Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) in Temecula
Blepharoplasty is a procedure that removes excess skin, fat, or muscle from the upper or lower eyelids to improve appearance or vision.
Blepharoplasty Procedures In Temecula, Murrieta, and Menifee
As we age, the delicate skin around our eyes can begin to droop, sag, or develop puffiness, making us look older, tired, or less alert. Many people seek blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, to restore a youthful, refreshed appearance or to improve vision obstructed by excess eyelid skin. This procedure can address the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, removing excess skin, tightening muscles, and reducing under-eye bags. Whether you’re concerned about aesthetics or functionality, eyelid surgery offers a long-lasting solution to rejuvenate your eyes and enhance your overall facial harmony.
At Newman Plastic Surgery, Dr. David Newman brings years of expertise and artistry to every blepharoplasty procedure, ensuring natural-looking, beautiful results. With a commitment to patient satisfaction and safety, our practice tailors each treatment plan to your unique needs, helping you achieve a refreshed yet natural look. If drooping eyelids or under-eye bags are affecting your confidence or vision, schedule a consultation with Dr. Newman today to discover how eyelid surgery can revitalize your appearance and improve your quality of life.
What To Expect
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure.
- Length of surgery: Typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on whether both upper and lower eyelids are treated.
- Outpatient/Inpatient: Outpatient
- Recovery: Most patients experience swelling and bruising for 1 to 2 weeks, with full healing and final results visible in a few months.
Overview
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, commonly called eyelid surgery, reshapes the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both. It removes or repositions excess skin and fat and, when needed, tightens the underlying muscle. The result is a more rested, youthful look around the eyes.
Dr. Newman performs blepharoplasty for two main reasons:
- Cosmetic: to treat drooping lids, hooded eyes, under-eye bags, and fine wrinkles that make you look tired or older than you feel
- Functional: to remove upper eyelid skin that hangs low enough to block your vision
Many patients have both goals at once. Even when surgery is done only for appearance, patients often report that their eyes feel lighter and they can see better. Because the eyelids frame the whole face, a small, precise change can make a big difference in how refreshed you look.
Procedure Options
Upper vs. Lower Eyelid Surgery
Upper and lower blepharoplasty address different concerns, and many patients choose to have both done together. The right plan depends on your anatomy and goals, which Dr. Newman will review with you at your consultation.
| Upper Blepharoplasty | Lower Blepharoplasty | |
|---|---|---|
| What it treats | Drooping or hooded lids, heavy-looking eyes, asymmetry, and blocked vision | Under-eye bags, loose or crepey skin, fine wrinkles, and a tired or hollow look |
| What’s done | Excess skin (and sometimes fat or muscle) is removed to create a crisp lid fold | Fat is removed or repositioned and loose skin is tightened |
| Scar location | Hidden in the natural crease of the upper lid | Just below the lash line, or inside the lid with no visible scar |
| Anesthesia | Often local anesthesia, with or without oral sedation, in the office | Sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the plan |
Upper Blepharoplasty
As we age, skin and fat settle into the upper lid, which can make the eyes look heavy and tired and may even cut into your field of vision. During upper blepharoplasty, Dr. Newman removes the excess tissue and creates a clean, natural-looking lid fold. The incision is carried slightly past the outer corner of the eye, which can also soften crow’s feet in that area.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower blepharoplasty targets the “bags” and loose skin beneath the eyes, as well as fine wrinkles and shadows from bulging fat. When the main concern is a prominent fat pad, it can often be removed from inside the eyelid, so there is no scar on the outside. When there is also extra skin or wrinkling, the incision is placed just beneath the lashes, where it heals discreetly. Some patients also choose laser treatment of the lower lid and crow’s feet area at the same time.
Candidacy
Is Eyelid Surgery Right for You?
Eyelid surgery is a good fit for patients who are in good general health, don’t smoke, and have realistic expectations about the results. Most patients are over 35, but if puffy lids or under-eye bags run in your family, you may benefit at an earlier age.
You may be a candidate if you notice:
- Skin that droops over your lashes or creates a hooded look
- Heavy-feeling lids or a tired appearance, even when you’re well rested
- Puffiness or bags under the eyes that don’t improve with sleep or skin care
- Loose, wrinkled skin on the lower lids
- Makeup that creases or is hard to apply because of extra upper lid skin
- Vision that is partly blocked by sagging upper lids
At your consultation, Dr. Newman will review your medical history and current medications, examine your eyelids and brow, and discuss which procedure or combination will get you the results you want. Certain health factors, such as high blood pressure or aspirin-type medications, change how your surgery is planned, which is why the evaluation matters.
Compare Treatments
Eyelid Surgery vs. Brow Lift and Other Options
Not every tired-looking eye needs eyelid surgery. A good surgeon looks at the whole upper face before recommending a treatment. These are the options Dr. Newman considers:
- Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty): Best for excess lid skin and fat, whether upper, lower, or both.
- Brow lift: If your brows have dropped, they can push down on the upper lids and mimic the look of excess lid skin. In that case, lifting the brow, sometimes along with a smaller eyelid procedure, gives a more natural result.
- Droopy lid muscle (ptosis): When the muscle that lifts the lid is weak, the lid sits low even without extra skin. This is a different problem from excess skin, and Dr. Newman will evaluate for it during your consultation.
- Facelift or neck lift: Often combined with eyelid surgery for a balanced, whole-face rejuvenation.
- Non-surgical treatments: Injectable fillers, eCO2 laser, and laser skin resurfacing can improve mild hollowing, fine lines, and skin quality, but they can’t remove significant excess skin or fat.
Because the eyelids are only one piece of the picture, choosing a plastic surgeon who evaluates the entire face makes a real difference in how natural your result looks.
Insurance
Functional Eyelid Surgery and Insurance
When upper eyelid skin hangs low enough to interfere with your vision, blepharoplasty is more than a cosmetic procedure, and your insurance may cover part of the cost. Coverage varies by insurance carrier, but most plans look for:
- Photographs showing that the upper lid covers at least part of the pupil
- Visual field testing showing reduced vision in the upper field of view
- Documentation from your surgeon explaining why the surgery is medically necessary
Lower eyelid surgery is considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance. If you’re not sure whether you qualify, schedule a consultation with Dr. Newman. He can evaluate your eyelids and prepare the documentation your insurance company needs.
Your Experience
Your Blepharoplasty Journey
Step 1: Consultation. You’ll meet with Dr. Newman to discuss your goals, review your medical history, and plan your procedure. This is the time to ask about anesthesia, scars, and expected results.
Step 2: Preparing for surgery. To lower your risk and help you heal, Dr. Newman will give you instructions to follow before surgery, including:
- Stop smoking at least a week before surgery
- Avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) before and after surgery
- Review all medications and supplements with your doctor
- Stock your home with gel packs, artificial tears, and pain relievers
- Arrange a ride home and help for the first few days
Step 3: Surgery day. Blepharoplasty usually takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on whether you’re having upper lids, lower lids, or both. It’s performed as an outpatient procedure, so you go home the same day. Upper lid surgery alone is often done in the office under local anesthesia, with or without oral sedation.
Step 4: Recovery. Eyelid surgery is one of the more comfortable procedures patients undergo, and most don’t need narcotic pain medication. Here’s what to expect:
| Timeframe | What to expect |
|---|---|
| First few days | Swelling, bruising, and mild irritation or tightness. Use cool compresses, prescribed ointments, and artificial tears. Don’t drive for a few days. |
| Days 3-5 | Many patients can return to most everyday activities. |
| About 1 week | Stitches are removed (unless dissolvable stitches were used) and many patients return to work. |
| 1-2 weeks | Bruising and swelling fade and your eyes return to a more normal appearance. |
| A few months | Final results are visible as the last of the swelling resolves. |
Call our office right away if you experience significant pain, as it is uncommon after eyelid surgery and can signal a complication.
Our Practice
Why Choose Newman Plastic Surgery for Eyelid Surgery / Blepharoplasty
Serving Temecula, Murrieta & Menifee
Natural-Looking Results
Personalized Eyelid Treatment Plans
Financing Available
Your eyes are the first thing people notice, so eyelid surgery calls for a surgeon with both precision and a careful eye for the whole face. At Newman Plastic Surgery, Dr. David Newman takes the time to understand your goals, evaluate your eyelids, brow, and overall facial balance, and recommend a plan that fits you. Whether you want to correct droopy upper lids, reduce under-eye bags, or improve your vision, you’ll receive personalized care in a comfortable, professional setting, from your first consultation through your final follow-up.
Patients throughout Temecula Valley trust Newman Plastic Surgery for:
- Natural-looking results that keep you looking like yourself
- Customized treatment plans for upper lids, lower lids, or both
- A whole-face approach, with brow lift, facelift, and laser options if needed
- Documentation and guidance for functional upper eyelid surgery and insurance
- A supportive, knowledgeable team from consultation through recovery
See the Results
Seeing is believing when it comes to the transformative effects of blepharoplasty. Our before and after photo gallery showcases real patients who have achieved a more youthful, refreshed appearance with eyelid surgery at Newman Plastic Surgery. These images highlight the natural-looking results that Dr. Newman carefully crafts, reducing sagging, puffiness, and excess skin while preserving each patient’s unique features. If you’re considering eyelid surgery, take a look at these remarkable transformations and imagine what’s possible for you.
Blepharoplasty FAQs
What Can I Expect from Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?
The eyelids occupy a small part of the facial area. The cosmetic improvement of the eyelids can have a great effect on our facial beauty. Eyelid surgery is a very easy and quick procedure. This surgery can have a large impact on your self-confidence and youthful appearance. Dr. Newman crafts eyelid procedures to preserve and improve long-term eyelid health. After the surgery, healing is quick. Usually within one week patients can return to work. You can perform most activities within three to five days. Check out our EYELID SURGERY (Blepharoplasty) Gallery. You can see the life-changing results our clients have enjoyed with Dr. Newman.
Why is blepharoplasty performed?
This surgery is for cosmetic reasons. This procedure basically minimizes bagginess from lower eyelids. It removes extra skin from upper eyelids. It treats the puffiness in the eyelids and eliminates the fine wrinkles from the lower eyelids. Due to sagging eyelids, it may help some seniors who’s eyelids have caused poor eyesight. The sagging skin disturbs the contour of the upper eyelid. The drooping eyelids might expose the white part of the iris in some individuals. In such cases this surgery reduces the bagginess on the lower eyelids. It rejuvenates the areas surrounding the eyes. It also gives extra confidence to the individual.
How long is the recovery time for eyelid surgery?
You should plan to rest for a week after the surgery. There will be stitches in both the eyelids after the surgery. The stitches will remain for a week. Patients will experience swelling after the surgery. Bruises are quite common. There could be some irritation or discomfort in the eyes for a few days. The doctors will prescribe the necessary ointments. They can reduce irritation and infection. Cool compresses can be used to reduce the swelling around the eyes. Thin bandages are applied on the incision areas which can be removed after a week. Stitches can be removed after a week. In some cases, self-absorbing stiches are used which does not need any removal. Most patients are allowed to go home on the same day of the surgery. You won’t be able to drive for a few days. Within a week or two the eyes will get back to normal condition. If you are considering Temecula blepharoplasty, please contact us for a free consultation with Dr. Newman.
Who is a good candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Eyelid surgery also known as blepharoplasty. It is used to reduce the bagginess under the eyes. It removes extra skin from the upper eyelids. This surgery is usually done for cosmetic reasons. The best candidate for this type of surgery is one with good health and realistic expectations from the procedure. This procedure is mostly performed on individuals who are over 35 years of age. If you feel that bagginess and puffy eyes runs in the family due to genetic reasons, then you can get the surgery done at an earlier age.
How to prepare for eyelid surgery?
Prior to the surgery, the patient will have a detailed discussion with Dr Newman regarding your Temecula blepharoplasty. The doctor will explain the procedure and try to answer all the patient’s questions. You should carefully follow the pre-operative instructions given by the doctor. You should stock pain relievers, gel packs, and artificial tears at home before surgery. One should stop smoking a week before the procedure is performed. You should avoid taking aspirin or any other anti-inflammatory drugs before surgery. Consult your physician regarding the current medication that you take. He will instruct you how it is going to affect your surgery. A physical examination is necessary for some patients. This procedure might involve intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.
What is eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery includes treatment of either or both the upper and lower eyelids to achieve cosmetic improvement, to improve vision or to gain other functional improvement as in the treatment of dry eyes with surgery. Less often, eyelid surgery is performed to treat skin cancer that can occur on the eyelids or to strengthen the lower eyelid that can become weakened with the aging process.
Both upper and lower eyelids can be treated to gain cosmetic improvement. Removal of excess skin of the upper lid creates a more youthful appearance by not only removing drooping tissues but also by creating a crisp lid fold within the upper lid. Even if upper lid surgery is being performed for cosmetic reasons only, patient usually report being able to see better and also say that they don’t feel their lids are as heavy as prior to their procedure. The upper lid skin removal is generally carried past the outside part of the eyelid and so improvements in the Crow’s foot area can be made.
Lower lid surgery (lower blepharoplasty) is performed with goals that include removal of excess folded skin and wrinkles and what patient commonly refer to as “fat bags” of the lower eyelid.
Patients have differing effects of the aging process on their lids, have different shapes and desires for their treatment and so the different types of eyelid surgery are customized for a particular patient’s needs in consultation with a facial plastic surgeon.
Does Eyelid Surgery Hurt?
Eyelid surgery is one of the least painful procedures performed by plastic surgeons. In fact, it’s pretty rare for patients to take narcotics after eyelid surgery. Patients may opt for laser treatment of the lower eyelids and Crow’s foot area as part of their eyelid surgery regime which can sting and burn for about 36 hours and is relieved with cool moist soaks. Significant pain is so rare that it might be a sign that patients are having a complication and need to call their plastic surgeon immediately.
Is Eyelid Surgery Dangerous?
When patients are thoroughly evaluated and chosen as good candidates for eyelid surgery, the surgery is very safe. However, when patients are taking aspirin products, have high blood pressure or are at risk of falling, the risk is much higher. Therefore, at consultation patients are instructed to avoid aspirin type medications (NSAIDS) before and after surgery and blood pressure is controlled or current medication adjusted. Patients who are at risk for falling are given assistance or the surgery is modified to improve the safety of the procedure.
Does eyelid surgery leave a scar?
There is a rule in Plastic surgery that the thinner the skin, the better the scar. Eyelid skin is the thinnest in the entire body and therefore generally makes the best and least visible scars. With regard to the lower eyelid, there is also the alternative to remove prominent fat from inside the eyelid which does not place a scar on the outside.
Is eyelid surgery done under anesthesia?
There are several types of anesthesia: local anesthesia, local anesthesia with oral sedation (pills), IV sedation (also called conscious sedation), monitored anesthesia care (when an anesthesiologist administers IV sedation) and general anesthesia. The choice of anesthesia for a particular patient depends on patient comfort, how the plastic surgeon can best accomplish the goals of the procedure, the patient’s medical issues, the duration of the procedure and whether other procedures will be combined with eyelid surgery.
Upper eyelid surgery alone is most often performed under local anesthesia with or without oral sedation in-office.
Can eyelid surgery affect vision?
Remember that upper lid skin removal (blepharoplasty) is being performed at least partly to improve vision. Otherwise, eyelid surgery can affect vision because about 10% of refraction (light bending) comes from the cornea itself and 90% from the lens. The lids can press on the cornea and so after eyelid surgery the lids can press differently on the cornea and thus change vision. This may require a change in the prescription of a patient’s glasses or contacts.
Can eyelid surgery make someone look better?
The majority of eyelid surgery in the United Sates is performed for cosmetic reasons. Upper and lower eyelid procedures not only make the lids appear younger and more refreshed, they also change the way that the eyelid area looks in conjunction with the face. That’s why it is important to see a plastic surgeon who can take the entire face into consideration and can also assess lid health and make the best recommendation for a particular patient. Some patients may require a brow lift to treat skin excess of the upper lid or need a special type of lower lid surgery that is customized to their anatomy and personal wishes.
Can eyelid surgery be covered by my insurance?
Lower eyelid surgery is never covered by insurance but upper eyelid surgery can be covered under certain circumstances. Generally, for insurance to cover upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), documentation is required which include a photo showing that the upper lid covers at least part of the pupil and visual field studies that show poor vision in the upper visual fields. It depends a lot on what criteria your insurance carrier uses. The best course is to make a consultation with a plastic surgeon who can evaluate you and provide this necessary documentation for your insurance company.
How much does blepharoplasty cost?
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) costs vary widely depending on the type of procedure, geographic location, surgeon experience, and whether you’re having upper lids, lower lids, or both treated. Typical ranges in the United States include:
Typical Cost Ranges
- Upper eyelid surgery: about $3,000 – $7,000+
- Lower eyelid surgery: about $3,000 – $8,000+
- Combined upper + lower blepharoplasty: around $5,000 – $15,000+
- National averages often fall near $4,000 – $11,000 for comprehensive eyelid procedures.
These estimates usually include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, and facility costs — but fees can vary significantly by provider and practice.
For an accurate quote tailored to your goals and anatomy, it’s best to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
What is lower blepharoplasty? What does it treat?
Lower blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the lower eyelids, primarily by reducing under-eye bags, puffiness, wrinkles, and excess skin.
What lower blepharoplasty treats:
- Lower eyelid surgery is commonly used to address:
- Under-eye bags caused by protruding fat
- Loose or sagging skin below the eyes
- Fine lines and wrinkles under the eyes
- Hollowing or tired-looking eyes
- Dark shadows caused by bulging fat or skin laxity
What is upper blepharoplasty? What does it treat?
Upper blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that improves the appearance and function of the upper eyelids by removing excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle that can make the eyes look heavy, tired, or aged.
What upper blepharoplasty treats:
- Drooping or sagging upper eyelids
- Hooded eyelids
- Aged or tired appearance
- Obstructed vision (in some cases)
- Asymmetry between the eyelids
What Our Patients Are Saying
Eyelid Surgery Reviews
“Dr Newman is always very professional and makes you feel comfortable. My eyes bothered me for years and I trusted him to do Blepharoplasty and I am very satisfied with the results. I highly recommend him!”
Ashley Sidener
“I recently had a neck lift, facelift, eyelid surgery, and laser for deep wrinkles. Dr. Newman listened carefully to my concerns and developed a plan to address my issues. I had complete trust in him and his staff and am extremely happy with the natural looking results! I look years younger and receive so many compliments. Dr. Newman is truly a talented surgeon and artist! Thank you!”
Peg M
“I have been a patient of Dr. Newman for over 10 years. I’ve had Breast Augmentation with saline implants, eye lid surgery upper & lower, Botox and a facelift. I’m blessed to have found the most caring and artistic person. He is a perfectionist. I look great. I know I had a lot of surgery through the years but I would only trust Dr . Newman.
Not easy to find a plastic surgeon with great results. I’ve referred him to friends and family
Due to the trust I have in him.
Please take the time to consult with.”
Marsz