Is Eyelid Surgery Painful?

Most patients describe eyelid surgery as more uncomfortable than painful. There is typically mild soreness, tightness, or pressure rather than sharp pain, and this is usually well-managed with prescribed medication during the early recovery period.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

You will have a consultation to evaluate your concerns and determine the best surgical approach, followed by the procedure itself, scheduled on a separate date. After surgery, your first post-operative check will be scheduled within the first week. Additional follow-ups may be scheduled over the next several weeks to confirm that swelling is resolving properly and the results are settling as intended.

How Long Until I See Results?

Clients will see an improvement in the appearance of their eyes very shortly after surgery. Most will begin to see a clearer view of their results within 7 to 10 days as swelling starts to subside. At this stage, the eyes look more open and more rested. By about one to three months, patients will be able to see smoother eyelid contours and a more refreshed overall appearance that blends naturally with their facial features.

How Soon Can I Travel After Eyelid Surgery?

Most Newport Beach patients can safely travel within 7 to 10 days after their surgery. Longer travel can be planned after your first follow-up visit to ensure recovery is on track.

What Are the Risks Associated with Eyelid Surgery?

Risks of eyelid surgery include swelling, bruising, dry eyes, mild discomfort, temporary sensitivity around the incision sites, slight tightness, or difficulty fully closing the eyes. Less common risks are infection, bleeding, delayed wound healing, or visible scarring. In rare cases, there can be asymmetry between the eyes, changes in eyelid position, persistent changes in sensation, prolonged dry eye symptoms, or a need for a minor revision procedure to refine the outcome.

How Long Do Eyelid Surgery Results Last?

The results of eyelid surgery can last for many years, as long as proper skin care and healthy lifestyle habits are maintained. Daily sunscreen use, avoiding smoking, routine skin moisturization, and getting adequate rest can all help maximize the likelihood that eyelid surgery outcomes last as long as possible.

How Noticeable Are Eyelid Lift Surgery Scars?

One of the major benefits of eyelid lift procedures is the potential for virtually unnoticeable scarring. Upper blepharoplasty procedures typically involve incisions made in natural skin creases, while lower blepharoplasty often uses incisions made inside the lower eyelid. Therefore, scars are usually barely detectable (if detectable at all).

What Is the Best Age for Eyelid Surgery?

Dr. Bayati sees patients of a wide age range who are interested in eyelid rejuvenation. In general, eyelid surgery seems to be more popular in patients aged 40 or above. While signs of aging around the eyes are certainly among the most prominent reasons individuals consider eyelid surgery, there are other factors that may cause concern for patients as well, regardless of age. Dr. Bayati will perform a comprehensive evaluation of the skin around your eyes during the consultation and make recommendations tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Is an Eyelid Lift Without Surgery Possible?

Eyelid surgery is designed to accomplish a variety of specific goals and produce long-term results that a non-surgical eyelid rejuvenation procedure cannot match. With that in mind, there are certain non-surgical treatment options that can effectively address some common aesthetic concerns affecting the eyelid area, at least temporarily. For instance, BOTOX® injections can be useful for minimizing signs of crow’s feet. Some types of injectable dermal fillers can also help fill in hollows and signs of wrinkles around the eyes. Depending on the specific concerns and their severity, some patients may find that their goals can be achieved with non-surgical alternatives. During your initial consultation with Dr. Bayati, she will explore your options with you and help you determine whether eyelid surgery or an alternative treatment is ideal for your cosmetic enhancement goals.

Eyelid Surgery

In Newport Beach, CA

Introduction to Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, medically referred to as blepharoplasty, can be an ideal way of enhancing the areas around your eyes for a more youthful, refreshed appearance. Normal aging of the area around the eyes begins in the third decade of life. Excess skin and bags under the eyes often give an individual a tired and sad look.

Eyelid surgery can address excess skin in both the upper and lower eyelids, as well as fat protrusion that causes shadowing and circles under the eyes.

In women, applying makeup typically becomes much easier after excess skin is removed from the upper eyelids, and most women notice they no longer get double eyeliner lines on their upper lids. In men, it can be a great method of rejuvenating that tired look in a very subtle way.

Our Newport Beach plastic surgeon can help you attain your goals with natural-looking

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Quick Facts About Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery is the general term utilized to describe “blepharoplasty.” This procedure is also commonly called an “eyelid lift.

The results of eyelid surgery can affect the overall facial aesthetics for many patients, ultimately producing a more rested, refreshed, and youthful look.

One of the many potential advantages of eyelid surgery is its ability to produce effective, long-lasting outcomes with virtually undetectable scarring.

Most individuals can resume work and other normal daily routines within 1 week to 10 days after eyelid surgery.

Dr. Semira Bayati is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has successfully performed many eyelid surgery procedures. She customizes all treatments to each patient’s unique needs and concerns to provide the best possible results.

What is Eyelid Surgery?

One of the first facial areas to show prominent signs of aging is around the eyes. Eyelid surgery, also known as an “eyelid lift,” is designed to address a number of common concerns that can affect both the upper and lower eyelid regions.

This procedure is one of the most popular surgical cosmetic enhancement options in the U.S., and has helped both women and men effectively renew their appearance. Eyelid surgery can also provide a functional benefit for individuals with limited visibility due to excess skin hanging over their eyes.

In most cases, upper eyelid surgery requires very small incisions placed in natural creases around the eyelid. Depending on your individual needs, Dr. Bayati can remove excess, inelastic skin, reduce or reposition excess fat, tighten underlying muscles, and pull the remaining skin taut for a smoother, more youthful aesthetic.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Eyelid Surgery?

The ideal candidates for eyelid surgery are typically those who are in reasonably good overall health and have realistic expectations for the potential outcome of the procedure. Those who are experiencing excess skin and fat deposits around the eyes, wrinkles and signs of aging and exhaustion, a “hooding” effect over the eyes due to excess skin, bagginess or puffiness, and hollowed tear troughs are often good candidates for eyelid surgery.

Occasionally, when there is low positioning of the eyebrows, blepharoplasty alone will not correct the crowded appearance of the upper eyelid. In these cases, an endoscopic brow lift might be necessary to achieve the full cosmetic benefit in the peri-orbital area. This is usually the first operation that is performed for facial rejuvenation in a person’s late thirties or early forties. Occasionally, some people have congenital bags under their eyes that are present even in their early twenties.

During your initial consultation with Dr. Bayati, she will perform a thorough evaluation and determine whether eyelid surgery is the best option for you. If so, Dr. Bayati will create a customized treatment plan to meet your goals and deliver natural-looking results.

What Are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery offers several benefits – particularly when performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Bayati, who is committed to achieving results that look natural rather than “overdone.” The potential advantages of eyelid surgery include:

Reduction of wrinkles surrounding the eyes
Removal of excess skin and the tightening of remaining skin for a smoother appearance
Reduction or repositioning of excess fat
Improvement of puffiness, under-eye bags, or dark circles in the lower eyelid regions
Reduction of excess skin in the upper eyelids to improve the field of vision

How to Begin Your Eyelid Surgery Journey

Your first step toward eyelid surgery with Dr. Semira Bayati in the Orange County area is a consultation at her Newport Beach practice, where your concerns and goals will be reviewed.

Schedule Your Consultation: Book an appointment by calling the office at (949) 756-0400 or submitting a request through the practice website.

Share Your Concerns: You’ll discuss what you notice in the mirror, whether it’s heaviness, puffiness, tired-looking eyes, or vision changes from excess skin.

Undergo a Full Evaluation: Dr. Bayati evaluates eyelid structure, skin elasticity, and brow position to understand what is contributing to the appearance of the eye area.

Review Your Personalized Plan: If eyelid surgery is appropriate, a customized surgical plan is created based on your anatomy and desired level of refinement.
Plan Your Procedure Timing: You’ll receive clear guidance on preparation, scheduling, and what to expect leading up to the day of surgery.

What to Expect on the Day of Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery can be performed utilizing a variety of techniques, depending on the best approach for your unique needs. Fortunately, both upper and lower eyelid surgery involve very discreet incisions and typically result in virtually undetectable scarring. The procedures are usually completed on an outpatient basis. Dr. Bayati can perform upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both in a combined procedure.

Doctor Bayati in blue scrubs and mask performing procedure in operating room with surgical lights

Combining My Eyelid Surgery with Other Procedures

Eyelid surgery is often performed on its own, but in some cases it is combined with other facial procedures to create a more complete and balanced rejuvenation of the upper face.

Brow lift surgery, combined with eyelid surgery, can address heaviness in the upper eyelids. Adjusting the brow helps open the eye area more naturally and ensures results are well-balanced.

Your Guide to Post-Eyelid Surgery Care

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

While the exact nature of the recovery process will vary based on each individual’s needs and overall treatment plan, there is usually only minimal downtime after this surgery. There will likely be some swelling and bruising around the eyes after the procedure; however, these effects typically resolve significantly in about one week, and can often be minimized with herbal medications provided to you before surgery, as well as icing after the procedure.

Discomfort during recovery can also be alleviated with medication.

Dr. Bayati will thoroughly review what to expect during the recovery process and provide detailed post-operative instructions.

Most individuals are able to resume normal daily activities within 7 to 10 days after eyelid surgery. The initial effects of the procedure should be immediately apparent and continue to improve after swelling subsides. The rejuvenative effects of eyelid surgery can last for many years, as long as patients continue to protect their skin from ultraviolet rays and maintain healthy skincare regimens.

How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost in Newport Beach?

The overall price of eyelid surgery is ultimately dependent on a variety of factors, including whether the treatment is performed on the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both of these areas, the Surgeon’s fee, any Operating facility and anesthesia fees, The geographic location of the practice, and Whether the treatment is performed as part of a more comprehensive aesthetic enhancement makeover that includes other procedures, such as facelift, brow lift, injectable fillers, or other treatments

During your initial consultation, Dr. Bayati will create a customized treatment plan, and a member of our team will produce a total cost estimate. Our practice accepts a variety of payment methods and works with reputable plastic surgery financing companies that offer monthly payment plans to qualified applicants. While medical insurance typically does not cover cosmetic procedures, some policies may cover eyelid surgery to correct a vision obstruction.

Eyelid surgery has helped both women and men enhance their appearance and feel great about the way they look. If you have questions about eyelid surgery or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Semira Bayati, please contact us today.

Why Choose Dr. Bayati?

Dr. Semira Bayati is a Board-certified plastic surgeon in the Newport Beach area with certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), along with membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and Fellowship in the American College of Surgeons (FACS). These credentials reflect advanced training, surgical discipline, and a commitment to patient safety.

Dr. Bayati’s goal with eyelid surgery is not to change how you look, but to soften signs of fatigue, reduce heaviness, and restore a more rested appearance while preserving your natural expression.

Eyelid Surgery FAQ'S

You will have a consultation to evaluate your concerns and determine the best surgical approach, followed by the procedure itself, scheduled on a separate date.

After surgery, your first post-operative check will be scheduled within the first week. Additional follow-ups may be scheduled over the next several weeks to confirm that swelling is resolving properly and the results are settling as intended.
Clients will see an improvement in the appearance of their eyes very shortly after surgery.

Most will begin to see a clearer view of their results within 7 to 10 days as swelling starts to subside. At this stage, the eyes look more open and more rested.

By about one to three months, patients will be able to see smoother eyelid contours and a more refreshed overall appearance that blends naturally with their facial features.
Risks of eyelid surgery include swelling, bruising, dry eyes, mild discomfort, temporary sensitivity around the incision sites, slight tightness, or difficulty fully closing the eyes.

Less common risks are infection, bleeding, delayed wound healing, or visible scarring.

In rare cases, there can be asymmetry between the eyes, changes in eyelid position, persistent changes in sensation, prolonged dry eye symptoms, or a need for a minor revision procedure to refine the outcome.
Dr. Bayati sees patients of a wide age range who are interested in eyelid rejuvenation. In general, eyelid surgery seems to be more popular in patients aged 40 or above.

While signs of aging around the eyes are certainly among the most prominent reasons individuals consider eyelid surgery, there are other factors that may cause concern for patients as well, regardless of age.

Dr. Bayati will perform a comprehensive evaluation of the skin around your eyes during the consultation and make recommendations tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Eyelid surgery is designed to accomplish a variety of specific goals and produce long-term results that a non-surgical eyelid rejuvenation procedure cannot match. With that in mind, there are certain non-surgical treatment options that can effectively address some common aesthetic concerns affecting the eyelid area, at least temporarily.

For instance, BOTOX® injections can be useful for minimizing signs of crow’s feet. Some types of injectable dermal fillers can also help fill in hollows and signs of wrinkles around the eyes. Depending on the specific concerns and their severity, some patients may find that their goals can be achieved with non-surgical alternatives.

During your initial consultation with Dr. Bayati, she will explore your options with you and help you determine whether eyelid surgery or an alternative treatment is ideal for your cosmetic enhancement goals.

Schedule Your Consultation

The first step toward eyelid rejuvenation is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Semira Bayati in Newport Beach.

To schedule your appointment, call (949) 756-0400. Dr. Bayati’s Newport Beach team will help you find a time that works and guide you through the next steps in preparing for your visit.

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