Eyelid Surgery for a Brighter, More Rested Look
Blepharoplasty smooths the eyelids, reduces puffiness, and restores a youthful, refreshed look.
Eye Rejuvenation Techniques Tailored to You
Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Richard V. Balikian performs blepharoplasty to help patients reduce many signs of aging in the eye area. This procedure can create smoother, more youthful eyelids while addressing issues such as puffy bags under the eyes.
Additionally, blepharoplasty can improve a broader field of vision by correcting droopy eyelids that may obstruct sight.
How Aging Affects Your Eyelids
The natural aging process and the delicate nature of the skin around your eyes often results in unwanted changes to this part of the face. You may find that you look tired, upset, or aged, or that droopy eyelids are interfering with your ability to see.
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, can be performed to resolve these cosmetic and functional concerns.
Targeted Eyelid Treatments for a Youthful Look
Dr. Balikian is adept in multiple blepharoplasty techniques. This fluency allows him to customize your surgery and achieve precise and natural-looking enhancements.
Dr. Balikian offers the following blepharoplasty techniques:
- Upper blepharoplasty – This option involves a small incision in your natural eyelid crease. Dr. Balikian will remove tissue and adjust muscles as needed to correct droopy upper eyelids and wrinkles in that area.
- Lower blepharoplasty – Through a small incision along the lower lash line, Dr. Balikian can tighten the lower eyelid muscle, reduce puffiness, and address sagging skin.
- Lower blepharoplasty with fat transposition – If lower eyelid dark circles are a concern, Dr. Balikian can use this technique to remove excess skin and position fat to fill the hollowed area under your eye.
- Transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty – This approach can be a good option for younger patients. A tiny incision is concealed inside the lower eyelid, and then fat is removed and/or repositioned as needed.
- Lower-eyelid skin pinch – With this option, skin in the lower eyelid area is removed, while fat and muscle are not adjusted.
If you have additional concerns about your facial appearance, Dr. Balikian may recommend combining blepharoplasty with a brow lift or facelift. These options can be discussed when you come in for your consultation.
The Art of Eyelid Rejuvenation
Blepharoplasty Recovery
Eyelid surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing you to return home the same day. You will need someone to drive you home after your surgery. Dr. Balikian will provide detailed post-operative instructions to support a smooth and safe recovery.
Some bruising and swelling around the eyes is expected, but discomfort is typically manageable with prescribed medication. Rest is essential during the initial recovery period to protect the surgical sites and promote optimal healing.
Dr. Balikian will guide you through each stage of recovery, ensuring you feel informed and supported throughout the process.
Advanced Healing, Thoughtful Care
Dr. Balikian goes beyond surgical skill to support every step of your recovery. From precise surgical technique to advanced tools like ELIXIR MD™ light therapy, he takes extra measures to reduce swelling, minimize bruising, and help you heal faster with less discomfort and downtime.
It’s part of his commitment to providing not just beautiful results, but a smoother, more supportive recovery experience.
Many of Dr. Balikian’s patients report a more comfortable recovery and are able to return to normal activities sooner thanks to the healing benefits of ELIXIR MD™.
Am I a Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty can address many signs of aging in the eye area and is an effective treatment for sagging eyelids that restrict your vision. Ideal candidates are in good overall health and are non-smokers.
Dr. Balikian considers many factors when determining candidacy for blepharoplasty. In your consultation, he will evaluate your upper-face contours, learn about your medical history and any current health conditions, and discuss your expectations. Dr. Balikian will use this information to determine if blepharoplasty is the safest and most effective approach to rejuvenating your eye area.
Some common concerns that can be addressed through blepharoplasty include:
- Saggy or droopy upper eyelids
- Wrinkled eyelid skin
- Puffy bags under the eyes
If you’re bothered by tired-looking eyes or sagging eyelids, a consultation with Dr. Balikian can help determine if blepharoplasty is right for you. His personalized approach ensures your treatment plan is safe, effective, and tailored to your aesthetic goals.
Blepharoplasty Cost
The cost of your blepharoplasty will be discussed during your consultation at Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery. Pricing will depend on the specific type of eyelid surgery performed, along with any associated fees, which our team will review with you. Financing options are available to help make your procedure more accessible.
Blepharoplasty FAQs
How long does it take to see results after blepharoplasty?
You’ll see an early refresh as bruising and swelling settle in 1–2 weeks; definition continues to refine for several months as tissues fully heal. This timeline is consistent with oculoplastic literature on lower-lid recovery and skin remodeling.
Are the results of blepharoplasty permanent?
Aging continues, but a well-planned upper and/or lower blepharoplasty delivers long-lasting brightness and contour improvement. Longevity reflects choosing the right approach (fat preservation/repositioning vs removal; transconjunctival vs skin pinch) based on your anatomy.
What’s the difference between upper and lower blepharoplasty?
Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids, improving heaviness and hooding.
Lower blepharoplasty targets puffiness or bags beneath the eyes, smoothing and tightening the under-eye area.
Will eyelid surgery change my eye shape?
When performed by an experienced facial plastic surgeon, blepharoplasty enhances the natural contours of your eyes without altering their shape. The goal is a subtle, refreshed look that still feels like you.
Is eyelid surgery painful and when can I wear makeup?
Most patients describe tightness more than pain; medication and cooling help the first few days. Makeup typically resumes around 10–14 days once incisions have sealed and swelling subsides.
How soon can I wear makeup after blepharoplasty?
Makeup can typically be worn after 10–14 days, once incisions have healed and swelling has decreased. Dr. Balikian will provide specific post-op guidance based on your healing progress.
Can I combine blepharoplasty with other procedures?
Yes. Many patients choose to combine eyelid surgery with procedures like a facelift, brow lift, or CO₂ laser resurfacing for a more comprehensive rejuvenation. Dr. Balikian will help design a personalized plan that meets your goals.
What is “scarless” lower blepharoplasty and who is it for?
For many patients, I use a transconjunctival approach—an incision on the inside of the eyelid to reduce or redistribute fat and soften the lid–cheek junction. This avoids a skin incision and has a lower risk of lid malposition (ectropion) compared with subciliary approaches in multiple series.
When do you choose a lower-lid “skin pinch”?
If puffiness isn’t the issue and the problem is mild skin redundancy or crepiness, a tiny “pinch” of skin can be removed right under the lashes without undermining muscle or fat. It’s often paired with laser resurfacing for texture.
Do you remove or reposition fat under the eyes?
Most people look best when we reposition or conservatively sculpt fat to shorten the shadow from “bag” to “trough.” That restores smooth contour rather than hollowing the eyes. This fat-preserving philosophy is supported by classic and contemporary oculoplastic literature.
Can lasers help crepey lower-lid skin?
Yes. When crepiness is the main concern, fractional ablative CO₂ or other resurfacing lasers can tighten and smooth without over-resecting skin. These are often combined with transconjunctival fat work or a skin pinch for comprehensive results.
Can eyelid surgery improve my vision?
If overhanging upper-lid skin obstructs the visual field, an upper blepharoplasty can improve superior vision in addition to aesthetics—an outcome recognized in oculoplastic practice standards.
What raises risk for lower-lid malposition and how do you reduce it?
Unnecessary skin undermining, over-resection, and inadequate canthal support can increase the risk of lid malposition. Dr. Balikian favors transconjunctival access for fat work, a conservative skin-pinch when needed, selective lateral support, and laser for texture, an evidence-aligned strategy to keep lids in a natural position.
Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Balikian is an experienced, double board-certified, facial plastic surgeon. He is double board-certified both in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Balikian belongs to a very select group of elite cosmetic surgeons with at least six years of specialized surgical training exclusively in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of 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 Facial Plastic Surgery
Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery: Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS