Like any surgical procedure, eyelid surgery does come with certain risks, including: Infection Bleeding Reaction to anesthesia Dry, irritated eyes Temporarily blurred vision

Eyelid Surgery Orange County

The natural correction of lower eyelid bags and excess upper eyelid skin are common reasons why patients consult with Dr. Miller at his Aliso Viejo office located in Orange County. Dr. Miller’s techniques and results have been published in esteemed journals and periodicals.

woman with hand on her face as she smiles

Achieve Natural-Looking Eyelid Rejuvenation with Dr. Timothy R. Miller, M.D.

Unlike other techniques, Dr. Miller’s techniques do not hollow the eyes or change their shape. Additionally, Dr. Miller does not cut the “eye muscle”, as many surgeons do, which can be responsible for altering eye shapes and giving an artificial, surgical appearance. Moreover, Dr. Miller’s techniques and philosophy for natural results are commonly presented at national meetings and symposiums. To read more about Dr. Miller’s technique and his philosophy click here. A youthful, rested-appearing eyelid area is important because the appearance of the eyes can reveal a lot about a person, from communicating health and emotions to providing clues to their energy state or enthusiasm. Unfortunately, when eyelid bags or excess skin and wrinkles are present, misinterpretations can be made by spouses, friends, co-workers, or prospective social and business contacts. Indeed, when the eyes look tired or sad when you are not, it can negatively impact social and work-related situations and significantly impact your self-confidence.

What Is Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery, medically termed blepharoplasty (bleph-a-row-plasty), is a procedure to address eyelid bags and excess skin on the eyelids. Upper eyelid surgery targets the loose skin on and around the upper eyelids, while lower eyelid surgery mainly targets those troublesome eyelid bags and will also remove any excess skin. Dr. Miller’s blepharoplasty techniques are designed to tighten, smooth, and significantly refresh the eye area, leaving you looking younger, rested, and most of all, natural. We will go over your personalized quote with you during your initial visit with Dr. Miller. The cost for eyelid surgery varies depending on your concerns and anatomy and typically starts from $4,000 - $9,000.

Eyelid SurgeryBefore & After

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Am I A Candidate For Eyelid Surgery?

Generally, those who would like to address their eyelid bags and refresh their eyes may be good candidates for this procedure. Candidates for eyelid surgery in the Orange County, Newport Beach, & Aliso Viejo area must meet the following requirements.

Have no serious eye conditions
Be in generally good health
Have realistic expectations about what the surgery can do for them
Have the desire to address drooping, sagging eyelids
Have bags under their eyes
Are experiencing limited vision from drooping eyelids

What Are The Details Of The Eyelid Surgery Procedure?

Preparing for surgery

Prior to your eyelid surgery in Orange County, you will be provided a list of medications to avoid, including aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements. If you are taking any important and unavoidable medication, make sure you get it approved by Dr. Miller in advance. A pre-operative appointment with Dr. Miller and his staff will be scheduled to provide more in-depth instructions to ensure a safe and speedy recovery. This is usually scheduled 2 weeks prior to the surgery date. For eyelid surgeries, you will not be allowed to drive yourself home. Your safety is of utmost concern, so a relative or close friend should drive you home and be available for 24 hours after the procedure to help with anything you need.

The surgical procedure

Eyelid surgery is usually done under local or IV monitored anesthesia. If preferred, the surgery can be performed under general anesthesia in our accredited surgery center.

During upper eyelid surgery, the extra skin is removed. Lower eyelid surgery involves repositioning the fat tissue that is causing the bags and creating an unwanted tired or sad appearance. Dr. Miller will then re-drape the lower lid skin to create a youthful, smooth result. More details of Dr. Miller's techniques can be found here.

Recovery

After your procedure, you will need to take about one week off from work. Wait ten days to two weeks before putting your contacts in. You may begin wearing your glasses on the day of surgery. You will need to sleep on your back for one to two weeks and avoid exercise and sun exposure for two to four weeks. Swelling and bruising should be mostly gone after the first couple of weeks.

Tips for Your Eyelid Surgery Recovery

1. Follow Post-Op Instructions

Carefully follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions, including how to care for your eyes and incisions, which medications to take, and when to return for follow-up appointments.

2. Rest and Take It Easy

Rest is crucial during the first few days after surgery. Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and any actions that could strain your eyes, like reading or using screens excessively.

3. Elevate Your Head

Keep your head elevated as much as possible, especially while sleeping. Use extra pillows or a wedge pillow to reduce swelling and promote faster healing.

4. Apply Cold Compresses

Use cold compresses or ice packs on your eyes for the first 48 hours to minimize swelling and bruising. Make sure to wrap the compress in a soft cloth to avoid direct contact with the skin.

5. Keep the Area Clean

Gently clean your eyelids with the prescribed solution to prevent infection. Avoid rubbing your eyes or getting the incisions wet during the early stages of recovery.

6. Use Prescribed Eye Drops and Ointments

Apply any prescribed eye drops or ointments as directed by your surgeon to keep the eyes moist and reduce the risk of infection.

7. Avoid Sun Exposure

Protect your eyes from the sun by wearing dark sunglasses when outdoors, and avoid direct sunlight. Sun exposure can worsen swelling and cause scars to darken.

8. Stay Hydrated and Eat a Healthy Diet

Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients to support your body’s healing process. Foods high in vitamin C and protein can be particularly beneficial.

9. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking and alcohol can impair healing and increase the risk of complications. Avoid these for at least a few weeks before and after surgery.

10. Be Patient with the Healing Process

Swelling and bruising are normal and may take a few weeks to subside. Be patient, and avoid comparing your immediate results with the final outcome, which may take several months to reveal fully.

11. Avoid Straining Your Eyes

Refrain from activities that require intense focus, such as reading, watching TV, or using a computer, for the first few days. Give your eyes plenty of rest.

12. Attend Follow-Up Appointments

Keep all scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress and address any concerns promptly.

13. Watch for Signs of Complications

Be aware of signs of infection or other complications, such as increased redness, unusual swelling, severe pain, or discharge from the incision sites. Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

Complementary procedures

Depending on your aesthetic goals, Dr. Miller may recommend complementary procedures to enhance your eyelid surgery results. These procedures may include:

Injectables such as Botox to minimize dynamic wrinkles in the eye area and forehead.

Dermal fillers to firm, sculpt and rejuvenate other areas of your face and neck.

Laser skin resurfacing around the eyes or the entire face is a popular addition to eyelid surgery.

Rhinoplasty to reshape or enhance your nose, making it symmetrical and proportionate to the rest of your facial features.

A brow lift pairs well with eyelid surgery to elevate a heavy brow above the eyelids. The brow lift can also significantly reduce forehead lines and wrinkles around the eyes.

For the most dramatic results, a facelift can be combined with blepharoplasty in Orange County. This lifts and tightens the skin and muscles of the entire face and neck, leaving it smoother, younger-looking, firmer, and beautifully rejuvenated.

Why choose Dr. Miller?

Double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Timothy R. Miller, M.D. is amongst the most highly sought-after authorities in the field of facial plastic surgery, contributing frequently to scientific journals, meetings, and industry literature while running his thriving practice. His long experience, expertise and rigorous, prestigious training background make him a trusted doctor with a distinguished reputation for natural, nuanced results.

Eyelid Surgery FAQ

Will there be scarring?

Because the incisions are very small, the scars will be concealed in the natural creases of the eyelids. In some cases, the incisions are made within the eyelid itself, meaning that there will be no visible scars whatsoever.

How long does the surgery take?

This minimally-invasive surgery takes just an hour or two to be completed.

What are the risks?

Like any surgical procedure, eyelid surgery does come with certain risks, including:

Infection
Bleeding
Reaction to anesthesia
Dry, irritated eyes
Temporarily blurred vision

How long will the results last?

The results of lower eyelid surgery are typically permanent, while the results of upper eyelid surgery usually last between 10 and 20 years.

Can I have upper and lower eyelid surgery simultaneously?

Yes, upper and lower eyelid surgery are often performed during the same procedure.

How long should I wait to return to work after eyelid surgery?

Most patients can return to work in 4 to 7 days after eyelid surgery.

When can I wear eye makeup again?

Typically, makeup can be applied 4 to 5 days after surgery. However, you may need to wait longer to wear eyeliner or eye shadow.

What is the best age to undergo upper or lower blepharoplasty?

Any age is acceptable for these procedures if you have eyelid bags and enough sagging skin in the eyelid area. Generally, the age range for patients is anywhere from their 30s to their 70s. However, some patients with genetic eyelid bags may consider blepharoplasty in their 20s.