVER THE COUNTER) INSIDE THE EYELID AS LONG AS NEEDED. THIS WILL MAKE YOUR VISION BLURRY, BUT IT WILL CLEAR AS THE OINTMENT IS ABSORBED.
USE TOBRADEX EYE DROPS IN EACH EYE (2 DROPS) 3 TIMES PER DAY FOR THE FIRST 3-4 DAYS.
On the 2nd day after surgery, you can begin washing your face (but not your eyelids) gently with a mild soap (Ivory or Neutrogena) and rinse with water. It will not hurt to get water on the stitches or in the eyes.
Smiling, yawning, or pulling on the eyelids should be avoided for 1 week after surgery. This is especially important the first few days following the removal of the stitches.
Avoid strenuous activity (INCREASING YOUR HEART RATE ABOVE 100 BEATS PER MINUTE) i.e., aerobics, heavy lifting, and bending over for the first 3 weeks after surgery. After 2 weeks you should slowly increase your activities so you will be back to normal by the end of the 3rd week.
If you experience itching in the eyes or any discomfort after a few days postoperatively, warm compresses will relieve your symptoms.
If your eyes become red and irritated or if you form yellow matter in your eyes, discontinue the ointment and call our office.
If you awaken in the morning with eye irritation or red eye-it means you need to use more Refresh Plus at night as your eyelids do not close completely for several weeks after surgery.

General Information

Tearing often occurs after surgery. This will stop as the swelling goes away.
Tightness of the eyelids is a normal feeling after surgery. This may make it hard to close the eyelids completely. This will relax with time. There may be a feeling of numbness in the eyelids that will subside with time.
Red discoloration of the eyes may occur if there is a lot of swelling. This is painless, will not harm your vision, and will disappear completely. This swelling may also cause the lower lid to pull away from the eye. This will subside as the swelling goes down.
Contacts can be worn when the eyes start feeling normal and the majority of the swelling has subsided. This is usually about 10 days after surgery. If it is necessary to pull down on your eyelid to insert them, they should not be worn for 2 weeks. Wear glasses until then. It is common to have blurred vision after your procedure as the cornea can swell-it can take several weeks to resolve before it will go away.
Cosmetics can be worn on the face as early as 5 days after surgery. However, eyelid or eyelash cosmetics should NOT be worn until 2 weeks postoperatively.
Avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds for 3 weeks after surgery. If you must bend down to pick something up, bend at the knees and not at the waist.
All incisions will be extremely sensitive to sunlight during the healing phase. Direct sun is to be avoided. When going out, even on cloudy days, use sunscreen with SPF 20 or greater that has both UVA and UVB protection for at least 6 months.
Take your medications carefully and only as directed.
If you have nausea, vomiting, rash, shortness of breath, or diarrhea after taking your medications, please call the office.
If you develop a fever (oral temperature greater than 101.5º), and/or have redness or increased pain at the site of your surgical incisions, please call Dr. Sundine’s office immediately at 949-706-3100 (Newport Beach Office).

Professional Memberships:

International Society of Craniofacial Surgeons

American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons

American Cleft Palate- Craniofacial Association

American Association of Pediatric Plastic Surgeons

Orange County Society of Plastic Surgeons

Patient Reviews & Testimonials

"Extremely Qualified"

I was referred to Dr Sundine by the Pelican Hill Resort while I was a guest there and I suffered serious facial injuries from a mountain biking incident. Dr Sundine and his staff were concerned and caring and extremely qualified. the work performed by Dr Sundine on my face is simpl astounding. I was so impressed with the quality of care and results I received that I have had additional voluntary facila work performed by Dr Sundine. My wife and some friends have also become patients of Dr Sundine's with the same results. It is a difficult decision to entrust someone to repair and maintain one's appearance. I trust Dr Sundine.
- MJ

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"Thanks, Dr. Sundine!"

After much research and multiple visits to other surgeons, I knew right away that Dr. Sundine was the perfect choice for me. He is gentle and kind and genuinely listens to you. I felt completely confident in his ability from the first visit to the last. Even the day of the procedure, he spent ample time talking to me, taking measurements, and making marks on my body so as to get the perfect results. I have been singing his praises to all of my friends and will recommend him to anyone searching for a plastic surgeon. Thanks, Dr. Sundine!

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"Excellent Plastic Surgeon!"

Dr. Sundine is an excellent plastic surgeon! I have been using his services for almost 5 years. The office setting is state of the art and his office manager Toni makes sure that everything runs efficiently. They really listen to your needs before and after surgery to make certain that you walk out fully satisfied. If you want to look years younger and fully refreshed I highly recommend that you use his services. This is not your typical Newport Beach plastic surgeon’s office. Patients walk out looking naturally gorgeous, not overdone like some of the women in Orange County! The office offers a full range of injectables, peels, and lasers in addition to major cosmetic surgery procedures. Whether you need a little tweak or surgery this is the physician that you should see!
- Susan

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"You are the Best Surgeon!"

Dr. Sundine is the best plastic surgeon. Dr. Sundine’s excellent skills and knowledge has made my surgery turn out so well. But more importantly, it made me feel better about myself. Again, thank you Dr. Sundine for all you have done for me. You are the best surgeon!
- Thy D.

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