Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty)

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery or an “eyelid tuck”, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the eyelids. It is a common cosmetic procedure that can help to reduce eye wrinkles, bags, and drooping eyelids.

There are two types of blepharoplasty: upper eyelid blepharoplasty and lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty removes excess skin, muscle, and fat from the upper eyelid, while lower eyelid blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the lower eyelid. Fat removal is done conservatively, or in some cases, not at all.

Blepharoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia, depending on patient preference. The incisions are usually made in the crease of the eyelid, and the excess skin and muscle are removed. In some cases, fat may also be removed. The incisions are then closed with fine sutures.

The recovery time for blepharoplasty is usually about 2-3 weeks. During this time, you will need to avoid rubbing your eyes and avoid heavy physical activity. You may also experience some swelling and bruising in the first 2 weeks after surgery.

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Schedule a Consultation

(650) 736-FACE (3223)
Jon-Paul Pepper, MD
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery

Bio

Dr. Pepper is a double-board certified surgeon who specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, in particular surgery for the treatment of facial paralysis. He is the Director of the Stanford Facial Nerve Center since 2017. He has broad expertise in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, including facial reanimation surgery, facelift surgery, rhinoplasty, and the reconstruction of the face after skin cancer resection. Dr. Pepper performed his undergraduate studies at Brown University, majoring in Neuroscience. He completed a one-year research fellowship at the National Institutes of Health in preparation for a career in academic medicine. He was awarded his M.D. at the University of California, Irvine, graduating with highest honors and Alpha Omega Alpha designation in 2007. He went to the University of Michigan for residency training in Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery in 2012. He then completed fellowship training in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in 2013, also at the University of Michigan. Dr. Pepper was honored to receive the highest board score in the nation on the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery examination in 2013. For this accomplishment, he was given the Jack R. Anderson Award for Scholastic Achievement. He also directs the scientific work of the Stanford Facial Nerve Center and his NIH-funded research explores regenerative strategies to improve nerve regeneration after injury.