Eyelid Lift

Yes. Both men and women undergo eyelid surgery in significant numbers. Eyelid surgery is one of the most popular facial cosmetic procedures among men. Lax skin around the eyelids can make both men and women look tired even when they feel fresh, and old when they feel young. An eyelift in Encino is an incredible way to overcome these concerns.

There’s no “right” age for eyelid surgery. It comes down to when it’s needed. Some people have the operation in their late teens or early 20s to correct problems unrelated to aging, while others have it in their 30s or 40s when their eyelids start to droop or form bags. Older patients, in their 50s and 60s, often combine a facelift with eyelid surgery.

Eyelid surgery alone doesn’t do much to eliminate crow’s feet, though the tightening may smooth some fine wrinkles around the eyes. For deeper lines, Botox or dermal fillers can help. Our Los Angeles eyelid surgery experts will help you find the best option for eye wrinkles.

Your eyes will look normal again after two or three weeks when the swelling disappears and will continually look better week by week. You’ll also see significant improvements at six weeks and even more at six months. Final results can be seen in about a year.

A drooping upper eyelid can be the result of loose skin on the eyelid or a lowering of the eyebrows. In your consultation, Dr. Bresnick will advise you about which procedure you might need or if you might benefit from both. You can get a sense of where the problem lies by gently pushing up your eyebrows to an attractive height. If this corrects the looseness on your upper eyelids, it may be that your brows need to be lifted.

The results of blepharoplasty are very long-lasting. Most patients never have another procedure to further lift the eyelids or reduce bags. That said, eyelid surgery won’t stop the aging process. Your eyelids or eyebrows may continue to gradually droop, and some patients choose to have a touch-up procedure after 10 years or so.

Upper lid blepharoplasty surgery focuses on removing extra skin and sometimes fat from the upper eyelids to open the eyes and reduce heaviness or hooding. Blepharoplasty lower eyelid targets puffiness, bulging fat, and loose skin beneath the eyes. The incisions and techniques vary by area. Some patients benefit from treating only one set of lids, while others choose blepharoplasty upper and lower in the same operation for a more complete refresh.

If your main concern is heavy skin folding over the upper lashes or blocking your vision, upper lid blepharoplasty surgery may be enough. If you also have under-eye bags, dark hollows, or crepey lower-lid skin, combining blepharoplasty lower eyelid with the upper procedure can create better overall balance. During your visit, Dr. Bresnick will show you in the mirror how improving each area changes your look so you can decide whether to address one or both lids.

Blepharoplasty results are long-lasting. Most patients enjoy the benefits of upper lid blepharoplasty surgery or blepharoplasty lower eyelid for many years, and many never need a second operation. While surgery cannot stop the aging process, the eyelids usually remain more youthful than if no procedure had been performed. Over time, brows or skin can continue to relax, and a minority of patients may choose a touch-up many years later.

Recovery after blepharoplasty upper and lower is usually straightforward. Swelling and bruising peak in the first few days and then steadily improve over 1 to 2 weeks. Most patients feel comfortable returning to desk work in about a week, and residual bruising can be hidden with glasses. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are limited for a short time to protect the healing tissues. Discomfort is typically mild and controlled with oral pain medication and cool compresses.

Not always. When fat is the main issue and skin is relatively smooth, blepharoplasty lower eyelid can often be performed through a hidden incision on the inside of the eyelid (transconjunctival approach). This scarless technique removes or repositions fat pads without a skin incision. When extra skin must be tightened, a fine incision just beneath the lashes may be used, and once healed, it is usually very difficult to see.

In some patients, a low brow position is the main cause of upper eyelid hooding. Lifting the brow can sometimes reduce the need for upper lid blepharoplasty surgery or allow a more conservative eyelid procedure. In other patients, excess skin is primarily on the eyelid, and blepharoplasty is the better choice. Often, the best results come from thoughtfully combining procedures. Dr. Bresnick will explain which anatomic issues are driving your concerns.

Insurance coverage is typically reserved for functional upper eyelid problems where excess skin clearly obstructs peripheral vision. Documentation, such as photographs and formal visual field testing, is usually required. Even when criteria are met, coverage usually applies only to upper lid blepharoplasty surgery, not to cosmetic lower lid work or brow lifts. Our office can help you understand what information your insurer needs, but final decisions are made by your insurance plan.

Before surgery, you will receive detailed instructions about medications to avoid, arranging a ride home, and planning time off work. Blood-thinning drugs and certain supplements may need to be paused with your prescribing doctor’s approval. It’s helpful to have ice packs, eye drops, and extra pillows ready at home. On the day of surgery, wear comfortable clothing and avoid eye makeup. Good preparation helps your upper lid blepharoplasty surgery, blepharoplasty lower eyelid, or blepharoplasty upper and lower go smoothly and supports an easier recovery.