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With age, many people notice their eyes looking more tired, even if they sleep well and take care of their skin. Sagging eyelids and undereye bags can make the face look older or sleepy.
Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure designed to rejuvenate the appearance of the eyelids. It can target the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, addressing concerns such as sagging skin, puffiness, and under-eye bags.
In some cases, blepharoplasty is performed as a functional procedure rather than purely cosmetic. For example, when excess upper eyelid skin droops enough to obstruct peripheral vision, surgery can improve both appearance and sight. At Northwest Face & Body, we personalize eyelid surgery based on your anatomy and your goals, whether you want a brighter, more rested look, improved symmetry, or relief from heavy upper lids.
Blepharoplasty can treat the upper lids, lower lids, or both. Upper eyelid surgery lifts heavy, hooded skin and can also be functional when excess skin blocks peripheral vision. Lower eyelid surgery smooths under-eye bags and tightens lax skin. These procedures can refine eyelid shape and reduce puffiness, but they are not designed to smooth crow’s feet or fine surface lines. These concerns may require non-surgical treatments such as injectables.
Upper blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes or repositions excess skin, and in some cases, a small amount of muscle or fat, through an incision hidden in the natural crease of the upper eyelid. Upper eyelid surgery is typically performed using local anesthesia with light sedation or general anesthesia based on individual cases.
It is designed to create a more open, rested appearance and can improve side vision when drooping skin hangs over the eyelashes. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days, with swelling and bruising usually fading over 1–2 weeks.
Lower blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that addresses the lower eyelid area using either a transconjunctival approach (inside the eyelid) or a subciliary approach (just below the lash line). It focuses on reducing puffiness, smoothing under-eye bags, and tightening lax skin. The transconjunctival approach removes or repositions fat without an external scar. In contrast, the subciliary approach is used for skin tightening and may be combined with lid-support techniques (canthopexy or canthoplasty) or skin treatments.
The choice of technique depends on factors such as skin quality, fat prolapse, lid tone, and overall facial balance.
In some cases, dark circles are caused by fat loss rather than excess fat. For such patients, treatment may include fat repositioning or injectable fillers to restore balance.
Bellevue has become a sought-after destination for blepharoplasty, attracting patients who want a refreshed, youthful appearance with results that look entirely natural. At Northwest Face & Body, patients benefit from the skill of board-certified surgeons who combine advanced surgical techniques with an artistic eye for detail.
Serving the greater Seattle metro area, including professionals, community leaders, and individuals seeking age-defying results, the clinic offers personalized treatment plans and a discreet, patient-centered experience.
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) can address both cosmetic and functional concerns, and is generally categorized into upper and lower procedures.
Upper blepharoplasty may be right for you if you want to correct excess skin or heaviness in the upper eyelids that affects your appearance or vision. You might be a good candidate for upper blepharoplasty in Bellevue and Kirkland if you have:
Lower blepharoplasty is suited for patients who want to smooth and rejuvenate the under-eye area. You might be a good candidate for lower blepharoplasty if you have:
Ideal candidates for these procedures are generally in good overall health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes.
Most blepharoplasty surgeries take 1–2 hours and are performed as same-day procedures, meaning you’ll be able to go home shortly after surgery. After administering local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, your surgeon will follow the surgical plan discussed during your consultation.
During the upper eyelid surgery, the surgeon will make a precise incision in the natural crease to remove or adjust excess tissue. For lower eyelids, the incision may be inside the eyelid (no visible scar) or just below the lashes if skin tightening is needed.
Once the necessary adjustments are complete, the incisions are closed with fine sutures. You’ll rest in a recovery area until you’re ready to head home, along with detailed aftercare instructions.
When both upper and lower eyelids are treated together, the procedure is typically completed within a single visit and the recovery period is shorter than two separate surgeries.
The cost of blepharoplasty can vary based on factors such as the surgeon’s expertise, the type of procedure, and the complexity of the case.
Here at Northwest Face & Body, we offer transparent pricing for our most common procedures:
These prices typically include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, facility charges, and follow-up visits.
Eyelid surgeries are quickly performed under both general and local anesthesia. Oftentimes, the procedures are relatively painless. The procedures are relatively painless, and recovery times are rapid. Patients often see a significant reduction in swelling and bruising within 3–5 days.
At Northwest Face & Body, our surgeon will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery process.
Taking care of your eyes after surgery can contribute to faster healing and reduce the chance of complications. Our surgeon will provide personalized instructions, but here are some common guidelines that may be included:
As with any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty is followed by some common side effects, including swelling, bruising, and tightness. These are generally temporary and subside with proper aftercare. Other less common side effects include infection, dry eyes, temporary blurred vision, scarring, and, rarely, difficulty fully closing the eyes. However, when performed by an experienced, board-certified surgeon, serious complications are uncommon, and most patients recover without lasting issues.
To ensure safe, natural-looking results from your blepharoplasty, choose a board-certified plastic surgeon or oculoplastic specialist in Bellevue with extensive eyelid surgery experience. Look for before-and-after photos of real patients, read verified reviews, and schedule consultations to assess their expertise, communication style, and facility standards.
Bags, sagging, or hooded lids stealing your spark? At Northwest Face & Body, our Bellevue blepharoplasty specialists can help restore your bright, youthful gaze. During a personalized consultation, we’ll listen to your concerns, evaluate your eyelids, and explain exactly how the procedure can refresh your appearance, from surgical techniques to recovery. Call (425) 827-7725 or click here to book your appointment.
Blepharoplasty incisions are usually placed in natural eyelid folds or just below the lash line, so scars tend to fade over time and are typically hard to notice once healed.
Results often last several years. For many patients, the improvement can be long-lasting, but natural ageing continues.
There’s no single recommended age for eyelid surgery. Many patients consider it in their 40s, 50s, or later when eyelid changes become noticeable, while some younger patients seek it for genetic reasons.
Blepharoplasty is generally considered a low-risk procedure when performed by a qualified surgeon, though all surgeries carry some level of risk, and it also depends on the patient’s anatomy and any existing concerns.
Blepharoplasty typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on whether the upper lids, lower lids, or both are treated.