Eyelid surgery, also known as “blepharoplasty,” is a cosmetic surgery procedure that reduces or repositions excess fatty deposits and/or sagging skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. It gives a rejuvenated appearance to the surrounding area of your eyes, making patients appear more rested and alert.

Our doctors have performed numerous blepharoplasty procedures, and are regarded as some of the most experienced eyelid surgeons in California.

Our Eyelid Surgery Team—Meet Dr. Richard Balikian

In addition to Dr. Chasan, Ranch & Coast is proud to present Dr. Richard Balikian as an eyelid surgeon for our San Diego and Del Mar patients.

After earning his medical degree from Boston University Medical School, Dr. Balikian completed an internship in General Surgery, followed by a specialized residency in Head & Neck and Facial Plastic Surgery. He was then hand-selected by one of the world’s top cosmetic facial surgeons to participate in an additional year of highly specialized training. Not only does Dr. Balikian have his impressive background and training, but he also was involved in teaching surgeons at the Indiana University School of Medicine, where he was the Clinical Instructor of Facial Plastic Surgery. He is an invaluable resource in helping our patients get the most out of their eyelid surgery journey.

Before & After

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What is a Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty, otherwise known as eyelid surgery, is a procedure that removes sagging and drooping skin from the upper and lower eyelids. According to The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it was the fourth most common plastic surgery procedure in the United States in recent years.

Most people desire eyelid surgery to make their eyes look younger and well-rested, but blepharoplasty also has some functional advantages. Excess skin of the eyelids, also referred to as dermatochalasis, is mostly caused by aging skin which loses its elasticity and collagen. Due to genetics and a few other factors, some younger people may suffer from sagging and drooping skin around the eyes.

Dermatochalasis makes you look older and tired, which is why it is often a cosmetic concern. However, redundant skin can also make eyelids heavy, compromising the natural way you move your eyes. In fact, the skin can sag so much that it blocks your peripheral vision. A 2017 article from Medscape reports, “visual-field loss is the most frequent sequelae of dermatochalasis. In severe cases of dermatochalasis, patients can lose more than 50% of their superior visual field.”

Eyelid surgery is an ideal treatment for those with dermatochalasis because it restores movement and vision while simultaneously making them look well-rested and younger.

Types of Blepharoplasty

Upper blepharoplasty: An upper blepharoplasty removes skin from the top of the eyelid and can make patients look several years younger.

Lower blepharoplasty: Lower blepharoplasty removes sagging skin in the lower eyelids, often called “baggy eyes.” It’s mostly a cosmetic procedure that gives patients a refreshed and rejuvenated look.

Why Eyelid Surgery in San Diego or Del Mar?

Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, fat, and tissue from the upper and lower lids of the eyes.

Redundant skin on the eyelids is called dermatochalasis (not to be confused with ptosis which is paralysis or weakness of the upper eyelids). It causes patients to look aged and tired, but can also interfere with vision and eye movement.

Eyelid surgery is one of the most common solutions to dermatochalasis because it refreshes the eyes, makes patients look younger, and restores vision and function.

In this article, our surgeons explain what you can expect if you’re planning to have a blepharoplasty in San Diego, including the benefits of surgery and what causes the skin around the eyes to sag.

How Much Does a Blepharoplasty

(Eyelid Lift) Cost?

Blepharoplasty patients in San Diego can expect the cost of their surgery to cost between $5,500 – $7,500 at Ranch and Coast. Due to the variability of cases, some blepharoplasties are priced higher depending on the level of surgical complexity.

Model smiling big while sitting next to a window

Blepharoplasty Procedure and Recovery Time

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s 2018 article reports that you can expect the following during eyelid surgery:

First, marks are made where the wrinkled and drooping skin will be removed
For an upper blepharoplasty, an incision is made in the natural crease of the upper eyelid
For a lower blepharoplasty, an incision is made just below the lashes, but if fat is being removed, the incision can be made inside the lower eyelid which is called a transconjunctival incision. In some cases, a laser is used to tighten the skin under the eye
Once the incisions are made, fat, tissue, and skin are removed to improve the aesthetic quality and function of the eyelids
Fat may be relocated around your eyes to minimize bags and puffiness
Sutures or tissue adhesives will be applied to close the incisions

Eyelid Surgery Scarring and Recovery

Following blepharoplasty, the sutures rarely leave noticeable scars by using the best techniques and procedures for minimizing the risks of scarring. In addition, he has a long history of blepharoplasties with stunning aesthetic results that look authentic and preserve the patient’s natural features.

Most patients stay in observation for a couple of hours to ensure it’s safe for them to go home. The Mayo Clinic’s 2018 article reports it’s common for patients to experience some pain, discomfort, swelling, bruising, irritation, and dry eyes, which clears up after 10-14 days.

At Ranch & Coast Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa, we pride ourselves on guiding our patients through deciding which surgeries and procedures are best for them. During your consultation, our board-certified plastic surgeons will gladly discuss in detail what you can expect during and after blepharoplasty.

Additional Reading and References

American Society of Plastic Surgeons: 2017 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report

Medscape: Dermatochalasis

American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery: Eyelid Surgery

Mayo Clinic: Blepharoplasty

Eyelid Surgery