Blepharoplasty Before & After Gallery
View before and after photos of subtle, eye-brightening blepharoplasty results.
Restored Eyes with Timeless Elegance
The eyes are often the first feature to show fatigue or aging and at Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery our goal is to restore brightness while keeping every patient’s natural expression intact. Blepharoplasty, also called eyelid surgery, is designed to smooth puffiness, reduce sagging skin and reveal eyes that look vibrant without altering their shape.
These blepharoplasty before and after photos highlight real patients who chose Dr. Richard Balikian, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, for their eye rejuvenation. Each transformation reflects his commitment to natural results that help patients look rested and revitalized.
What You Will See in This Eyelid Surgery Gallery
This gallery presents the results of upper eyelid lifts and scarless lower eyelid procedures. The improvements are subtle yet powerful, showing how carefully tailored techniques can refresh the entire face.
- Upper Eyelid Lift. Restoring definition by removing drooping skin and heaviness.
- Lower Eyelid Rejuvenation. Smoothing away under-eye bags and filling hollows for a rested appearance.
- Natural Expression. Results that preserve eye shape while creating brighter, more youthful contours.
- Individualized Care. Each surgery is planned around the patient’s anatomy for balanced, authentic outcomes.
Together, these results demonstrate how precise eyelid surgery can renew confidence while maintaining individuality.
For patients interested in how eyelid surgery is evaluated and how upper and lower eyelid procedures differ, explore our Eyelid Surgery Education hub.
Thousands of Eyes Brightened with Eyelid Surgery
The patients in this gallery reflect more than surface improvements. Their results show restored energy, clearer expression, and the confidence that comes from eyes that finally look as youthful as they feel.
(Select a photo to view the complete procedure details.)
Why Patients Trust Dr. Balikian for Eyelid Surgery
Dr. Balikian explains to patients that eyelid surgery is not about changing who you are. It is about restoring a rested, youthful quality to the eyes while keeping your natural shape and character. By treating sagging lids, puffiness and volume changes, blepharoplasty creates brighter, smoother eyes that still feel authentic.
Benefits of blepharoplasty include:
- Eyes that look brighter and more awake
- Reduction of drooping upper eyelids that can make the eyes look heavy
- Softer, smoother lower lids without bags or shadows
- Subtle scars that are placed in natural creases for a discreet finish
Patients choose Dr. Balikian for blepharoplasty because his approach is meticulous and preservation-focused, designed to refresh the eyes without creating an artificial or “operated” look.
What to Expect After Surgery
Early changes can be seen within two weeks as swelling and bruising fade. As Dr. Balikian often tells patients, results continue to refine with each passing month. By the time tissues have fully settled, the eyes look rested, youthful and naturally in balance with the rest of the face.
Some patients also decide to combine eyelid surgery with a 4 point brow lift, facial fat transfer, or laser resurfacing for a more complete rejuvenation. When performed together, these procedures enhance facial harmony and give the most natural outcome.
FAQs About Blepharoplasty Results
How soon will I look more refreshed after eyelid surgery?
Most patients start to look more refreshed within 2 to 3 weeks as bruising and early swelling settle. The eyes continue to soften and refine over 2 to 3 months, with subtle improvements for up to a year as the tissues heal and scars mature. Quality-of-life studies show blepharoplasty patients report significant boosts in confidence, self-image and emotional well-being once recovery is underway.
Will my eye shape change after blepharoplasty?
The goal is to keep your natural eye shape. Dr. Balikian removes heaviness and smooths puffiness while preserving expression so results look like you, only more rested.
Modern blepharoplasty emphasizes preservation of eyelid support and careful fat handling to avoid a hollow or pulled look. This is a core theme in contemporary eyelid surgery reviews and outcome papers.
How long do blepharoplasty results last?
Upper eyelid improvements often last many years. Lower eyelid smoothing is generally long lasting. Healthy skin care and sun protection help maintain results.
Long term follow up studies report durable improvement and high patient satisfaction years after surgery, with gradual normal aging rather than sudden relapse.
What can blepharoplasty improve in the lower lids?
Lower eyelid surgery can reduce under-eye bags, smooth bulging fat, soften tear trough shadows, and refine crepey or excess skin. Modern transconjunctival techniques with fat repositioning are designed to blend the lid–cheek junction rather than hollow it, which studies show leads to high patient satisfaction and low complication rates.
Are scars visible after eyelid surgery?
Upper eyelid incisions are placed in the natural crease, and in most patients they heal to a fine, barely visible line once redness fades. Lower transconjunctival blepharoplasty is performed from the inside of the eyelid, leaving no external scar, and even external lower lid “skin pinch” incisions are typically concealed just beneath the lash line. Aesthetic outcome studies and scar-focused reviews report that, when incision design and tissue handling are meticulous, upper eyelid scars are often difficult to detect.
When do results look most natural in photos?
You will look presentable early, but photographs typically look their best at six weeks and continue to improve at three months and beyond.
Is blepharoplasty a good option if I always look tired in pictures?
Yes. Treating excess skin, bags, or hollowing reduces the tired look and brightens the eyes. Many patients say they finally look the way they feel.
What is recovery like for upper and lower eyelid surgery?
Most patients describe mild to moderate tightness or soreness rather than sharp pain, which is usually well managed with cold compresses and medication for a few days. Bruising and visible swelling peak in the first week, then steadily improve over 2 to 3 weeks; light activities resume quickly, while more strenuous exercise is delayed until cleared by Dr. Balikian. Studies and guidelines on upper eyelid surgery report low complication rates and high satisfaction when patients follow post-operative instructions closely.
Will blepharoplasty fix asymmetry between my eyes?
Blepharoplasty can often improve mild eyelid asymmetry by adjusting how much skin or fat is removed on each side and by carefully planning crease height and contour. However, no face is perfectly symmetrical, and some natural variation will always remain. Long-term outcome studies note good symmetry and high satisfaction overall, with occasional minor differences that are usually not noticeable to others.
Who is a good candidate for blepharoplasty?
Healthy patients with heavy upper lids, under-eye bags, or hollowing who seek natural improvement are typically good candidates. A consultation confirms the best approach.
How should I prepare for the best outcome?
Follow your pre-op plan, avoid smoking, protect the skin from sun, and arrange help for the first day or two. Good preparation supports a smooth recovery.
Does blepharoplasty help with vision if skin hangs over my lashes?
Yes. When excess upper eyelid skin hangs over the lashes (dermatochalasis), it can block the upper part of your visual field and make the forehead and brows work harder to lift the lids. Multiple studies show that upper blepharoplasty in these patients can significantly improve visual field, contrast sensitivity and functional symptoms, along with how the eyes look.
Why Trust Dr. Balikian with Your Face?
Dr. Richard Balikian is a highly respected facial plastic surgeon serving the San Diego area.
With over 20 years of experience and double board certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Balikian offers a unique combination of technical expertise and artistic vision.
He is part of an elite group of surgeons with extensive training focused exclusively on the face and neck.
Your Journey Starts Here
Elevated Care. Exceptional Results.
Dr. Richard Balikian is recognized for elevating facial plastic surgery through precision, artistry and outcomes that reflect your true self.
Discover the Art of Blepharoplasty
Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery: Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS