As we age, our eyes can betray how we truly feel inside, with changes affecting our looks and their function. For many, this disconnection leads to a constant appearance of fatigue or negative emotions, even when feeling energetic.
At LEA Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva offers advanced blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) to help you achieve brighter, more youthful eyes while maintaining your natural facial harmony.
Common Reasons to Consider Blepharoplasty
If You’re Concerned With
- Droopy, heavy upper eyelids
- Under-eye bags or puffiness under the eyes
- Upper eyelids with no eyelid crease
- Impaired vision
And Your Goal Is To
- Achieve bigger, brighter eyes
- Achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance
- Appear as happy and energetic on the outside as you feel on the inside
- Improve vision
Blepharoplasty surgery may be the perfect solution for you.
Why Choose Eyelid Surgery?
They say the eyes are the “windows to the soul,” but what if how we feel on the inside doesn’t match the appearance of our eyes?
When aging, genetics, or lifestyle factors affect their appearance, it can lead to reduced self-confidence and a reluctance to make eye contact.
Eyelid surgery can address:
- Loose or sagging upper eyelid skin that creates hooding or wrinkles
- Fat deposits causing puffiness and bags
- Functional vision impairment from overhanging eyelid skin
Eyelid surgery is not only for older patients. Many younger patients, even in their 20s, seek blepharoplasty to improve eyelid shape, correct hooded eyes, or add an upper eyelid crease. Dr. Ho Taghva is widely recognized in Orange County and beyond for her expertise in Asian and ethnic blepharoplasty, helping patients enhance their eyes while preserving their natural ethnic features.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes or repositions excess skin, fat, and muscle to improve eyelid appearance and in some cases improve vision.
Dr. Ho Taghva uses discreet incisions hidden within natural eyelid creases or inside the eyelid (for lower blepharoplasty) to achieve natural-looking results.
Types of Blepharoplasty:
- Upper Eyelid Surgery: Removes excess skin and fat, restoring a more open, youthful look and, when needed, improving vision.
- Lower Eyelid Surgery: Smooths under-eye bags and puffiness by removing or repositioning fat and tightening skin.
- Double Eyelid Surgery: Creates or enhances an upper eyelid crease for patients without one naturally, often sought by Asian patients.
Who is a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
According to the Mayo Clinic, eyelid surgery may be right for you if you have:
- Under-eye bags or puffiness caused by the accumulation of fat on the lower eyelids
- Excess, lax skin and fat in the upper eyelids causing drooping upper eyelids
- Impaired vision due to excess, sagging skin on the upper eyelids
- Excess skin in the lower eyelids
Ideal candidates are healthy, non-smokers with realistic expectations. Younger patients often choose blepharoplasty for aesthetic enhancement, while older patients may benefit from both functional and cosmetic improvements.
How Dr. Ho Taghva Performs Eyelid Surgery?
During your consultation, Dr. Ho Taghva will craft a personalized treatment plan based on her professional evaluation and your specific goals and preferences.
Double Blepharoplasty
Dr. Ho Taghva offers two methods for double eyelid surgery, tailored to your needs and her expert recommendation:
- Suture Method – This technique uses permanent sutures instead of incisions to create a natural-looking upper eyelid crease. Tiny stitches are carefully placed under the skin, resulting in minimal scarring and a shorter recovery time.
- Full Incision Method – Dr. Ho Taghva makes small incisions along the natural eyelid creases, removing excess skin and fat, then sutures the area to form a natural crease.
Learn about the benefits of double blepharoplasty on our blog: Surprising Benefits Of Double Eyelid Surgery.
Lower Blepharoplasty
- Incision just below the lash line or inside the eyelid
- Fat repositioned or removed, skin tightened
- Smooths puffiness and under-eye hollows
For more information, read this blog on lower blepharoplasty.
Upper Blepharoplasty
- Discreet incision along the natural eyelid fold
- Removal of excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle
- Minimal scarring hidden in the crease
Precision is key. For more information on this, read upper eyelid surgery.
Blepharoplasty Before-and-After Pictures
Before-and-after photos of past blepharoplasty patients can help you see the potential results of surgery and set realistic expectations for your own outcome. At LEA Plastic Surgery, we focus on achieving results that look natural, complement your facial features, and reflect your unique goals.
Explore some before and after photos:
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?
The average cost of eyelid surgery is $4,950, based on over 5,000 reviews from patients on RealSelf. Obviously, as with any other cosmetic procedure, this can vary widely depending on your surgeon’s experience and geographic location, among other factors. Learn more about costs for the different types of blepharoplasty, factors that affect costs, and how to get it covered by insurance on our blog, How Much is Blepharoplasty?
Can I Combine Blepharoplasty with Other Procedures?
For a more comprehensive transformation, blepharoplasty can be combined with:
- Brow lift
Learn more about combining eyelid surgery with a brow lift on our blog. - Medial Epicanthoplasty
- Lateral Canthoplasty
- Ptosis Repair
- Forehead Lift
- Temporal Lift
“I am now able to look people in the face and not be self conscious about how I look. My personal life and my professional career have flourished and I look forward to what the future may hold.”
Facelift patient
Why Choose Dr. Ho Taghva for Blepharoplasty?
- Board-certified with Ivy League training in facial and body plastic surgery
- Known for Asian and ethnic blepharoplasty expertise
- Personalized, discreet care with natural-looking outcomes
- Hundreds of satisfied patients throughout Newport Beach and Orange County
When Will I See Results?
Here’s a timeline of what to expect during your Orange County ethnic blepharoplasty healing journey:
- Right after surgery: Your eyes will likely be swollen and slightly bruised. It’s normal to feel a bit tender, too. Don’t worry, this is a temporary side effect.
- A few weeks later: The swelling should start to subside, and you’ll begin to see a noticeable difference in your eyelids. The new crease will become more defined, and any puffiness will decrease.
- A few months later: This is when the magic happens! Your eyes will look more refreshed and rejuvenated. The final results will be noticeable in the 3-6 month mark, and you’ll be able to enjoy your new look.
How Long Does Eyelid Surgery Last?
The longevity of eyelid surgery results depends on several factors, including genetics, your skin care regimen (keep those medical-grade eye creams handy!), sun exposure, and the type of procedure you opt for. Upper, lower, and double eyelid surgery can last anywhere from 5 years to a lifetime, but it is wise to remember that the eyes never stop aging, even after surgery.
Our tips for reaping the benefits of your blepharoplasty for as long as possible include:
- Keep the SPF handy, wear sun-protective clothes, and minimize your exposure to the sun. It might be difficult here in beautiful, sunny California, but be careful on those beach days and keep your UV-protective hat on!
- Maintain a medical-grade skincare routine. You can build this with an aesthetician or dermatologist.
- Follow aftercare instructions from your plastic surgeon carefully.
- Don’t smoke, and try to keep the alcohol drinking at a minimum.
- Maintain a balanced diet full of nutrients and exercise regularly (when you have completely recovered from surgery, of course!)
What Are the Risks of Eyelid Surgery?
With any type of surgery, including blepharoplasty, comes risks.
Possible complications associated with blepharoplasty, according to Stanford Medicine, include:
- Temporary problems with vision
- Asymmetric lids during the healing process
- Difficulties with closing eyes
- Acne along the area where the incisions were placed
- Pulling down of the lower lids, also known as ectropion (very rare)
How Long Is Recovery After Blepharoplasty?
- Immediately after surgery: Swelling, bruising, and mild tenderness are normal.
- 1 to 2 weeks: Most patients return to work and normal activities.
- 3 to 6 months: Final results become visible as swelling resolves and scars fade.
For a detailed explanation of blepharoplasty recovery, head on over to our blog, Blepharoplasty Recovery: What to Expect.
Your Newport Beach Eyelid Surgery Consultation
Your eyes make a dramatic impact on your overall appearance. Having larger or refreshed eyes can be life-changing. During your blepharoplasty consultation with Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva, she will professionally assess your eyes, listen closely to your goals and concerns, and work with you to create a customized plan.
Fill out the form below to connect with Dr. Ho Taghva and her team. You should receive a call back within 24 hours.
Contact us
Call (949) 945-2168 today or submit the form below. We look forward to helping you reach your cosmetic surgery goals.
We have fluent translators available for these languages: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Khmer. 中文 / KO / VI
Frequently Asked Questions About Blepharoplasty
Will eyelid surgery get rid of wrinkles?
Contrary to popular belief, eyelid surgery is not intended to get rid of fine lines and wrinkles, crow’s feet, and dark circles. Instead, its goal is to remove excess skin and fat in the eyelids. Patients who are interested in improving fine lines and wrinkles should consider other procedures like laser resurfacing, injectables, or chemical peels.
What is the perfect age for blepharoplasty?
There is no “perfect age” for blepharoplasty in Newport Beach. Most patients choose to undergo the procedure in their 30s, 40s, and 50s when signs of aging around their eyes have begun to make them look older than they feel.
Is eyelid surgery painful?
After eyelid surgery, patients may feel some pain and discomfort. The good news is that postoperative discomfort can usually be greatly reduced with cold compresses and pain medications. Patients shouldn’t worry about any unmanageable pain as it is a very rare occurrence.
When will I look normal again after eyelid surgery?
Most patients appear normal and feel comfortable participating in social activities about two to three weeks after surgery. They can typically enjoy their final results after three months and may find that their results continue to improve until around the six-month mark.
Can I wear makeup, wash my hair, or shower after blepharoplasty?
Most patients are cleared to shower and wash their hair the day after eyelid surgery. Dr. Ho Taghva does not recommend wearing eyeliner, mascara, eye shadow, or any other type of eye makeup for at least a few weeks after surgery.
How noticeable are the scars from eyelid surgery?
Scars are typically minimal and well-concealed within the natural structures of the eyelid, becoming barely noticeable over time.
Does eyelid surgery treat crow’s feet?
Crow’s feet are typically created by repetitive muscle movements, not sagging skin and fat. Botox may be recommended to treat crow’s feet and enhance the results of eyelid surgery.