Eyelid Lift

Preparing for Eyelid Surgery: Tips for a Smooth Recovery

You’ve scheduled your eyelid surgery, and the procedure itself feels like the finish line. In reality, the days and weeks leading up to surgery matter just as much as the surgery itself. The right preparation reduces swelling, lowers your risk of complications, and sets you up to heal faster with better results.

Here’s what actually moves the needle before and after blepharoplasty.

In the Weeks Before Surgery

Get Your Bloodwork and Medications in Order

Your surgeon will likely request bloodwork to confirm you’re a good surgical candidate. This is also the time to disclose every medication and supplement you take, since several common ones thin the blood and increase bruising risk.

  • Stop blood thinners like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen at least one to two weeks out (with your surgeon’s specific guidance)
  • Pause certain supplements, including fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, and ginger, which all carry mild blood-thinning effects
  • Avoid alcohol for at least 48 to 72 hours before surgery, since it dehydrates tissue and can worsen swelling
  • Disclose all prescriptions, even ones that seem unrelated, so your surgical team can […]
By |July 20th, 2026|
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The Ingredients of Droopy Eyelids: Why Blepharoplasty May Not Be the Only Answer

By Dr. Eric Ahn, Oculofacial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon | Awaken Aesthetics, Torrance, CA

“My eyes look droopy.” “My eyelids are hooded.” “I just look tired all the time.”

I hear some version of this in nearly every upper eyelid consultation. The patient has done their research, they’ve already decided they need an upper blepharoplasty — eyelid skin removal — and they want to know the next steps.

Sometimes they’re right. But more often than people expect, the droopy appearance they’re seeing isn’t caused by one thing. It’s caused by several things happening simultaneously, and if you only address one of them, you’ll be disappointed with the result.

This is the most important concept I teach in my practice, and it’s the one I rarely see covered well anywhere online.

The “Ingredients” Approach

I explain this to patients using a cooking analogy. When you taste a dish, you experience the final flavor — but that flavor is made up of individual ingredients. Change one ingredient and the whole dish tastes different.

By |July 20th, 2026|
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Lifting Sagging Upper Eyelids: Non-Surgical Options or Eyelid Surgery?

Sagging upper eyelids creep up gradually, then one day you catch your reflection and wonder when you started looking tired all the time. It’s one of the most common signs of facial aging, and also one of the most misunderstood. Many people reach for non-surgical options first, hoping for a quick fix. Sometimes that works. Often, it doesn’t go far enough.

Let’s break down why upper eyelid sagging happens, what non-surgical treatments can realistically achieve, and when eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) becomes the better long-term solution.

Why Upper Eyelids Sag in the First Place

The skin above your eyes sits in a uniquely thin, delicate spot on the face, which makes it one of the first areas to show age-related changes.

  • Collagen and elastin decline. Skin loses structural support starting in your late 20s and accelerates with each decade.
  • Gravity pulls steadily. Years of repeated muscle movement and gravitational pull stretch the skin over time.
  • Fat pads shift. Some fat herniates forward and creates puffiness, while other areas hollow out and create a sunken look.
  • Brow position drops.
By |July 1st, 2026|
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5 Reasons to Plan Eyelid Surgery This Spring

Subtle changes around the eyes can significantly affect how rested and alert your face appears. Over time, excess skin, heaviness, or puffiness may create a tired look and, in some cases, interfere with vision. 

Eyelid surgery is a highly effective way to address these concerns with long-lasting results. Planning this procedure in spring allows adequate healing time so your results look natural and settled well before summer activities begin.

1. Corrects Drooping Upper Eyelids Before They Worsen

Drooping upper eyelids tend to progress gradually over time. Skin laxity, muscle weakening, and gravity can all contribute to increased hooding that may eventually affect vision or daily comfort.

Scheduling eyelid surgery in spring allows you to:

  • Address sagging before it becomes more severe 
  • Restore a natural eyelid crease 
  • Improve symmetry between the eyes 

Early intervention can lead to more refined results and help prevent compensatory brow strain or eye fatigue.

2. Improves a Tired or Aged Appearance

The eyes play a major role in facial expression. Excess eyelid skin or puffiness can create a tired, heavy, or older appearance even […]

By |February 15th, 2026|
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Brow Lift Recovery: Why Your Surgeon’s Technique Matters

A brow lift can dramatically refresh the upper face, softening a tired or heavy appearance while restoring balance to the eyes and forehead. While many people focus on the results of a brow lift, the recovery experience is just as important. 

At Awaken Aesthetics, brow lift procedures are carefully customized using a range of techniques. Selecting the right approach not only improves aesthetic results but also plays a major role in how smoothly you recover.

What a Brow Lift Addresses

Over time, the brow can gradually descend due to aging, muscle activity, and loss of skin elasticity. This can create a range of concerns, including:

  • A heavy or hooded appearance over the eyes
  • Deep forehead creases or frown lines
  • Brows that sit too low or appear uneven
  • A tired or stern facial expression

In many cases, brow descent also contributes to upper eyelid sagging. This is why a brow lift is often performed alongside upper eyelid surgery to achieve balanced, natural-looking results.

Why Technique Matters for Recovery

There is no […]

By |January 10th, 2026|
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Addressing Sagging Upper Eyelids: When Surgery Beats Non-Surgical Treatments

Sagging upper eyelids can make the face appear tired, older, or less alert, even when you feel well rested. For some, drooping skin can also interfere with vision or cause eye strain by the end of the day. 

At Awaken Aesthetics, both surgical and non-surgical options are carefully evaluated to determine what will deliver safe, natural-looking results. When it comes to significant sagging, upper eyelid surgery is often the clear choice.

What Causes Sagging Upper Eyelids?

Upper eyelid drooping typically develops due to a combination of factors, including:

  • Natural aging and loss of skin elasticity
  • Genetics that influence eyelid shape and skin thickness
  • Repeated facial movements over time
  • Sun damage that weakens collagen and elastin
  • Fat redistribution or muscle weakening around the eyes

Because the eyelid skin is extremely thin and delicate, even small changes can create noticeable sagging or hooding. DISCOVER MORE IN OUR GALLERY

*Individual Results May Vary

Why the Upper Eyelid Is Different From Other Areas

Non-surgical […]

By |January 1st, 2026|
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Combining Eyelid Surgery with a Brow Lift or Laser: What You Should Know

Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is one of the most effective ways to refresh the eye area by addressing sagging, drooping, or puffy lids. While eyelid surgery can be performed on its own, some people choose to combine it with other procedures to achieve more comprehensive results. 

What Does Eyelid Surgery or Blepharoplasty Treat?

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the upper or lower eyelids. It removes or repositions excess skin and fat to create a more youthful, rested look. 

Upper eyelid surgery corrects hooded lids and folds that can weigh down the eyes, while lower eyelid surgery reduces puffiness and smooths out under-eye bags.

Because eyelid surgery focuses on the eyelids themselves, it is the most effective way to correct loose, sagging eyelid skin that obscures the natural eyelid crease or creates a tired appearance.

Combining Eyelid Surgery with a Brow Lift

A brow lift raises the eyebrows and smooths the forehead, which can enhance the results of eyelid surgery. Drooping brows can worsen the appearance of hooded lids, and lifting them can open up the eye area even further.

By |August 10th, 2025|
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Am I Too Young (or Too Old) for Eyelid Surgery? Age Considerations Explained

While age is often associated with drooping lids or under-eye bags, it is not the only factor that determines whether you are a good candidate for eyelid surgery. Genetics, lifestyle habits, and overall eyelid anatomy also play a significant role. Understanding these factors can help you determine the right time for eyelid surgery.

What is Eyelid Surgery or Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes or repositions excess skin and fat from the upper or lower eyelids. It tightens the delicate tissue surrounding the eyes, creating a more open and youthful appearance. 

Upper eyelid surgery addresses hooded or sagging lids, while lower eyelid surgery reduces puffiness and smooths under-eye bags.

This procedure is often performed on its own, but can also be combined with other facial procedures for a more comprehensive result.

What Does Eyelid Surgery Treat?

Eyelid surgery is designed to correct a range of concerns, including:

  • Drooping or hooded upper lids that can interfere with vision
  • Puffy fat deposits above or beneath the eyes
  • Loose or stretched eyelid skin […]
By |August 1st, 2025|
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Upper vs. Lower Eyelid Surgery: What’s the Difference and Which Do You Need?

Over time, the thin skin around the eyes can stretch and droop, and fat pads can shift, leading to issues like puffiness, under-eye bags, and sagging lids. 

Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty corrects these concerns by carefully removing or repositioning excess skin and fat. Depending on your needs, it can be performed on the upper lids, lower lids, or both.

What is Eyelid Surgery or Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a highly customizable surgical procedure designed to refresh the eyes and restore a more youthful appearance. 

  • Upper eyelid surgery addresses sagging or hooded lids that can obscure the natural eyelid crease or, in some cases, affect peripheral vision. 
  • Lower eyelid surgery focuses on under-eye puffiness, fat deposits, and loose skin that create shadows or wrinkles.

The procedure involves removing or repositioning fat, tightening muscles, and trimming excess skin as needed. The result is smoother, firmer contours around the eyes and a brighter, more rested look.

Upper vs. Lower Eyelid Surgery: What’s the Difference?

Upper eyelid surgery focuses solely on the tissue above the eyes. A small incision is made along the natural crease of the […]

By |July 20th, 2025|
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How Much Does Blepharoplasty Cost in 2025?

As we age, the skin around our eyes can begin to sag or develop puffiness, which not only affects our appearance but can also impact our vision. Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a popular procedure that can rejuvenate the eyes by removing excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids. In 2025, the cost of blepharoplasty varies depending on several factors, including whether the surgery is performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. 

What is Blepharoplasty or Eyelid Surgery?

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at removing excess skin, fat, or muscle from the upper or lower eyelids. This surgery can enhance both the appearance and functionality of the eyes. Many patients opt for blepharoplasty to address common signs of aging, such as sagging eyelids or puffiness under the eyes. However, it can also be performed for medical reasons if drooping eyelids obstruct vision. Whether for cosmetic or functional reasons, blepharoplasty offers a way to achieve a more youthful and alert look.

How Much Does Blepharoplasty Cost in 2025?

The cost of blepharoplasty varies based on the area being treated and other factors, […]

By |February 1st, 2025|
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How Soon Can You Resume Work and Activities After Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a popular procedure designed to rejuvenate the appearance of the eyes by removing excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. This surgery is performed to address common concerns such as drooping eyelids, puffiness, and under-eye bags. It helps enhance the overall appearance, making patients look more refreshed and youthful. 

What is Blepharoplasty or Eyelid Surgery?

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, involves the removal or repositioning of excess skin, fat, and muscle around the eyes. This procedure can be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids and is typically done for cosmetic purposes but can also be functional when eyelid sagging impairs vision. The goal of blepharoplasty is to create a more youthful and alert appearance, often improving facial aesthetics and self-confidence.

How is Eyelid Surgery Done?

During eyelid surgery, small incisions are made along the natural folds of the eyelids, allowing the surgeon to remove excess skin and fat or tighten the underlying muscles. The incisions are strategically placed to minimize visible scarring. The surgery generally takes between one to three hours, depending on whether […]

By |January 15th, 2025|
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Upper vs. Lower Blepharoplasty: Which is Right for Me?

As your delicate eyelid skin ages and loses collagen, your eyes can start to look tired or droopy, and you can start to notice puffiness and undereye bags. Blepharoplasty or an eyelid lift is the most effective way to restore your smooth, rejuvenated eyelids and energized look. What type of blepharoplasty you need depends on the concerns you want to address. 

What is Blepharoplasty or an Eyelid Lift?

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure used to restore a firm, youthful appearance to your eye area. An eyelid lift on the upper lids is called an upper blepharoplasty, while on the lower lids, it is called a lower blepharoplasty. While you can have one or the other, many people have concerns in both areas, including wrinkles, eye bags, and drooping skin that hides your eyes and can even get in the way of your vision.   View More Patient Results

*Individual Results May Vary

Upper vs. Lower Blepharoplasty: Which is Right for Me?

During your consultation, your surgeon will review the areas you want to address and which option will best accomplish those goals. 

Upper Blepharoplasty

By |November 10th, 2024|
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How Long Does Blepharoplasty Surgery Take?

Collagen makes up most of your skin’s structure and support, but levels decline as you age. This collagen loss makes the thin skin around your eyes even thinner, leading to concerns like drooping upper eyelids, puffy undereye bags, and wrinkles. Blepharoplasty surgery effectively rejuvenates your eyes, restoring your alert, confident look. 

What is Blepharoplasty Surgery?

Because the eye area is so vulnerable to the effects of aging, wrinkles and drooping can appear here earlier than other parts of your face. Blepharoplasty surgery, often called eyelid surgery or an eyelid lift, is performed on the upper or lower lids to correct signs of aging and give the eyes a brighter, more open appearance. Although it treats a small area, this procedure can refresh your entire face. View More Patient Results

*Individual Results May Vary

How Long Does Blepharoplasty Surgery Take?

Upper or lower blepharoplasty surgery is usually performed with light sedation and local anesthesia, keeping you relaxed and comfortable. While each procedure differs in detail, an upper eyelid lift usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, while a lower eyelid lift may […]

By |September 1st, 2024|
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Eyelid Lift vs. Brow Lift, Which One is Right For Me?

Do you struggle with looking tired even after a full night of rest? Are you having trouble putting makeup on in the morning because it cakes or creases over the eyelid?

Then you may be a perfect candidate for an eyebrow and/or an eyelid lift. These procedures correct sagging skin to give a more youthful and well-refreshed appearance. 

But, which procedure is right for you–eyebrow or eyelid lift? View More Patient Results

*Individual Results May Vary

Brow Lift vs. Eyelid Lift

These two procedures work around the eyes, but they have different methods and focuses.

Brow Lift

An eyebrow lift readjusts the eyebrow back to its natural position and adjusts the skin to smooth out the forehead lines. If you have difficulty applying eyeshadow due to your eyelid skin disappearing, a brow lift may be best for you.

The eyebrow should sit above the bone for women and right on the bone for men. With age, however, the eyebrow droops down. During the day, the eyebrow will lift itself, causing wrinkles and crinkles on the forehead. An eyebrow lift […]

By |May 5th, 2022|
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What is Recovery Like After an Eyelid Lift?

Are sagging eyelids making people ask if you got enough sleep last night? Drooping eyelid skin can make you look older and take energy away from your face. An eyelid lift restores your youthful, bright-eyed appearance, so you look and feel rejuvenated. Recovery takes a few weeks but results last a lifetime. 

What is an Eyelid Lift?

The upper and lower eyelids start to sag as we age. At the same time, fat pads under the skin can begin to shift, creating undereye bags. Loose upper eyelid skin makes the eyes look hooded and tired, while the skin of the lower eyelids becomes thinner and stretches. An eyelid lift or blepharoplasty gives you a more youthful and refreshed eye area. Drs. Ahn specialize in facial plastic surgery, especially in the eye area, and can restore your eyelids to a more alert and awake appearance.  View More Patient Results

*Individual Results May Vary

How Does an Eyelid Lift Work?

Your surgeon performs an upper eyelid lift by making a small incision hidden in the crease of the eyelid. The skin is lifted, and excess skin […]

By |April 3rd, 2022|
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Should I Have a Revision Blepharoplasty?

Did you have a blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) hoping for different results? A revision blepharoplasty can improve the results of a previous eyelid lift. Even if you are happy with your results and just want to rejuvenate them, a revision blepharoplasty can give your eyes the look you want to achieve. View More Patient Results

*Individual Results May Vary

What is a Revision Blepharoplasty?

A revision blepharoplasty improves or revises the results of a previous blepharoplasty. Blepharoplasty is a procedure that corrects sagging or tired-looking eyelids and restores a brighter, more youthful appearance. Your surgeon may perform blepharoplasty on the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both. 

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

An upper blepharoplasty removes skin from the upper eyelid using an incision hidden in one of the eyelid creases. It also lifts the skin to correct sagging or drooping, making the eyes look more alert and energetic. 

Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

A lower blepharoplasty lifts the undereye skin and removes excess fat pads to remove the appearance of drooping, undereye bags, and dark shadows. The eye area looks noticeably younger and less tired. 

Should […]

By |February 14th, 2022|
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Is a Blepharoplasty Part of a Facelift?

If you’re interested in getting a facelift, then it’s safe to say you want to get the best results possible.

After all, you want your facial appearance to match how you feel inside – and you feel as youthful as you did in your twenties!

But while researching a facelift, you may have noticed conflicting information about whether or not an eyelid lift (also known as a blepharoplasty) is included.

For that reason, let’s explore one of the most common questions we get during our facelift consultations: “Is blepharoplasty part of a facelift?” View More Patient Results

*Individual Results May Vary

Is an Eyelid Lift Part of a Facelift?

The answer is, it depends on the results you want from your surgical procedure.

Here’s the scoop: a blepharoplasty procedure is commonly added to a facelift to help produce maximum results, but it doesn’t have to be part of a facelift. That’s because a facelift can be localized to target facial areas where aging is most obvious, like around the jawline or lower cheeks. In this example, an […]

By |January 3rd, 2021|
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What is the Best Procedure for Drooping Eyelids?

Sick of staring at drooping eyelids every time you look in the bathroom mirror?

Whether you get your eight hours every night or you need coffee running through your veins, it’s no secret that drooping eyelids can make you look overly fatigued and older than your actual years. Plus, for some people, drooping eyelids can be so bad that they actually impede vision(!). 

If you’re currently battling with drooping eyelids, help is on the way. Read on to learn more about the best procedure for drooping eyelids, including how to tell if you’d make a good candidate. View More Patient Results

*Individual Results May Vary

Blepharoplasty: The Best Procedure for Drooping Eyelids

Blepharoplasty – also known as an eyelid lift – is a surgical procedure designed to not only correct drooping eyelids, but also minimize signs of aging, like crow’s feet, undereye bags, and more. An eyelid lift can help erase years of aging around your eyes, bringing back the youthful and alert appearance that often disappears to drooping eyelids.

Blepharoplasty works to correct drooping eyelids by readjusting the muscles […]

By |August 11th, 2019|
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How Much Does an Eyelid Lift Cost?

If you have droopy or sagging eyelids or fatty undereye bags, you may be a good candidate for an eyelid lift. This popular surgical procedure is a great choice for candidates who want to look more rested and alert, as well as tackle saggy eyelids, fatty undereye bags, and other signs of aging around the eyes.

But exactly how much does an eyelid lift cost? Let’s take a look: VIEW MORE PATIENT PHOTOS

The Average Cost of an Eyelid Lift in 2019

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of an eyelid lift in 2017 was $3,026; this was the year when data was last available, so you should expect the cost to have slightly increased since then. This cost doesn’t include any fees associated with the surgical center, anesthesia costs, prescription medications, and other expenses. Therefore, you should expect the cost of your eyelid lift to be a bit higher.

The cost of your eyelid lift may be more or less expensive than the average price, as the procedure costs are influenced by where you’re located and the experience level of your plastic surgeon. For example, if you’re based in San Francisco or Los Angeles, […]

By |February 1st, 2019|
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How Much Does an Eyelid Lift Cost?

When it comes to improving the appearance of sagging skin, undereye bags, and drooping eyelids, an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) can perform wonders. This popular cosmetic surgery removes excess skin around the eyes, eliminates fatty bags, and restore a more youthful appearance.

It all sounds great – but exactly how much does an eyelid lift cost? View Patient Results

How Much Does an Eyelid Lift Cost?

Unfortunately, there’s no one set answer for how much an eyelid lift can cost, as there are so many variables that go into determining price. Usually you can expect your eyelid lift costs to start at about $3000. But before you book your consultation, keep in mind that this cost doesn’t include anesthesia, operation fees, and the cost of prescriptions during your recovery.

It’s also important to note that your eyelid lift costs will vary depending on whether you’re getting an upper blepharoplasty, a lower blepharoplasty, or both. Your plastic surgeon should give you a better idea of how much your eyelid lift surgeries will cost during your consultation.

Eyelid Lift […]

By |August 29th, 2018|
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How Long is Recovery Time From an Eyelift?

Are you interested in undergoing an eyelift surgery, but not sure you have the time to devote to recovery?

It’s an understandable concern. After all, some plastic surgery procedures often require a lot of recovery time – and if you have a busy lifestyle, you can’t exactly afford to take weeks off. Between your job, your family, and everything else in between, it’s no exaggeration to say that you don’t have the luxury of free time to devote to recovery.

So with that in mind, how long is recovery time from an eyelift?

Surprisingly, an eyelift (also referred to as a blepharoplasty) doesn’t require a significant amount of recovery time. Actually, you might be pleasantly shocked to learn that you can return to work in as little as 2 to 3 days, depending on your job. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from the eyelift recovery process:

  • If you have a non-manual job, you can usually go back to work after a few days of rest. If you have a job that requires manual work, you’ll need to get sign-off from your plastic surgeon before going […]
By |May 26th, 2018|
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