Blepharoplasty in Irvine, CA
Blepharoplasty, also known as cosmetic eyelid surgery, refreshes tired-looking eyes by removing excess skin and redistributing fat from the upper and/or lower lids. The procedure is ideal for men and women bothered by droopy lids, puffy under-eye bags, or vision obstruction caused by sagging skin. With meticulous technique and hidden incisions, our surgeons reveal brighter, more youthful eyes while preserving your natural facial expression.
Expert Surgeons
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Serving Orange County Since 2012
Procedure Quick Facts:
- Duration of Procedure:1–2 hours
- Anesthesia:Twilight (IV Sedation) or Local with Sedation
- Recovery:Back to most activities in 7–10 days
- Results Duration:Long-lasting, with aging continuing naturally
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that rejuvenates the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. During surgery, our surgeons remove excess skin, tighten lax muscles, and gently reposition or remove protruding fat pockets that cause puffiness. Incisions are placed within natural creases or inside the lower lid (transconjunctival) so they remain virtually invisible once healed.
The goal is not to change your eyes, but to restore the smooth contours you enjoyed years ago. By addressing heaviness, under-eye bags, and fine wrinkles, blepharoplasty helps you look well-rested, alert, and approachable without looking "done."
If you're considering blepharoplasty, South Coast Plastic Surgery is here to guide you through every step. Dr. Kyle Song and Dr. Paige Benyamein will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan that addresses your concerns and helps you achieve your aesthetic goals.
- Brightens Tired-Looking EyesRemoving loose skin and under-eye bags eliminates shadows that make you appear fatigued, allowing your natural energy and expression to shine through.
- Restores Unobstructed VisionExcess upper-lid skin can hang over the lashes and limit peripheral vision. Blepharoplasty lifts the lid, improving your visual field and daily comfort.
- Creates a Smoother Makeup CanvasWith tighter, wrinkle-free lids, eye makeup applies more evenly and stays in place longer, expanding your cosmetic options and boosting confidence.
- Enhances Overall Facial HarmonyWell-defined eyelid contours subtly refresh the entire face, complementing other features without altering your fundamental appearance.
- Long-Lasting RejuvenationBecause fat and excess skin are surgically addressed, results typically last for many years, making blepharoplasty a worthwhile investment in yourself.
- Boosts Self-ConfidenceLooking more awake and approachable often translates into greater self-assurance at work, in social settings, and in photographs.
Watch our videos to see real patient results, learn from our experts, and discover what makes South Coast Plastic Surgery a trusted choice in Orange County.
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Smooths under-eye bags and puffiness for a rested appearance
Removes drooping skin that can obstruct peripheral vision and cause irritation
Reveals natural eyelid creases, allowing eye makeup to sit beautifully
Delivers subtle yet substantial facial rejuvenation without changing eye shape
Every eye is unique. Our surgeons offer several approaches to address your specific concerns and will recommend the option that best suits your anatomy and goals.
Upper Blepharoplasty
Focuses on the upper eyelids, removing redundant skin and small fat pockets that create heaviness or vision obstruction. The incision is hidden in the natural eyelid crease, leaving a virtually invisible scar. Ideal for patients bothered by droopy lids, hooding, or makeup smudging.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Targets under-eye bags, excess skin, and fine wrinkles. Depending on your anatomy, the incision is either just below the lash line or inside the lower lid (transconjunctival). Fat is repositioned or removed, and skin is gently tightened for a smooth, youthful contour.
Quad Blepharoplasty
Combines upper and lower eyelid surgery in a single procedure for comprehensive rejuvenation. This approach balances the entire eye area, ensuring harmonious, natural-looking results in patients with concerns affecting both lids.
Transconjunctival Lower Blepharoplasty
Performed through an incision inside the lower eyelid, leaving no external scar. Best for younger patients with prominent fat pads but good skin tone, it allows precise fat removal or repositioning without skin excision.
See real results from our patients
Dr. Kyle Song and Dr. Paige Benyamein combine precise surgical skill with artistic vision to refresh the delicate eye area. Their extensive experience in facial aesthetics and commitment to natural results ensure your eyes look brighter, not different.
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Beauty Inside-Out
We treat beyond the visible, caring for your inner wellness as much as your outer beauty. Every aesthetic treatment is provided with warm and exceptional care to elevate your well-being and confidence.
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Unmatched Predictability
Visualize your potential results with cutting-edge Crisalix 3D imaging, ensuring clarity and confidence from the start of your cosmetic journey. Our transparent planning process covers every detail, from realistic expectations to comprehensive pricing.
Expert Healing
Your personalized care plan doesn't end when you leave the operating room. Adoreal's automated recovery prompts guide you through a personalized healing journey, including 24/7 access to your surgical team to address questions or concerns. Track your aesthetic recovery progress in real-time, receive important reminders, and experience peace of mind knowing that expert support is always available.
Protected Investment
We stand behind our work with comprehensive warranty coverage that protects your aesthetic outcomes long after your final follow-up. Your care includes up to 5 years of medical complication protection, a 2-year satisfaction guarantee for minor adjustments, and lifetime implant monitoring for eligible cases. Combined with ongoing access to your complete medical records and continued support from our team, you can trust that your journey to confidence is backed by expertise, technology, and a genuine commitment to your long-term well-being.
A Customized Approach to Breast Procedures in Irvine & Ladera Ranch
Your consultation is a private, personalized experience designed around your goals.
Our surgeon will also assess individual factors such as eyelid skin quality, fat pad prominence, and brow position, along with your personal preferences to determine the best approach for your goals.
- Your aesthetic goals and vision for your eyes
- Full medical history and current medications
- Upper vs. lower lid or combined surgical options
- Recovery timeline, activity restrictions, and scar care
- Potential risks and how we minimize them
- Pricing, financing, and scheduling logistics
Ideal candidates are healthy adults with droopy lids, under-eye bags, or vision interference who want a long-lasting surgical solution. Your consultation helps confirm candidacy and customize the plan.
Good overall health with no uncontrolled medical conditions
Non-smoker or willing to quit before and after surgery
Realistic expectations about surgical results and recovery
Noticeable excess skin, fat, or puffiness around the eyes
No active eye infections or serious ocular conditions
Ability to take 1–2 weeks off for social recovery
Commitment to following post-operative instructions
This personalized assessment ensures your consultation is tailored specifically to you, with no obligation. Your wellness journey, our commitment.
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Comprehensive Consultation & Assessment
Your journey begins with a private consultation with Dr. Song or Dr. Benyamein. This visit is focused on understanding what changes you'd like to see and whether blepharoplasty is the right solution for your concerns.
During your consultation, your surgeon will:
• • Review your medical history and current health
• • Examine upper and lower lids for skin excess, fat, and laxity
• • Discuss surgical approaches and incision placement
• • Explain anesthesia, recovery expectations, and potential risks
• • Use imaging to preview likely outcomes and set realistic goals
Together, you'll create a surgical plan tailored to your anatomy and lifestyle, with safety and realistic outcomes as the priority.
The Blepharoplasty Procedure
Your comfort is ensured with twilight anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, allowing you to rest comfortably throughout the procedure.
During the procedure:
• • Precise incisions are placed in the eyelid crease or inside the lower lid
• • Excess skin is trimmed, and fat pads are removed or repositioned
• • Muscle and tissue are tightened to restore smooth contours
• • Tiny sutures close the incisions, minimizing visible scarring
Once complete, ointment is applied, and you’ll relax in recovery before returning home the same day with detailed aftercare instructions.
Blepharoplasty Recovery Timeline
Recovery experiences vary, but most patients follow a similar general timeline.
Immediately after surgery
Mild blurry vision from ointment, tightness, and light pressure dressings; cold compresses help reduce swelling.
First few days
• • Swelling and bruising peak then begin to subside
• • Use prescribed eye drops and keep head elevated
• • Most patients feel comfortable reading or watching TV
Weeks 1-2
• • Sutures removed around day 5–7
• • Makeup allowed after clearance
• • Return to desk work and light activity
Weeks 3-4
•• Bruising minimal; residual swelling continues to fade
• • Cleared for exercise and contact lenses if comfortable
You'll receive personalized post-operative instructions and follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns.
Your Blepharoplasty Results
Blepharoplasty results are visible right away, though your eye area will continue to refine as swelling resolves and tissues settle.
Early results
Eyelids appear smoother and lighter once initial swelling subsides within the first two weeks.
Following weeks
Incision lines fade, and lid contours become more defined, revealing a rested, youthful look.
Final results
By three to six months, incisions are barely noticeable, and the eye area maintains its rejuvenated appearance for years.
With proper care and healthy lifestyle habits, blepharoplasty results can last many years, helping you look refreshed and confident every day.
- Days 3 - 5
- Week 1 - 2
- Week 2 - 3
- Week 4 - 6
- Month 2 - 3
- Month 4 - 6
- Long time
Blepharoplasty Results and Safety Considerations
Understanding how surgical technique, anatomy, and healing affect blepharoplasty results can help you set realistic expectations and feel confident in your decision.
Achieving Natural-Looking Results
Natural results begin with a deep understanding of eyelid anatomy. Our surgeons remove only the tissue necessary to smooth bulges and lift heaviness, preserving vital structures that support healthy blinking and expression. Precise fat repositioning softens hollows without hollowing the eyes, while conservative skin excision prevents an over-tight or "surprised" look. Collaboration during consultation ensures your personal aesthetic goals guide every surgical decision.
Where Are the Incisions?
Incisions are placed where they can be hidden within existing creases or inside the eyelid.
Upper lid crease incision (hidden in natural fold)
Incisions are carefully planned to follow natural contours and are closed with precision to support proper healing and minimize long-term visibility.
Is Scarring a Concern?
Because eyelid skin is thin and vascular, scars typically heal exceptionally well and blend into surrounding creases. Diligent scar care and sun protection further enhance fading.
Scar Healing Timeline
As your body heals, scars will change gradually over time:
Weeks 1-2
Scars may appear pink and slightly raised
Months 1-3
Incision lines flatten and begin to lighten
Around 6 months
Scars blend into natural creases, often becoming barely visible
1-2 years
Continued maturation can further soften and lighten scars
Following post-operative instructions and recommended scar care plays an important role in how scars mature.
Understanding Risks and Safety
Understanding Risks and Safety
Blepharoplasty is generally safe when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon in an accredited surgical facility. However, as with any surgery, there are potential risks to be aware of.
Potential risks may include:
• Bleeding or hematoma
• Infection
• Dry eyes or irritation
• Temporary blurred or double vision
• Asymmetry or contour irregularities
• Difficulty closing eyes completely during early healing
Your surgeon will review these risks with you in detail during your consultation and explain how they are minimized through careful planning, surgical technique, and follow-up care.
Reducing Your Risk
Your safety is a top priority at South Coast Plastic Surgery. Steps taken to support a safe blepharoplasty experience include:
• Thorough pre-operative evaluation
• Precise surgical planning tailored to your anatomy
• Surgery performed in a fully accredited facility
• Detailed post-operative instructions and follow-up care
By choosing an experienced surgical team and following recovery guidelines closely, most patients heal well and are satisfied with their blepharoplasty results.
The cost of your procedure will vary based on a variety of factors. During your consultation, your doctor will discuss your desired outcomes in detail and provide a fully transparent breakdown of all associated costs. Our practice helps patients achieve their aesthetic goals with a variety of financing options.
Financing options available through:
Trusted by Our Community
4.8/5 stars for 334 reviews / 90% word-of-mouth referral rate / Over 15 years serving Orange County
Dr. Song performed my breast implant surgery nearly 10 yrs ago with the ideal breast implant. I've had no issues in this time. I live on the other side of the country now, but I would've loved to come back for removal, since I'm on an all natural journey. I hope to find someone who can take care of me, keep me safe, & assured during & after surgery as Dr. Song & his staff did.
N. Snoozzz
Thank you Dr. Song. I’m 10 days post opp and am so happy with my experience with my mommy makeover! I can’t tell you how comfortable Dr. Song and his staff made me feel throughout this whole process. Surgery is a bit of a scary decision and sometimes I agonized about for years but I can promise you are in the best care with this team. I highly highly recommend them and am already so happy with my results !
About the procedure
How long does blepharoplasty surgery take?
Most upper or lower eyelid surgeries take about one hour each, while a quad blepharoplasty generally lasts 1.5 to 2 hours.
Will blepharoplasty change the shape of my eyes?
The goal is to refresh your eyes, not alter their shape. Careful technique preserves your natural eye contour while removing excess tissue.
Do I need both upper and lower eyelid surgery?
Not necessarily. Our surgeons will evaluate your concerns and recommend upper, lower, or combined surgery based on your anatomy and goals.
When can I return to work after blepharoplasty?
Many patients feel comfortable returning to desk work within 7–10 days, once bruising and swelling have diminished.
Recovery & Results
How soon can I wear contact lenses?
Contact lenses are usually safe after two to three weeks, once swelling subsides and eye comfort returns; your surgeon will advise you.
Are the results permanent?
Results are long-lasting, but the natural aging process continues. Most patients enjoy their refreshed look for many years before considering additional treatments.
Is blepharoplasty safe for older adults?
Age alone is not a contraindication. Good overall health and realistic expectations are more important factors in determining safety.
Can blepharoplasty affect my vision?
Temporary blurry vision from ointment and swelling is common, but permanent vision changes are extremely rare when surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon.
Safety & Risks
Will insurance cover eyelid surgery?
Insurance may cover upper blepharoplasty if redundant skin significantly obstructs your vision and documentation meets your insurer's criteria. Cosmetic procedures are typically self-pay.
What financing options are available?
We partner with CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit to provide flexible monthly payment plans that fit a range of budgets.
When can I resume exercise?
Light walking is encouraged right away, but strenuous activity and heavy lifting should wait about three weeks or until cleared at your follow-up visit.
How do I maintain my results?
Sun protection, a healthy lifestyle, and quality skincare help prolong your refreshed look. Non-surgical treatments like Botox or fillers can complement results over time.
Cost & Insurance
Will insurance cover eyelid surgery?
Insurance may cover upper blepharoplasty if redundant skin significantly obstructs your vision and documentation meets your insurer's criteria. Cosmetic procedures are typically self-pay.
What financing options are available?
We partner with CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit to provide flexible monthly payment plans that fit a range of budgets.
Lifestyle & Long-Term Care
Still have questions?
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