- Removes excess skin that causes hooded or drooping eyelids
- Reduces puffiness and bags beneath the eyes
- Softens a tired or aged appearance
- Improves vision if sagging eyelids obstruct your line of sight
- Creates a more open, rested, and youthful eye contour
- Provides long-lasting, natural-looking results
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Eyelid Surgery
Refresh tired, aging eyes with eyelid surgery in Concord, CA
The tender skin around our eyes begins to sag and lose elasticity as we age. If you are in your late 30s or early 40s, you may already have noticed your upper eyelids starting to droop. The appearance of darker “bags” of skin may be forming beneath your lower lids as well. With time, this eyelid sagging can worsen and eyelid wrinkles may begin to form.
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is one of the best ways to rejuvenate your look. Performed by East Bay plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Mariotti, eyelid surgery can improve the appearance of the area around your eyes and perhaps even improve your vision.
At MBody, we have helped many patients have more open and youthful-looking eyes with eyelid surgery. We serve patients from all over the East Bay area, including Concord and Walnut Creek, and we look forward to hearing from you.
Benefits
Surgical Notes
Anesthesia: Local with sedation or general
Procedure Length: 1–2 hours
Time Off Work: 7–10 days
Final Results: 3–6 months
Related Procedures: Brow Lift, Facelift, Laser Resurfacing, Fat Grafting
What Is Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, involves removing or repositioning fat and trimming excess skin or muscle from the upper or lower eyelids. We typically perform it as an outpatient procedure, allowing you to go home and rest after your initial recovery in our office. You can choose to address the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Some patients have eyelid surgery on its own, while others combine it with additional facial procedures for more comprehensive results.
Why Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, achieves several goals: it tightens droopy or hooded eyelids, restores contour to the lids and eliminates “bags” under your eyes.
Eyelid surgery can make your eyes appear bigger and brighter so that you look younger and more alert. The immense popularity of this procedure is an indication of the great results that can be achieved.
Book Your ConsultationUpper vs. Lower Eyelid Surgery
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Upper eyelid surgery focuses on removing excess skin that can weigh down the upper eyelids. We make incisions along the natural crease of the eyelid to help keep the scar less visible after healing. Depending on your anatomy, we may also adjust the underlying muscle.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid plastic surgery on the lower lids targets puffiness or loose skin beneath the eyes. We often place the incision just below the lash line or inside the eyelid to access the tissue and make adjustments. Some patients benefit from fat repositioning rather than removal, which can smooth the transition between the lower lid and upper cheek. The approach depends on the condition of your lower eyelid skin and support structures, and the amount of fat.
“My experience with Dr. Mariotti was incredible, and loving the results!! The inner confidence it brought me was amazing. His staff with my surgery and follow-ups are professional and beyond friendly and knowledgeable. As a nurse, I felt so safe and worry-free under his care. Absolutely recommend him for any cosmetic/medical needs. :)”
- Shantelle M.
What to Expect From Your Eyelid Surgery
Book NowPreparation
To prepare you for eyelid surgery, we begin with a detailed consultation to review your medical history, medications, and goals. We may ask you to stop taking certain medications or supplements that increase bleeding risk, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or vitamin E. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and stay with you for the first night.
Avoid wearing eye makeup, contact lenses, or facial creams on the day of surgery. If you smoke, we strongly recommend stopping several weeks in advance, since smoking impairs healing. We also suggest preparing your home with cold compresses, clean gauze, and any prescribed medications so you can rest comfortably after your surgery.
Procedure
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with mild sedation although, under certain circumstances, Dr. Mariotti may use general anesthesia.
If you have chosen to combine your blepharoplasty with another procedure such as a facelift, neck lift, or brow lift, these procedures can be performed at the same time.
To correct the upper eyelids, Dr. Mariotti makes a pair of incisions creating an elliptical shape across the eyelid crease. Excess skin is removed between the incisions, exposing the underlying muscle. A thin strip of this muscle is removed to help define the eyelid crease after surgery.
To correct the lower eyelids, an incision is made just below the lower lashes. Fat and excess skin are either removed or repositioned to fill in the area between the eyelid and cheeks, giving a more natural transition and younger appearance.
If the skin below your eyes is puffy but not sagging, excess fat may be removed through an incision inside the lower lids, with no external incision or scar.
Recovery
After eyelid surgery, patients will be able to go home after only a short stay in the recovery room. There will be a few stitches which Dr. Mariotti will remove in 5 to 7 days after surgery.
During eyelid surgery recovery, you will want to keep your head elevated, even while sleeping, to reduce swelling. Use cold compresses as directed and follow all aftercare instructions closely, including any prescribed eye drops or ointments.
You may notice that your eyes feel dry, sensitive to light, or slightly irritated for a few days, which is expected and improves with time, rest, and proper care. You should protect your eyes from sun exposure by wearing sunglasses outdoors until healing is further along. We will monitor your progress during follow-up visits and let you know when it is safe to resume specific activities.
Recovery times vary, but most patients can return to their normal activities after 7 to 14 days. Although any discomfort is relatively minor, patients typically experience mild bruising and swelling around the eye area, which should dissipate after about 10 days. You will want to avoid any vigorous physical activity for at least 3 weeks.
Botox After Blepharoplasty
Many of Dr. Mariotti’s patients choose to enhance their results with BOTOX® Cosmetic so they can look their best for years to come. BOTOX Cosmetic can help temporarily lift the brow in addition to diminishing forehead wrinkles, opening up your eyes even further.
You may be a candidate if:
- You have droopy upper eyelids or excess skin
- You experience vision obstruction from sagging lids
- You have puffy under-eye bags that do not improve with sleep or skincare
- You are in good health and have realistic expectations
- You do not smoke or are willing to stop before and after surgery
- You are bothered by looking tired, angry, or older than you feel
FAQS
How much does eyelid surgery cost?
The cost of your eyelid surgery will depend on many factors. There is your surgeon’s fee and additional costs for things like anesthesia, operating room facilities, and other fees.
If the cost is a constraint for you, discuss your financing options during your consultation to help make your procedure as affordable as possible.
Does insurance cover the cost of an eyelid lift?
Most health insurance policies do not cover cosmetic procedures. However, if your eyelid surgery is a medical necessity because drooping eyelids interfere with your vision or for other medical reasons, insurance might cover some or all of the costs. If you think that your eyelid surgery might be covered, contact your insurance company directly to inquire.
How do I choose the best blepharoplasty plastic surgeon near me?
Eyelid surgery and other facial plastic surgeries require a high level of technical skill and attention to detail. Be sure to choose a plastic surgeon who has ample experience performing these types of procedures for your upcoming blepharoplasty.
You can also ask friends and family members for recommendations in your area to help you begin your search.
Is eyelid surgery the best procedure for me?
Eyelid surgery could be the best procedure for you if you are bothered by the appearance and/or function of drooping or sagging eyelids or prominent lines and wrinkles near your eyes. Some people choose to combine eyelid surgery with a brow lift to achieve more comprehensive results.
While an eyelid lift specifically addresses the eyelids and area surrounding the eyes, a brow lift can rejuvenate the appearance of your forehead and brow above your eyes.
Is eyelid surgery painful?
Eyelid surgery is often considered one of the least painful cosmetic procedures. Most people find that there is only minimal discomfort directly after their eyelid lift procedure, and recovery tends to be smooth and fairly easy.
What is the downtime like after eyelid surgery?
Most people choose to take 1 to 2 weeks off work and social activities after eyelid surgery since swelling and bruising can be prominent for around this amount of time. Sutures are typically removed 5 to 7 days after your procedure, so plan to take at least a week off work to rest and recover after your eyelid lift.
You will need to avoid strenuous physical activity and exercise for around three weeks after getting eyelid surgery.
How long does an eyelid lift last?
Eyelid lift results can be very long-lasting, generally enduring 5 to 7 years before a touch-up might be needed to maintain those results. Lifestyle habits such as wearing daily sunscreen, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep can also prolong your eyelid surgery results.
Is eyelid surgery worth it?
Most people are happy with their eyelid surgery results and feel that their new look has given them a boost of self-confidence. An eyelid lift can also correct a seemingly permanent tired or unhappy facial expression, helping you to look more energized and alert.
“I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Mariotti and his amazing staff. They are the best at everything. You will be welcomed and supported through your beautification / refresh journey. A special shout out to Brittany, his PA, who is absolute perfection in surgery and in the office.”
- Christina V.
Rejuvenate Your Appearance With Eyelid Surgery in Concord, CA
From your first consultation, you will see why so many patients trust Dr. Mariotti for eyelid surgery. He takes the time to understand your goals, carefully plans each step, and uses techniques that prioritize function and appearance. His experience and approachable style will help you feel informed, confident, and comfortable throughout the process.
Call MBody at 925-685-4533 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Mariotti, or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to helping you refresh and refine your natural eye appearance.
