Do your eyelids feel heavy by the end of the day? You might catch yourself lifting your eyebrows or tilting your head back just to see clearly. Most people don’t even realize they are doing it. Over time, sagging upper eyelid skin can rest on your eyelashes, weigh down your eyes, and cut off your upper or side vision.

At Empire Eye and Laser Center, our surgical team performs upper eyelid blepharoplasty and ptosis repair right here in Bakersfield to help clear your vision and restore a refreshed appearance.

What is Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty?

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a quick outpatient procedure that removes extra skin and fat from above the upper eyelids. When drooping eyelids are also caused by stretched muscles, an anterior approach ptosis repair lifts the eyelid margin back to its natural position.

Here is what you can expect during the procedure:

  • Quick surgical time, usually taking less than 30 minutes.
  • Full comfort and safety, using conscious anesthesia with an anesthesiologist present.
  • Precise removal of excess skin and fat tissue above the upper eyelid.

It’s a straightforward procedure that can offer meaningful, long-term improvement for both your sight and your appearance.

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty Bakersfield - BeforeUpper Eyelid Blepharoplasty Bakersfield - After
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Signs Your Eyelids Are Blocking Your Vision

Upper eyelid drooping often sneaks up on you. You might think you are just tired, but heavy eyelids can physically block light from entering your eye.

Common signs include:

  • Constantly raising your eyebrows to pull your eyelids up.
  • Tilting your head back or pushing your chin up to see under drooping skin.
  • Loss of peripheral vision from above, to the sides, or both.
  • Forehead tension or muscle fatigue by the end of the day.
  • Excess skin resting directly on your eyelashes.

Recovery and Results

Recovery from upper eyelid surgery is generally quite fast. Most patients return to normal daily function within just a few days.

  • First few days: Return to light daily activities and normal function.
  • 14 days: Stitches are safely and comfortably removed in our office.
  • Within a few weeks: Natural appearance returns as swelling fades.

Complications like excessive bleeding or visible scarring are rare. Our surgical team guides you through every step of healing to ensure a comfortable recovery.

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Will Insurance Cover Upper Eyelid Surgery?

It very well could.

When droopy eyelids block your field of vision or interfere with daily activities like reading or driving, the procedure is considered functional rather than cosmetic. In these cases, medical insurance often covers upper eyelid surgery.

During your consultation at Empire Eye and Laser Center, we perform visual field testing to document whether your upper eyelids affect your sight. Our staff helps verify your insurance so you know what to expect.

Why Choose Empire Eye and Laser Center?

Your vision deserves care from a trusted local team. Voted Best Ophthalmology Group and Best Ophthalmologist in The Bakersfield Californian Readers’ Choice Poll, Empire Eye and Laser Center combines advanced technology with a warm, patient-first approach.

We perform all evaluations and procedures locally in Kern County, keeping expert care close to home.

Schedule Your Consultation in Bakersfield

You don’t have to live with heavy eyelids or obstructed vision. Take the first step toward clearer sight and a brighter, more open look.

Call Empire Eye and Laser Center today or request your appointment online to schedule your eyelid evaluation.