Eyelid Surgery Overview

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. 

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How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?

 

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 $4,750 - $10,690.

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Eyelid Surgery in Orange CountyBefore & 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 Orange County 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
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Older woman with long blonde hair sits on a stool for a studio shoot looking professional and holding her glasses in one hand and her other hand below her chin. Her youthful energy and eyes show the potential results of eyelid surgery in Orange County with Dr. Miller

What Can Eyelid Surgery Help You Achieve?

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, offers more than just aesthetic enhancement. It can restore confidence, visual comfort, and a more rested, youthful appearance. Dr. Timothy R. Miller, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Orange County, uses advanced techniques to rejuvenate the eyes without changing their natural shape or expression.

Depending on your unique concerns and goals, blepharoplasty can provide the following benefits:

  • Smoother, firmer eyelids that reduce sagging skin and create a more lifted, youthful contour
  • Softened wrinkles and folds around the eyes for a brighter, more alert expression
  • Reduced puffiness and under-eye bags to eliminate the appearance of fatigue or stress
  • Improved visual field for those experiencing limited peripheral vision due to drooping upper eyelids
  • Subtle, natural-looking results that refresh your appearance without looking “done” or surgically altered

Working around the eyes requires surgical precision and artistic sensitivity. Dr. Miller’s extensive facial anatomy training allows him to correct aging changes while preserving your natural eyelid structure. Whether you're seeking cosmetic enhancement or relief from obstructed vision, blepharoplasty at Refreshed Aesthetic Surgery can help you look more like yourself, refreshed, rested, and renewed.

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 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

You may use light cold compresses 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 weeks 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.

Types of Eyelid Surgery and Non-Surgical Alternatives

If you're looking to refresh the eye area but aren’t sure where to start, understanding your options is the first step. At Refreshed Aesthetic Surgery in Orange County, Dr. Timothy R. Miller offers both surgical and non-surgical treatments tailored to your specific needs and comfort level.

Surgical Eyelid Procedures

Dr. Miller customizes each surgery to maintain your natural eyelid shape and avoid the hollowed or overdone look. Surgical options include:

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
This procedure removes excess skin from the upper eyelids. It’s ideal for addressing heavy lids, hooding, or upper eye puffiness that can make you look tired or aged. However, sometimes a brow lift may be necessary.

Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Focused on the under-eye area, Dr. Miller’s fat repositioning technique reduces puffiness or “bags” and tightens loose skin. Dr. Miller often uses a transconjunctival approach (internal incision) to reduce and reposition the eyelid bag while preserving your natural eyelid shape.

Combined Upper & Lower Blepharoplasty
For comprehensive rejuvenation, both upper and lower eyelids can be addressed in a single procedure, ideal for patients with more advanced aging concerns or a desire for balanced, full-eye rejuvenation.

Non-Surgical Options

Not ready for surgery? Some patients start with non-surgical options to improve the eye area gradually. While these treatments won’t remove excess skin or effectively address eyelid bags fat, they can help smooth fine lines, reduce puffiness, and restore brightness around the eyes:

Botox or Xeomin
These neuromodulators relax muscles around the eyes, softening crow’s feet and subtly lifting the brow to open the eye area.

Laser Skin Resurfacing
Fractional CO2 or other laser treatments tighten skin, reduce wrinkles, and improve skin tone and texture, especially helpful for crepey lower eyelids.

Topical Eye Rejuvenation Products
Medical-grade eye creams with ingredients like retinol, peptides, or hyaluronic acid may reduce fine lines and improve skin texture over time.

Not sure which approach is right for you?

During your consultation, Dr. Miller will evaluate your concerns and recommend the best treatment plan, whether that involves subtle non-surgical options or natural-looking surgical correction. His goal is always the same: to help you look like the most refreshed version of yourself.

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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.

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.

Locations & Areas We Serve

Our practice is conveniently located in Aliso Viejo, welcoming patients from Newport Beach and across all of Orange County. Whether you’re seeking facial plastic surgery or non-surgical enhancements, Dr. Miller provides expert care to the entire region.

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Why Choose Dr. Miller for Eyelid Surgery in Orange County?

Double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Timothy R. Miller, M.D., is among the most highly sought-after authorities in facial plastic surgery. He specializes exclusively in aesthetic treatments of the face and neck and is certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, a distinction held by fewer than 1,200 surgeons nationwide.

Dr. Miller completed his medical degree at the University of California, Davis School of Medicine, followed by a five-year surgical residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, the only surgical subspecialty devoted exclusively to the face and neck. He then pursued advanced facial aesthetic training through a prestigious fellowship with the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, refining his skills under the guidance of world-renowned experts.

Throughout his career, Dr. Miller has published numerous techniques in scientific journals and is a frequent lecturer at national and international conferences, sharing his knowledge with other surgeons in the field. His combination of rigorous training, extensive experience, and artistic approach ensures natural, nuanced results that enhance your appearance while preserving your unique features. For eyelid surgery in Orange County, you can trust that Dr. Miller provides expert care, precision, and results that look both refreshed and authentically you. 

To learn more about Dr. Miller’s credentials, visit his CV, or schedule a consultation to meet him in person.

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Eyelid Surgery FAQ

Will there be scarring after eyelid surgery?

Most patients who choose eyelid surgery in Orange County with Dr. Miller have minimal, well-concealed scars. Incisions are usually hidden in the eyelid’s natural creases, and in some cases, they’re placed inside the lid for a scarless look.

How long does eyelid surgery take?

Blepharoplasty in Orange County is typically a quick procedure, often completed in just one to two hours. Dr. Miller uses advanced, minimally invasive techniques to help ensure a smooth experience and natural results.

What are the risks of eyelid surgery?

Like any surgical procedure, eyelid surgery carries certain risks such as infection, bleeding, dry or irritated eyes, and temporary blurred vision. Dr. Miller will discuss all potential risks with you during your consultation.

How long will the results of eyelid surgery last?

Many Orange County patients enjoy permanent results from lower eyelid surgery, while upper eyelid surgery can last 10 to 20 years. Dr. Miller tailors every treatment to provide long-lasting, rejuvenated eyes.

Can I have upper and lower eyelid surgery at the same time?

Yes, both upper and lower eyelid surgery can often be performed together for a more balanced, comprehensive result.

How soon can I return to work after eyelid surgery?

Most patients feel comfortable returning to work within 4 to 7 days after eyelid surgery, depending on individual healing and the extent of the procedure.

When can I wear eye makeup again after eyelid surgery?

Most people can start wearing eye makeup 4 to 5 days after surgery, but it’s best to wait a bit longer for products like eyeliner or eyeshadow.

What is the best age for eyelid surgery?

There’s no perfect age for eyelid surgery. Candidates often range from their 30s to their 70s, but younger patients with hereditary eyelid bags may also benefit from this procedure.

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