Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) with Dr. John Hilinski
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a popular procedure designed to rejuvenate the eye area by removing excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids. Many patients who seek blepharoplasty are concerned with bagginess along the upper eyelid or puffiness under the lower eyelid, which can create a tired, prematurely aged appearance. As a San Diego Blepharoplasty Specialist, Dr. John Hilinski offers a range of eyelid surgery options to help you look refreshed and rejuvenated, while also correcting functional issues caused by sagging or drooping eyelids.
Dr. Hilinski, Nicole, and team are absolutely amazing! Dr. Hilinski is very knowledgeable, takes the time to thoroughly explain procedures, and has gone above and beyond with patient care during my procedure and throughout all of my follow-ups.
Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty
Upper Blepharoplasty
Upper eyelid surgery focuses on removing excess skin and fat from the upper eyelid area, creating a more defined and youthful appearance. Aging can cause the upper eyelid skin to sag and hang over the eyelid, giving a tired look and making it difficult to apply makeup. Dr. Hilinski will often make an incision hidden within the natural crease of the eyelid to remove redundant skin and fat, leaving a well-defined upper eyelid crease.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower eyelid surgery focuses on reducing puffiness and bags under the eyes, which are typically caused by excess fat. In many cases, Dr. Hilinski performs a transconjunctival blepharoplasty, where the incision is made on the inside of the lower eyelid, leaving no visible scar. This approach removes or repositions the fat to smooth the lower eyelid and reduce the appearance of puffiness or bags.
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Eyelid Surgery Candidates
Ideal candidates for blepharoplasty include healthy men and women who want to improve the appearance of aging around the eyes. Common concerns include:
- Dark circles or shadows under the eyes
- Heavy or drooping upper eyelids
- Excess skin that interferes with vision
- Bags or puffiness under the eyes
The Eyelid Surgery Procedure
Blepharoplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation in an outpatient surgery setting. The procedure time varies depending on whether the surgery is for the upper or lower eyelids, or both, but generally takes between one and two hours.
Dr. Hilinski tailors each eyelid surgery to the patient’s specific needs, ensuring natural, youthful results. He will evaluate the position of your brow to ensure that a brow lift is not needed in conjunction with your blepharoplasty, as a sagging brow can contribute to eyelid issues.
Recovery from Eyelid Surgery
After your procedure, you will be able to return home the same day. Swelling and bruising are common in the first week but can be minimized with cold compresses and keeping your head elevated while resting. Most patients can resume normal activities within 7 to 10 days and find that swelling subsides fully within a few weeks. Sutures are typically removed 4 to 7 days post-surgery.
Blepharoplasty FAQ
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a procedure designed to remove excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids to improve appearance and, in some cases, function.
Patients who are in good health, bothered by drooping upper eyelids, or have puffiness under the lower eyelids are good candidates for blepharoplasty.
Eyelid surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation, but general anesthesia may be used in some cases.
For upper blepharoplasty, the incision is hidden within the natural eyelid crease. For lower blepharoplasty, the incision is usually made inside the lower eyelid (transconjunctival) or just below the eyelashes.
Upper eyelid surgery typically takes less than one hour, while lower eyelid surgery may take up to one and a half hours.
Dr. Hilinski uses advanced techniques to minimize scarring. In most cases, any scars are hidden within the natural folds of the eyelid and fade over time.
Most patients experience mild discomfort rather than pain, which can be easily managed with prescribed pain medication.
Most patients can return to work and social activities within 7 to 10 days, depending on the extent of the surgery and how quickly swelling and bruising subside.
Patients are generally advised to avoid strenuous physical activities for at least 2-3 weeks post-surgery.
Blepharoplasty may be covered by insurance if it is performed to correct functional issues, such as impaired vision due to sagging eyelids. However, cosmetic eyelid surgery is typically not covered.
Why Choose Dr. Hilinski for Blepharoplasty?
Dr. John Hilinski is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, specializing in eyelid surgery. A graduate of Harvard Medical School, Dr. Hilinski completed his residency at UCSD Medical Center and further refined his skills under the mentorship of renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Dean M. Toriumi. With years of experience in advanced techniques, Dr. Hilinski is dedicated to providing natural, refreshed results for his patients.
Dr. Hilinski’s practice is focused exclusively on the face, head, and neck, making him a true expert in these areas. With more than 20 years of experience, he has performed thousands of successful surgeries, including rhinoplasty, facelifts, eyelid surgery, and non-surgical rejuvenation treatments. His patients come from all over the world to benefit from his precision, artistic eye, and personalized approach.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’re considering blepharoplasty to enhance your eye area, schedule a consultation with Dr. John Hilinski. He will evaluate your specific needs and provide a customized treatment plan to help you achieve the youthful, refreshed appearance you desire.