Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Before and After Eyelid Surgery & Browlift
Click for more before and after photos.

One of the most common concerns of patients seeking facial plastic surgery in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties is puffiness and drooping of the eyelids which cause an aged and tired appearance. Since the eyes express so much about a person's state of being and youthfulness, even early drooping of the lids can disproportionately create an illusion of aging and fatigue. Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty treats the excess sagging skin or "hooding" and the under eye "bags." It can therefore have tremendous impact on one's overall appearance without necessitating a very invasive procedure.

If you're considering eyelid surgery or another type of facial cosmetic surgery in the San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria or Fresno areas we invite you to call (805) 481-3733 or send us an email today to request your consultation with Dr. Paul Stallman. During your appointment, Dr. Stallman will take the time to answer all of your questions about eyelid surgery and review additional blepharoplasty before and after photos that are not available online.

Blepharoplasty for San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Fresno Patients

Dr. Stallman performs eyelid surgery as an outpatient procedure for cosmetic surgery patients from Santa Barbara to Paso Robles. Blepharoplasty usually causes just minimal discomfort. Typically, a laser method is utilized. Laser eyelid surgery usually results in less swelling and bruising than with older scalpel methods. The laser seals blood vessels as the procedure is performed and often results in a near bloodless surgery. This is a significant advantage over the older procedures.

The upper eyelid is addressed by placing an incision into the natural crease of the lid where it is very well camouflaged. There, excess skin folds and prominent fat are removed. Fine sutures are placed into the crease incision and are left in position for about one week. The procedure reveals a more youthful, rested appearing eye and does not create an artificial "surprised look." It may even improve peripheral vision by reducing the upper lid skin fold. Sometimes excess lid skin may be a sign of a drooping brow. If this is the case, a browlift may be needed to achieve a good outcome.

A hidden incision inside the lower lid is used to address lower lid puffiness. Prominent fat pockets are reduced and re-contoured to smooth the appearance of the lids. In contrast to older procedures, this hidden approach does not leave any visible scars and generally does not alter the overall shape of the lids. Wrinkled, redundant skin of the lower lid is often improved with chemical peels or laser skin resurfacing. Large amounts of excess skin may require some skin excision.

For patients seeking even less invasive procedures, fillers such as Restylane®, Juvéderm™, and Radiesse® can be used to treat the area around the eyes. Lower lid puffiness can be significantly camouflaged, cheek volume enhanced and wrinkles filled. BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments may also be performed to limit frown creasing, "crow's feet" and elevate the brows. This can be performed in the office with minimal down time!

Dr. Stallman offers his San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria and Fresno cosmetic surgery patients both non-invasive procedures and additional plastic surgery to complement their blepharoplasty. Call him at (805) 481-3733 or send an email today to find out more.