How to Fix Droopy Eyelids

Eyelid-lift | Newport Beach, CA
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Droopy eyelids can make you look tired and hide your eyes from the world. You can regain your bright, expressive eyes with an eyelid lift or blepharoplasty. You can have this procedure on the upper or lower eyelids, and many people have both. You can look younger, more rested, and alert without drooping eyelids. 

What is an Eyelid Lift or Blepharoplasty? 

The skin around the eyes suffers the effects of sun exposure and environmental damage, and it ages more quickly than the skin on other parts of the face. A blepharoplasty, often called an eyelid lift, corrects drooping upper or lower eyelids. This procedure lifts the eyelid and repositions the skin, muscle, and fat. An eyelid lift offers an effective way to brighten and rejuvenate your entire face by opening your eyes. 

*Individual results may vary.

How to Fix Droopy Eyelids

If you have sagging eyelids, a blepharoplasty can provide a dramatic improvement. Dr. Leong may recommend a blepharoplasty if you have too much drooping to correct with non-surgical methods. The upper and lower eyelid lift details differ since these areas age in different ways. Both are performed with local anesthetic and light sedation, and the procedure can take up to two hours. 

Upper Eyelid Lift

Dr. Leong will make an incision following the upper eyelid’s natural crease and remove folds of loose skin and fat. The incision will become almost invisible when it heals. This procedure corrects sagging tired-looking upper lids. Some patients may need their eyebrows lifted at the same time to ensure optimal results and this will be discussed during your consultation.

Lower Eyelid Lift

Lower eyelids can become droopy as well. They also have pads of fat that tend to shift with age, leading to hollow areas and puffy under eye bags. This incision may be located inside the eyelid or just underneath the lash line. The undereye area will look smoother and less puffy. Dr. Leong typically will do a peel or laser to the skin around the eyes at the same time to smooth the skin and help your results last longer.

How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost? 

Costs will vary depending on whether you have upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both. Estimated costs begin at about $5500. For an accurate estimate, Dr. Leong will meet with you, review your goals, and develop a treatment plan. This allows her to assess what your individual needs will include. 

Is There a Non-Surgical Way to Fix Droopy Eyelids? 

If you do not want to have surgery or your eyelids only droop mildly, non-surgical treatments may work well for you. Options for non-surgical treatments that improve the appearance of drooping eyes include:

  • Wrinkle relaxers
  • Dermal fillers
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
  • Laser treatments
  • Peels
  • Microneedling
  • Radiofrequency skin tightening

During your consultation, Dr. Leong will review your options and help you decide which treatments you feel most comfortable with and which will give you the best results. 

What is Recovery Like After an Eyelid Lift? 

You will have some swelling and bruising after your procedure. You can reduce this with a cold compress to help you feel more comfortable during the first few days. Dr. Leong recommends about a week to recover before returning to work or other activities.

Am I a Good Candidate for an Eyelid Lift? 

If you have droopy eyelids and want to fix them, you may benefit from an eyelid lift. The best candidates for an eyelid lift have a significant amount of laxity in the upper or lower eyelids.

Take the Next Step

To make an appointment with Dr. Karen Leong, call us at (949) 844-8999 or fill out the consultation form below.