Eyelid Surgery

Awaken Your Look with Eyelid Rejuvenation

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, can help rejuvenate the upper and lower eyelids for a more awake, bright appearance.

Voted Best Plastic Surgeon in Bakersfield, Dr. Harinder Chahal, MD, FACS, has extensive experience with upper eyelid lifts and lower eyelid surgery to help correct:

before eyelid surgery bakersfieldafter eyelid surgery bakersfield

Bilateral Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Tired of looking fatigued or angry?

What story are your eyes telling? As we age, the skin around our eyes loses elasticity and accumulates unwanted fat. The resulting sagging upper eyelids or puffy bags under the eyes can make us look perpetually tired and angry, or older than we feel. Dr. Chahal specializes in advanced surgical techniques to correct these concerns, delivering natural-looking results that can make you look younger, happier and more vibrant.

Whether addressing excess skin on the upper eyelids that may even obstruct vision or rejuvenating lower eyelids plagued by bags or looseness, a 1 - 2 hour eyelid procedure provides a tailored solution. It can even be combined with other procedures, such as a brow lift, chemical peel, or laser skin resurfacing for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

What are the benefits of eyelid surgery?

Natural-Looking Results

By using advanced suturing techniques and your eyelids’ natural lines and folds to hide incisions, Dr. Chahal achieves natural-looking upper and lower eyelid rejuvenation while minimizing visible scarring.

Outpatient Procedure

Most upper-eyelid procedures can be performed in-office under only local anesthesia and mild sedation. For more advanced procedures, our fully-equipped ambulatory surgery center is conveniently located next to our office.

Customizable Rejuvenation

For a more comprehensive transformation, eyelid surgery can be performed at the same time as other cosmetic procedures to address facial aging like a brow lift, medical-grade chemical peel, or laser skin resurfacing. 

Improved Peripheral Vision

If drooping upper eyelids are obscuring your peripheral vision, an eyelid lift can remove the excess tissue and help restore an unobstructed field of view.

Getting a Cosmetic Blepharoplasty

Before Eyelid Surgery

For those grappling with concerns like baggy or droopy eyelids, the first step is a surgical consultation. Ideal candidates are generally in good health, free from eye conditions such as glaucoma or dry eye, and without untreated hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or high blood pressure.

 

During the consultation, Dr. Chahal meticulously evaluates your facial structure and medical history to tailor recommendations for eyelid surgery. He will explain the entire procedure, discuss risks and limitations, and address any questions or concerns you may have. 

 

This collaborative dialogue helps to refine surgical techniques based on your unique goals.

During and After Eyelid Surgery

Depending on the procedure, it will either be performed in our office under local anesthesia and mild sedation, or in our ambulatory surgical center under general anesthesia. Incisions are strategically made following the natural contours and folds or your eyes for a more discreet aesthetic outcome. 


Specifically, for upper eyelid surgery, incisions align with the creases in your lids, while for lower eyelid surgery, they are positioned just beneath the lash line or under the lower eyelid. During the procedure, Dr. Chahal delicately removes excess fat, skin and muscle before carefully closing the incision with fine sutures to minimize the potential for noticeable scarring.


Stitches are generally removed a few days after surgery, and most patients can return to work and resume regular activities within five to seven days. Although scars may initially appear pink and noticeable, they gradually fade over time, often becoming nearly invisible after a few months.

Frequently Asked Questions about Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid Surgery, also known as Blepharoplasty, is designed to refresh the appearance of tired, puffy, or sagging eyes, addressing concerns like drooping upper eyelids or under-eye bags. This procedure involves the removal of excess skin and fatty tissue from the upper or lower eyelids, resulting in a more youthful and revitalized look. In cases where overhanging eyelids are a result of sagging eyebrows, a brow lift may be recommended either independently or in combination with an eyelid lift for comprehensive rejuvenation.

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is commonly conducted under local anesthesia or IV sedation, allowing the patient to remain awake but relaxed, minimizing pain sensations. The procedure entails the removal of excess skin and/or fat, along with the tightening of eyelid muscles and tissues.

 

Following the surgery, mild pain and discomfort may be experienced by some patients, which can be effectively addressed with over-the-counter pain medications recommended by the surgeon. Swelling, bruising, and redness around the eyes are typical occurrences, generally resolving within one to two weeks.

 

Adhering to the post-operative guidelines provided by the surgeon is crucial, including the avoidance of strenuous activities during the recovery period to mitigate complications and facilitate healing.

 

It’s important to recognize that pain tolerance varies among individuals, and open communication with the surgeon is key. If severe pain or discomfort arises, the surgeon can provide additional pain management strategies.

Recovery times differ from person to person, but with diligent care and adherence to the surgeon’s instructions, the recovery process is usually manageable.

The occurrence of scars on human skin is typically influenced by skin thickness, with thicker skin often resulting in more pronounced scars. Luckily, the eyelid skin stands out as the thinnest on the body, leading to fine and inconspicuous scars. The upper eyelid scar is skillfully concealed within the upper eyelid crease, while the lower lid scar generally transforms into a subtle line just below the lash line or is hidden completely on the inside of the lid. The most noticeable scar may arise from the lower lid incision, extending towards the crows feet where the skin is slightly thicker. Fortunately, this scar tends to diminish over time, evolving into a minimal and less noticeable mark.

In most instances, noticeable bruising and swelling following eyelid surgery typically persist for 2-4 weeks. Resumption of regular physical activities is generally feasible after 2 weeks. While certain procedures, such as upper blepharoplasty, might allow individuals to return to work within a few days, visible bruising and swelling may still be present. For the majority of eyelid surgeries, taking a week off from work is considered a reasonable timeframe.

Various anesthesia options are available, including local anesthesia, local anesthesia with oral sedation (pills), IV sedation (referred to as conscious sedation), monitored anesthesia care (administered by an anesthesiologist using IV sedation), and general anesthesia. The selection of anesthesia for a specific patient is based on factors such as patient comfort, the optimal approach for the plastic surgeon to achieve the procedure’s goals, the patient’s medical considerations, the procedure’s duration, and whether additional procedures will be combined with eyelid surgery.

 

Upper eyelid surgery, when performed as a standalone procedure, is commonly conducted using local anesthesia, either with or without oral sedation, right in the office setting.

Dr. Chahal conducts personalized evaluations to determine the suitability of each patient for cosmetic surgery. Given that every individual possesses unique anatomy and distinct motivations for seeking plastic surgery, your consultation with Dr. Chahal will involve a thorough examination and a discussion about your specific goals for eyelid surgery. By the conclusion of the consultation, Dr. Chahal will provide insight into whether you are an appropriate candidate for the procedure.

 

In general, you may be a candidate for blepharoplasty if:

 

  • Your upper eyelids exhibit sagging, hanging over your eyes.
  • Wrinkles or excess skin are present in the lower eyelids.
  • Bags under the eyes are a concern.
  • There is noticeable drooping of the lower eyelids.
  • Excess skin in the upper eyelid affects your vision.
  • You can allocate sufficient time for the healing process.
  • You do not have significant health issues.

Many patients choose to combine eyelid surgery with other cosmetic procedures like a brow lift, chemical peel, or laser skin resurfacing, in order to maximize their results.

Insurance typically does not cover lower eyelid surgery, while upper eyelid surgery may be eligible for coverage under specific conditions. Generally, for insurance approval of upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), documentation is necessary.  This includes a photograph demonstrating that the upper lid obstructs a portion of the pupil and visual field studies indicating compromised vision in the upper visual fields.

Eyelid Surgery, also known as Blepharoplasty, is designed to refresh the appearance of tired, puffy, or sagging eyes, addressing concerns like drooping upper eyelids or under-eye bags. This procedure involves the removal of excess skin and fatty tissue from the upper or lower eyelids, resulting in a more youthful and revitalized look. In cases where overhanging eyelids are a result of sagging eyebrows, a brow lift may be recommended either independently or in combination with an eyelid lift for comprehensive rejuvenation.

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is commonly conducted under local anesthesia or IV sedation, allowing the patient to remain awake but relaxed, minimizing pain sensations. The procedure entails the removal of excess skin and/or fat, along with the tightening of eyelid muscles and tissues.

 

Following the surgery, mild pain and discomfort may be experienced by some patients, which can be effectively addressed with over-the-counter pain medications recommended by the surgeon. Swelling, bruising, and redness around the eyes are typical occurrences, generally resolving within one to two weeks.

 

Adhering to the post-operative guidelines provided by the surgeon is crucial, including the avoidance of strenuous activities during the recovery period to mitigate complications and facilitate healing.

 

It’s important to recognize that pain tolerance varies among individuals, and open communication with the surgeon is key. If severe pain or discomfort arises, the surgeon can provide additional pain management strategies.

Recovery times differ from person to person, but with diligent care and adherence to the surgeon’s instructions, the recovery process is usually manageable.

The occurrence of scars on human skin is typically influenced by skin thickness, with thicker skin often resulting in more pronounced scars. Luckily, the eyelid skin stands out as the thinnest on the body, leading to fine and inconspicuous scars. The upper eyelid scar is skillfully concealed within the upper eyelid crease, while the lower lid scar generally transforms into a subtle line just below the lash line or is hidden completely on the inside of the lid. The most noticeable scar may arise from the lower lid incision, extending towards the crows feet where the skin is slightly thicker. Fortunately, this scar tends to diminish over time, evolving into a minimal and less noticeable mark.

In most instances, noticeable bruising and swelling following eyelid surgery typically persist for 2-4 weeks. Resumption of regular physical activities is generally feasible after 2 weeks. While certain procedures, such as upper blepharoplasty, might allow individuals to return to work within a few days, visible bruising and swelling may still be present. For the majority of eyelid surgeries, taking a week off from work is considered a reasonable timeframe.

Various anesthesia options are available, including local anesthesia, local anesthesia with oral sedation (pills), IV sedation (referred to as conscious sedation), monitored anesthesia care (administered by an anesthesiologist using IV sedation), and general anesthesia. The selection of anesthesia for a specific patient is based on factors such as patient comfort, the optimal approach for the plastic surgeon to achieve the procedure’s goals, the patient’s medical considerations, the procedure’s duration, and whether additional procedures will be combined with eyelid surgery.

 

Upper eyelid surgery, when performed as a standalone procedure, is commonly conducted using local anesthesia, either with or without oral sedation, right in the office setting.

Dr. Chahal conducts personalized evaluations to determine the suitability of each patient for cosmetic surgery. Given that every individual possesses unique anatomy and distinct motivations for seeking plastic surgery, your consultation with Dr. Chahal will involve a thorough examination and a discussion about your specific goals for eyelid surgery. By the conclusion of the consultation, Dr. Chahal will provide insight into whether you are an appropriate candidate for the procedure.

 

In general, you may be a candidate for blepharoplasty if:

 

  • Your upper eyelids exhibit sagging, hanging over your eyes.
  • Wrinkles or excess skin are present in the lower eyelids.
  • Bags under the eyes are a concern.
  • There is noticeable drooping of the lower eyelids.
  • Excess skin in the upper eyelid affects your vision.
  • You can allocate sufficient time for the healing process.
  • You do not have significant health issues.

Many patients choose to combine eyelid surgery with other cosmetic procedures like a brow lift, chemical peel, or laser skin resurfacing, in order to maximize their results.

Insurance typically does not cover lower eyelid surgery, while upper eyelid surgery may be eligible for coverage under specific conditions. Generally, for insurance approval of upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), documentation is necessary.  This includes a photograph demonstrating that the upper lid obstructs a portion of the pupil and visual field studies indicating compromised vision in the upper visual fields.

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By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails (and SMS text messages if you provide a phone number) from: Empire Aesthetic Center, 4101 Empire Drive, Suite 120, Bakersfield, CA 93309, empireaestheticcenter.com. Message and data rates may apply. You can opt out of receiving these emails at any time by using the unsubscribe link found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Mailchimp. You can opt out of receiving SMS text messages any time by replying “STOP” to any of our messages.