Is Eyelid Surgery Painful?

Both upper and lower eyelid surgeries are generally not painful, as they are performed with anesthesia to ensure comfort. Afterward, mild swelling, bruising, and tightness around the eyes may occur, but these symptoms are temporary. Any discomfort can be managed with some prescribed medications or pain relievers. Cold compresses can help with swelling. While pain is uncommon, your surgeon will guide you through recovery to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

For eyelid surgery, you will typically need two primary appointments: the initial consultation and a follow-up visit after the surgery. Depending on your recovery progress, additional visits may be needed. Our concierge team will provide detailed post-surgery care instructions to ensure you’re on the right track.

How Long Until I See Results?

You’ll begin to see the initial results of eyelid surgery within a few weeks once the swelling and bruising start to subside. However, the final results can take a few months to appear as the tissues settle fully. The rejuvenating effects of eyelid surgery will become more apparent as the skin smooths out and your eyes regain a more youthful, refreshed look. We will guide you through recovery and help you manage expectations for the best possible outcome.

What Will the Scarring Look Like?

For upper and lower eyelid surgery, minimal scarring is strategically placed to remain discreet. In upper eyelid surgery, the incision is typically made along the eyelid’s natural crease, so any scarring blends seamlessly with your skin’s natural lines. For lower eyelid surgery, incisions are often made just below the lower lash line or inside the eyelid (transconjunctival), so scars are virtually invisible. While slight scarring may occur, it usually fades over time, leaving only faint, barely noticeable marks. Dr. Gangnes and Dr. Brandon use meticulous techniques to minimize scarring and ensure the best aesthetic result.

When Can I Exercise Again After My Eyelid Surgery?

After eyelid surgery, allowing your body time to heal is important before jumping back into your regular exercise routine. You can start light activities within a few days, but anything too difficult should be avoided for two to three weeks to reduce complications. You will be provided specific guidance based on your recovery progress so you can safely ease back into your workouts and enjoy the full benefits of your refreshed appearance.

Can I Combine Eyelid Surgery With Other Procedures?

Both upper and lower eyelid surgery can be combined with several other treatments, such as facelifts , brow lifts , or laser skin resurfacing.

What Are the Risks Associated With Eyelid Surgery?

Like any surgical procedure, eyelid surgery (both upper and lower) carries some risks. These can include infection, scarring, and anesthesia complications. While rare, other potential risks may include dry eyes, blurry vision, or difficulty closing the eyelids completely. Sometimes, there may be changes in skin pigmentation or temporary swelling and bruising. During your consultation, your surgeon will thoroughly discuss these risks and work with you to ensure you are well-informed and prepared for a smooth recovery.

How Do I Find the Best Orange County Eyelid Surgery Plastic Surgeon Near Me?

Finding the best Orange County eyelid surgery plastic surgeon starts with research and carefully considering your needs. Look for a board-certified facial plastic surgeon specializing in eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) with a proven track record of successful results. Patient reviews and before-and-after photos can give you a sense of their expertise and the outcomes you can expect. It’s also important to make sure the surgeon you choose listens to your concerns. Scheduling a consultation allows you to meet with the surgeon, ask about their experience, and see how comfortable you feel with their approach. With their years of experience and specialized training, Dr. Bryan Brandon and Dr. Richard A. Gangnes have been trusted names in the Orange County area. They deliver natural, balanced results and ensure you feel at ease. With our dedication to patient care and eye for detail, we are an excellent choice for those seeking eyelid surgery in Southern California.

Eyelid Surgery

Orange County

Introduction

Introduction to Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery is a great way to refresh your overall look by tackling those droopy eyelids or stubborn bags under your eyes. Dr. Bryan Brandon and Dr. Richard A. Gangnes are two trusted facial plastic surgeons in Orange County who specialize in upper and lower eyelid procedures, customizing each surgery to fit your needs. If you’re hoping to brighten your eyes or even improve your vision by removing excess skin, your personal surgeon will work closely with you to ensure you’re comfortable and confident at every step. It’s all about helping you look and feel your best!

Gallery

Before & after photos

Eyelid Surgery B&A

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Close-up of a serene woman with light blonde hair and closed eyes, angled slightly to the right. She wears a cream-colored turtleneck sweater, contrasted against a plain dark gray background. Soft natural lighting creates subtle shadows, enhancing the image's mood. - Eyelid Surgery in San Clamente, Aliso Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

What is Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery removes excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. It helps reduce puffiness, wrinkles, and drooping, creating a more youthful, refreshed appearance. Upper eyelid surgery can also improve vision if sagging skin is obstructing it. This outpatient procedure is customized to address your concerns and offers minimal downtime with significant cosmetic benefits.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Upper eyelid surgery removes excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper eyelids. It’s designed to reduce sagging, puffiness, and wrinkles, creating a youthful, alert appearance. For some, this surgery also improves vision by removing skin that may obstruct the line of sight.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower eyelid surgery targets the under-eye area to eliminate puffiness, dark circles, and excess skin or fat. This surgery is ideal for those who experience sagging or bags beneath their eyes due to aging, genetics, or lifestyle factors.

Doctor Explains: Eye Lid and Brow Rejuvenation ( Forehead Lift VS Blepharoplasty)

What Are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery, whether upper or lower blepharoplasty, offers several key benefits. It helps eliminate excess skin, fat, and wrinkles around the eyes, giving a more youthful, refreshed, and alert appearance. For those with droopy eyelids, upper eyelid surgery can restore a natural, open look, improving vision by removing the skin obstructing the field of view. Lower eyelid surgery targets under-eye bags and puffiness, reducing dark circles and smoothing out the skin. Beyond aesthetic improvements, eyelid surgery can also boost self-confidence and give a more rested, rejuvenated appearance, making it a popular option for those looking to turn back the clock on facial aging.

Who Are the Best Candidates For Eyelid Surgery?

The best candidates for eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) are typically individuals who:

Are in good overall health
Excess skin or fat around the eyes
Are non-smokers
Have realistic expectations
Are you experiencing functional or aesthetic concerns
Are at least 35 years old or have hereditary eyelid issues

A Blepharoplasty Beginning

What’s the First Step?

Start with a personalized consultation with either Dr. Richard A. Gangnes or Dr. Bryan Brandon, who will take the time to understand your goals and assess your eyelid concerns. Whether you’re interested in addressing excess skin, puffiness, or sagging, you will be recommended the best approach to achieve your desired look. This consultation is the perfect opportunity to start your transformation with expert guidance and care.

What to Expect on the Day of Eyelid Surgery

On the day of eyelid surgery, here’s what you can expect for both upper and lower eyelid procedures:

First, you’ll receive local anesthetic or sedation before the surgery.

For upper eyelid surgery, your facial plastic surgeon will make incisions along the natural crease of the eyelid, and then for lower eyelid surgery, they will make incisions below the lower lash line or inside the lower eyelid, removing excess skin, fat, or muscle for a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

The surgery typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on whether both upper and lower eyelids are being treated. After the procedure, you’ll be taken to a recovery area, where you’ll rest until the sedation wears off.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

For the first few days, you may feel tightness and discomfort around your eyes, which can be managed with cold compresses and ointments. After a week, most of the swelling and bruising will subside, and you can resume light activities. Full recovery takes a few months, but scarring is minimal and fades with time. Following your aftercare instructions, including avoiding makeup and sun exposure, will help ensure the best results.

Transparent Eyelid Surgery Costs

How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost in Orange County, CA?

The cost of eyelid surgery in the greater Orange County area, including San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, and Rancho Santa Margarita, can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s expertise, and the specific location. On average, eyelid surgery typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,000.

Upper Eyelid Surgery, which involves removing excess skin or fat from the upper eyelids, generally costs between $2,500 and $4,000.
Lower Eyelid Surgery can cost anywhere from $3,500 to $5,000, depending on whether fat is removed or repositioned and whether additional procedures, like skin tightening, are involved.

The cost can also be influenced by whether the surgery is performed on both eyelids (which could be priced as a combined procedure) and any additional treatments or post-surgery care. For a more precise estimate, it’s best to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brandon or Dr. Gangnes, who can assess your needs and provide a detailed quote based on your goals.

Why Choose Facial Aesthetic Concepts?

Facial Aesthetic Concepts has been helping people look and feel their best for decades in the heart of Orange County and Los Angeles. Whether you want to refresh your appearance with a facelift, microlift, or rhinoplasty, our team is here to make it happen.

As a dual board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Gangnes is a member of the American Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS), the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), and the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

Dr. Bryan Brandon earned a degree in biomedical engineering and completed rigorous medical training at UC Irvine. He further refined his skills with a prestigious fellowship in New York under Dr. Vito Quatela, a globally recognized leader in facial surgery. He is a fellow for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) and is also a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with the American Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS), the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS)

What sets our facial plastic surgeons apart from the rest are their ability to combine precision with an eye for natural, youthful results, ensuring every patient feels heard and cared for throughout their journey. At Facial Aesthetic Concepts, it’s not just about looking good—it’s about feeling confident and embracing the best version of yourself.

Eyelid Surgery FAQ’S

Both upper and lower eyelid surgeries are generally not painful, as they are performed with anesthesia to ensure comfort. Afterward, mild swelling, bruising, and tightness around the eyes may occur, but these symptoms are temporary. Any discomfort can be managed with some prescribed medications or pain relievers. Cold compresses can help with swelling. While pain is uncommon, your surgeon will guide you through recovery to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible.
You’ll begin to see the initial results of eyelid surgery within a few weeks once the swelling and bruising start to subside. However, the final results can take a few months to appear as the tissues settle fully. The rejuvenating effects of eyelid surgery will become more apparent as the skin smooths out and your eyes regain a more youthful, refreshed look. We will guide you through recovery and help you manage expectations for the best possible outcome.
For upper and lower eyelid surgery, minimal scarring is strategically placed to remain discreet.
In upper eyelid surgery, the incision is typically made along the eyelid’s natural crease, so any scarring blends seamlessly with your skin’s natural lines. For lower eyelid surgery, incisions are often made just below the lower lash line or inside the eyelid (transconjunctival), so scars are virtually invisible. While slight scarring may occur, it usually fades over time, leaving only faint, barely noticeable marks.

Dr. Gangnes and Dr. Brandon use meticulous techniques to minimize scarring and ensure the best aesthetic result.
After eyelid surgery, allowing your body time to heal is important before jumping back into your regular exercise routine. You can start light activities within a few days, but anything too difficult should be avoided for two to three weeks to reduce complications. You will be provided specific guidance based on your recovery progress so you can safely ease back into your workouts and enjoy the full benefits of your refreshed appearance.
Like any surgical procedure, eyelid surgery (both upper and lower) carries some risks. These can include infection, scarring, and anesthesia complications. While rare, other potential risks may include dry eyes, blurry vision, or difficulty closing the eyelids completely. Sometimes, there may be changes in skin pigmentation or temporary swelling and bruising.

During your consultation, your surgeon will thoroughly discuss these risks and work with you to ensure you are well-informed and prepared for a smooth recovery.
Finding the best Orange County eyelid surgery plastic surgeon starts with research and carefully considering your needs. Look for a board-certified facial plastic surgeon specializing in eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) with a proven track record of successful results. Patient reviews and before-and-after photos can give you a sense of their expertise and the outcomes you can expect.

It’s also important to make sure the surgeon you choose listens to your concerns. Scheduling a consultation allows you to meet with the surgeon, ask about their experience, and see how comfortable you feel with their approach.

With their years of experience and specialized training, Dr. Bryan Brandon and Dr. Richard A. Gangnes have been trusted names in the Orange County area. They deliver natural, balanced results and ensure you feel at ease. With our dedication to patient care and eye for detail, we are an excellent choice for those seeking eyelid surgery in Southern California.

Schedule A
Consultation

Take the first step towards refreshed, youthful eyes with a consultation for eyelid surgery with Dr. Bryan Brandon or Dr. Richard A. Gangnes. At Facial Aesthetic Concepts, our facial plastic surgeons combine their expertise with a personalized approach to create natural and rejuvenated results. During your consultation, they’ll discuss your goals, evaluate your unique needs, and outline the best upper, lower, or combined eyelid surgery strategy. Schedule your consultation today and discover how subtle enhancements can make a big difference in your appearance and confidence.