Eyelid Surgery Overview:

What is Eyelid Surgery:

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a procedure that removes excess skin, fat, and tissue from the upper or lower eyelids to refresh and restore the eye area. It can be performed for aesthetic reasons, known as cosmetic eyelid surgery, to reduce puffy eyes, under-eye bags, or sagging lids for a youthful appearance. It can also be done to improve vision in cases of severe drooping, referred to as functional eyelid surgery. Whether for visual function or aesthetic enhancement, eyelid surgery offers a noticeable yet natural-looking rejuvenation.

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The Benefits of Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Since the eyes are one of the first areas to show signs of aging, this delicate procedure can make a dramatic difference in how refreshed and vibrant you look.

Rejuvenates the Eyes and Face

Through discreet, well-placed incisions, eyelid surgery in Palo Alto restores a smoother, firmer contour to the eyelids—instantly brightening and revitalizing the entire upper face. It creates a more open, alert expression that reflects how youthful you feel inside.

Reduces Puffiness and Under-Eye Bags

Blepharoplasty targets the fatty deposits and fluid buildup that cause puffiness or “bags” under the eyes. The result is a smoother, firmer, and more rested look that can take years off your appearance.

Diminishes Dark Circles and Hollowing

By repositioning fat and tightening the skin beneath the eyes, the procedure helps soften the appearance of dark circles and corrects the hollow, tired look that often accompanies aging.

Smooths Creases and Fine Lines

The surgery minimizes wrinkles, folds, and drooping skin around the eyelids, leaving your skin looking refreshed and rejuvenated without altering your natural eye shape.

Improves Vision

In cases where sagging upper eyelid skin obstructs the field of vision, blepharoplasty can improve both sight and comfort, enhancing not only your appearance but also your visual acuity.

Boosts Confidence and Self-Image

Restoring youthful definition to your eyes helps you look as awake and energized as you feel, increasing confidence in both personal and professional settings.

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Before & After Eyelid Surgery

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Why Choose Dr. Graw for Eyelid Surgery in Palo Alto

Dr. Graw is a highly trained and trusted expert in facial rejuvenation, with education from The Johns Hopkins University, Harvard Medical School, and Stanford Hospital and Clinics. Her advanced training in the latest eyelid surgery techniques allows her to deliver precise, safe, and naturally balanced results that refresh and enhance your appearance without changing your unique expression.

Combining surgical precision with an artistic eye, Dr. Graw tailors each blepharoplasty to the individual, restoring youthfulness and confidence through subtle, harmonious improvements. Patients throughout Palo Alto and the Bay Area choose her for her compassionate care, refined technique, and consistently beautiful, natural results.

Who Is a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery

Patients seeking to rejuvenate the eyelids to appear more refreshed, approachable, and youthful often make excellent candidates for eyelid surgery in Palo Alto. Both men and women can benefit from this procedure, which not only offers transformative cosmetic improvements but can also address functional issues caused by sagging or drooping eyelids.

You may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery if you:

  • Have excess fatty deposits that cause puffiness in the upper eyelids
  • Sagging or excess skin left from weight gain or pregnancy
  • Experience loose or sagging skin that creates folds around the eyes or impairs your vision
  • Notice droopy lower lids, wrinkles, or bags under your eyes that make you look tired or older than you feel
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What are the Types of Eyelid Surgery? 

Dr. Graw performs several types of eyelid surgeries, including:

  • Upper eyelid surgery: Correcting the upper eyelids may require more than removing excess eyelid skin. Some patients require correcting bulging fat pads or restructuring the upper eyelid muscle.
  • Lower eyelid surgery: An incision, hidden from view, can be placed beneath the eyelash line on the lower lid, to allow for the removal of excess skin and fat, in addition to muscle tightening (Dr. Graw’s special, advanced technique), to create a youthful transition between the eyes and upper cheeks.
  • Asian eyelid surgery: Dr. Graw is among the most talented plastic surgeons for Asian eyelid surgery, creating the double crease for a more open eye structure that looks natural and attractive.
  • Vision-related eyelid surgery: If your eyelid skin has stretched to the point that it impacts your peripheral vision, removal of this excess skin can restore your vision, with the added benefit of enhancing your facial appearance, providing a look of rejuvenation.

The ideal outcome can only be achieved with a full analysis of your unique condition, and a discussion with you about what you would like to achieve with your eyelid surgery in Palo Alto, Menlo Park & Atherton, CA. Dr. Graw collaborates closely with her patients, ensuring that they are pleased with the final result, ultimately achieving a look that is well-rested, more youthful, and approachable, in the most natural way. 

Eyelid surgery – what does it entail?

Every person has a unique appearance, and your eyelid surgery will be customized to match your needs. Dr. Graw performs several types of eyelid surgeries, including the following:

  • Upper eyelid surgery: Markings are performed before the surgery to ensure optimal final appearance and symmetry. These markings are the most important part of the surgery. You will then undergo local anesthesia. The surgery is performed by removing the excess skin that was marked before your surgery, with the idea that your final scar will end up within the natural crease of your eyelid. A sliver of muscle and fat may be removed to decrease fullness in the area. Your incision is then restored with small, delicate stitches. 
  • Lower eyelid surgery: Dr. Graw performs a special technique that achieves long-lasting results. Typically, other surgeons will perform just skin and/or eye fat removal. Results from this technique usually last 2-3 years. However, Dr. Graw performs a unique eye muscle suspension technique that allows for results to last at least 10 years. Through an incision just underneath your eyelashes, and within your natural skin creases, Dr. Graw will remove any excess skin you may have. Furthermore, she will fill “hollow-looking” areas beneath your eyes with your eye fat. Additionally, she will remove any excess eye fat you may have. To really secure your eyelid lift for long-term results, she will tighten your under-eye muscle, and suspend it to your surrounding tissues. Once this is performed, your incision is then closed with small, delicate stitches.
  • Asian eyelid surgery: Markings are performed before the surgery to ensure optimal final appearance and symmetry. These markings are the most important part of the surgery. You will then undergo local anesthesia. If you have any excess skin, this will be removed, with the idea that your final scar will end up within the natural crease. Otherwise, Dr. Graw will proceed to create your “double-eyelid crease,” according to the natural shape and size of your eye. Once this has been performed, your incision will then be restored with tiny stitches.

Eyelid surgeries are performed on thousands of people each year by many plastic surgeons. However, the surgical techniques of your plastic surgeon are critical. Dr. Graw uses a precision approach to ensure you achieve your aesthetic ideal.

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What is the recovery time after eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery does not involve a very painful recovery, although you can expect some swelling and bruising in the first couple weeks. You should feel ready to return to social activities within about 10-14 days. You will be provided with full aftercare instructions, but generally, you will need to avoid rubbing your eyes, keep your head elevated, use all medications as directed, and apply ointments or eye drops as prescribed. 

Your refreshed facial look, revealed.

Wear sunglasses when venturing out, and sleep with your head elevated on pillows or a foam wedge for the first week to decrease swelling. Dr. Graw will remove your sutures at around day 6 after your surgery. She does not use dissolvable stitches for your skin, in order to decrease scarring. Within a few weeks, you can enjoy the refreshed look you had envisioned – healthy, more youthful, and well-rested. The majority of your final result will be apparent by three months, however, scars take up to one year to reach full maturation.

Cost of Eyelid Surgery in Palo Alto

The cost of eyelid surgery in Palo Alto can vary based on several factors unique to each patient. The overall investment depends on whether the procedure involves the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, as well as the complexity of the surgical technique required to achieve your desired results.

Additional elements such as facility fees, anesthesia costs, and surgical time also influence the final price. The experience and skill of your surgeon play a significant role as well—highly trained specialists like Dr. Graw bring advanced expertise, precision, and artistry to every procedure, ensuring safe, natural, and lasting outcomes.

During your personalized consultation, you’ll receive a detailed cost estimate and guidance on financing options to help make your eyelid surgery in Palo Alto both attainable and rewarding.

Eyelid Surgery FAQs

How long does blepharoplasty surgery take?

Does eyelid surgery require an overnight hospital stay?

Will I have stitches after blepharoplasty?

What medical conditions may prevent me from being a candidate for eyelid surgery?

When can I wear glasses after blepharoplasty?

When can I wear contact lenses after eyelid surgery?

How long does blepharoplasty surgery take?

Most blepharoplasty procedures take about one hour to complete. More complex cases, or those combining both upper and lower eyelid correction, may take slightly longer depending on individual needs.

Does eyelid surgery require an overnight hospital stay?

No. Eyelid surgery in Palo Alto is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can return home the same day to begin recovery in comfort. Most patients rest for a few days before resuming normal activities.

Will I have stitches after blepharoplasty?

When small external incisions are made, fine sutures are placed along the upper or lower eyelids. These stitches are generally removed within 5–7 days after surgery. In cases of transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty, the incisions are made inside the eyelid and no external stitches are required.

What medical conditions may prevent me from being a candidate for eyelid surgery?

Certain health conditions can increase surgical risk or slow healing. You may not be a candidate for eyelid surgery in Palo Alto if you have uncontrolled diabetes, wound-healing disorders, a history of excessive scarring or keloid formation, excessive smoking or tobacco use, myasthenia gravis, uncontrolled thyroid disease, unilateral blindness, or severe dry eye syndrome.

When can I wear glasses after blepharoplasty?

Patients may wear glasses immediately after eyelid surgery, as long as the frames do not rest directly on the treated eyelids. Many patients prefer lightweight or frameless options during the first week.

When can I wear contact lenses after eyelid surgery?

Most surgeons recommend waiting about two weeks before resuming contact lens use. Your eyes and eyelids must be fully healed, with normal lid closure and no dryness present. Always insert lenses gently and avoid pulling on the lids to prevent irritation or incision strain.

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