Am I a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

Posted on May 7, 2025 in Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery—also known as blepharoplasty—is one of the most effective facial surgery procedures for restoring a youthful appearance and enhancing your overall facial aesthetic. Cosmetic blepharoplasty can treat sagging skin, drooping eyelids, and excess fat that contribute to a tired, aged look. Whether you’re struggling with sagging upper eyelids, drooping eyelid skin, or puffiness in the lower eyelids, Ransom MD offers a personalized approach to eyelid surgery at his accredited plastic surgery facility in San Francisco.

What is Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?

Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery designed to remove excess skin, tighten eyelid skin, and reposition fat around the eyes. This surgical procedure is often performed on the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both (upper and lower eyelids). The procedure addresses cosmetic concerns and, in some cases, functional issues like impaired peripheral vision due to drooping skin.

Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery

• Upper eyelid surgery (or upper blepharoplasty): Targets sagging eyelid skin, droopy eyelids, and excess skin that may obstruct vision.
• Lower eyelid surgery (or lower blepharoplasty): Focuses on removing or repositioning fat, improving dark circles, and tightening loose lower lids. Though lower eyelid surgery rarely addresses vision issues, it is an excellent cosmetic procedure for rejuvenating the under-eye area.

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty and lower eyelid blepharoplasty can both be performed under local anesthesia or IV sedation, often as an outpatient procedure.

Ideal Candidate Profile

You may be a candidate for cosmetic eyelid surgery if you have drooping eyelid skin, sagging skin in the upper lids, or if you experience puffiness or herniated fat in the lower eyelids. Ideal candidates are in good health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about the results. A stable medical history and the absence of severe eye conditions are also important factors. In some cases, functional concerns—such as drooping upper eyelids that interfere with vision—may require upper lid blepharoplasty or reconstructive surgery to restore both form and function.

Signs You May Be a Candidate

Individuals often seek eyelid surgery for both cosmetic and medical reasons. Indications that you might be a candidate include:

• Excess skin obscuring the natural crease of the upper eyelids
• Loose skin hanging down from the upper eyelids, potentially impairing vision
• Swelling or puffiness of the eyelids, giving off a tired or aged look
• Deep grooves under the eyes or droopy eyelids
• Dark circles or puffiness affecting my appearance
• Reduced peripheral vision

Eyelid Surgery for Men and Women

Both men and women benefit from eyelid lift procedures; Dr. Ransom customizes each blepharoplasty procedure to preserve the natural shape and character of the eyes while reducing signs of aging and fatigue. Gender-specific anatomy is always considered to ensure subtle, natural results.

Alternatives and Complementary Procedures

Not everyone needs or qualifies for surgery. Non-surgical options include:

• Botox®: Smooth wrinkles around the eyes.
• Soft Tissue fillers: Add volume to tear troughs or the midface to minimize hollowness.

To enhance your eyelid surgery results, consider these other facial surgery procedures:

• Brow lift (or forehead lift): Elevates drooping eyebrows to open up the upper face.
• Facelift: Treats sagging skin in the mid to lower face and neck.

Recovery Expectations and Results

Blepharoplasty recovery varies from patient to patient, but most can expect mild blurred vision, swelling, or bruising in the initial days following surgery. It’s important to use cold compresses, apply prescribed eye drops, and keep your head elevated to support healing. Patients are advised to avoid wearing contact lenses and to protect their eyes with dark sunglasses while healing.

Most individuals can return to normal activities within 10 to 14 days. As the recovery progresses, you’ll notice improvements in the contour of your eyes, reduced puffiness, and a more refreshed appearance. Many patients report looking more alert and youthful following the procedure.

Why Choose Dr. Evan Ransom?

Whether you’re considering upper eyelid blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or cosmetic blepharoplasty involving upper and lower eyelids, Dr. Ransom can help. Dr. Evan Ransom is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon renowned for his expertise in eyelid surgery in San Francisco. His dedication to patient care ensures a personalized approach to each surgery, emphasizing natural results and patient satisfaction.

If you’re considering this transformative procedure, contact us to schedule a consultation and explore how eyelid surgery with Dr. Evan Ransom could enhance your confidence and appearance. For more information about our services, consider checking out related pages.