Blepharoplasty FAQ

Click here for an overview of Eyelid Surgery in San Francisco and Oakland. Or select one of the links below to read answers to the most common questions we are asked about blepharoplasty.

• Will eyelid surgery hurt?
• How long will I need to take off for work?
• What if I want to improve my eyes, but I want to avoid an 'operated' look?
• Will insurance pay for the procedure?

Will eyelid surgery hurt?

Not really. The procedure is done with local anesthesia and sedation, during which there usually only mild discomfort. Most patients only require Tylenol post-operatively for pain management.

How long will I need to take off for work?

After a week or less, you should be able to resume your normal routine. Wear dark glasses for a few days to hide "black eyes"--this will also help you remember not to touch your eyelids while they're healing. You may experience slightly blurred vision, eye irritation, or dryness for up to a month after surgery. Dr. Mabrie may recommend eye drops or an ointment to promote healing and relieve discomfort.
You'll find that your eyelids heal well because of their rich blood supply, and the scars are hardly visible.

What if I want to improve my eyes, but I want to avoid an 'operated' look?

Not to worry, we want to avoid that look too. The goal of Blepharoplasty is to remove excess skin and fat around the eyes, to reveal their natural beauty, not to change them.

Will insurance pay for the procedure?

Insurance does not cover purely cosmetic procedures. In some cases, there is so much extra skin over the upper eyelids it decrease the vision. In this situation, your insurance may cover the procedure.