Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) San Diego
Eyelid lift surgery or blepharoplasty is designed to treat excess skin and bulging fat around the eyes. These eyelid problems often arise as people age.
Top San Diego board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Vincent Marin, carries nearly two decades worth of experience in this field. At Marin Aesthetics, he annually performs dozens of successful eyelid surgeries to correct these concerns.
Cost & Financing
In La Jolla and San Diego, eyelid surgery typically costs from $4500 – $6500. The final cost will depend on miscellaneous medical expenses, including the surgeon’s fee, operating room (OR) and anesthesia fees, and the amount of tissue that must be excised from the eyelids.
Here at Marin Aesthetics, we accept cash, personal checks, and all major credit cards.
Blepharoplasty Techniques
This involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the lower eyelids. The incision is made along the lash line or inside the eyelid if no skin is to be removed. Both skin excision and fat removal can be performed from this approach. Lower lid tightening procedures are also common to maintain proper positioning of the lower lid.
Crow’s feet and droopy eyelids that limit vision are often reversed through upper eyelid surgery. The incisions will be made along the crease of the upper lid, which frequently leaves an invisible scar. From this approach, excess upper eyelid fat can be removed as well.
This is an eyelid lift procedure that adjusts specific structures and removes excess fat from the upper lids. The incision is closed to create a noticeable crease in the upper eyelids to better complement the natural features of Asian patients.
Before & During the Surgery
Before & During Eyelid Surgery
Anesthesia
Eyelid surgery is better tolerated under general anesthesia. In addition, your eyes will be constantly lubricated with eye drops throughout the procedure.
Your Team
Dr. Vincent Marin will be leading the surgery. Assisting him will be a board-certified Scripps Memorial anesthesiologist, a Scrub Tech, and a fully licensed registered nurse.
Surgery Time
The typical eyelid surgery takes anywhere from 1 – 2 hours to complete.
What to expect for your
EYELID SURGERY (BLEPHAROPLASTY)
Length
1 – 2 hours
Anesthesia
General (occasionally local with IV sedation for smaller procedures)
in/outpatient
Outpatient
Duration of Results
About 5 – 10 years depending on which technique is used
rISKS
Pain, bleeding, infection, incomplete improvement, nerve damage (rare)
rECOVERY
Back to work w/ makeup: 1 – 2 weeks
Strenuous activities: 3 – 4 weeks
SIDE EFFECTS
Temporary swelling, bruising, mild pain, mild nose bleeding
Final APPEARANCE
6 months for swelling to resolve, 2 – 3 weeks for noticeable swelling to resolve
Recovery & Scars
Eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure and you can return home once cleared by Dr. Marin. It can take up to 1 – 2 months before you fully recover from upper and lower eyelid surgery. Swelling can persist longer that is worsened with exercise or “head down” activities such as yoga.
A cold compress can help manage immediate post-op swelling and bruising, while prescription eye drops or artificial tears will help restore eye lubrication and tear film. You can expect blurred vision for 1 – 2 days and once cleared, you may return to work and resume activities such as chores. You may also begin using make-up again after Dr. Marin has deemed the incisions healed. You can resume regular exercise and other strenuous activities after 3 – 4 weeks.
The scars from eyelid surgery will be unnoticeable or hidden along your natural creases, lash lines, or inner eyelids.
After researching & consulting many doctors in three different states I opted to go with Dr. Marin because he was the only doctor that not only offered his professional opinions but truly considered my personal concerns & expectations. When I first spoke to him & explained what my wants & concerns he didn’t rush to give me an answer. He asked more questions & took his time to consider all the options before helping me come up with the best plan for me specifically. He knows what he’s doing & he truly cares about his patients. I felt comfortable in his care & confident in his abilities. His staff is incredible. They all made me feel so comfortable & cared for. There were so many times I emailed with questions & every time I received a quick & thorough response, even after hours.
RealSelf
Your New Look After Eyelid Surgery
Within 1 – 2 weeks, you may begin to notice a difference in your appearance – a brighter and more youthful look around the eyes. As the swelling settles down, the eyes take an even more refined appearance with the gradual recovery.
The results of eyelid surgery can last for many years – brightening your appearance, and allowing your eyes to reflect your renewed self-confidence and youthful spirit.
Ideal Candidates
Generally, patients who experience any of the following traits tend to be ideal candidates for surgery:
- Drooping skin along the center of the upper eyelids
- Hooding of the lateral eyelid skin
- Excess fat and skin in either eyelid that is causing vision problems
- Crow’s feet and other wrinkles
- Puffy eyes due to fat deposits or eyebags along the lower eyelids
Due to the perceived similarities between eyelid lifts and brow lifts, it is recommended to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine which procedure is right for you.