Eyelid Surgery

Although the delicate skin around your eyes ages gradually, the changes seem to appear overnight. Suddenly, you notice wrinkles, sagging eyelids, and puffiness, changes that can be reversed by eyelid surgery performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Jonathan Zelken, MD. Dr. Zelken finds eyelid surgery especially rewarding because it yields instant results for you and rewards his meticulous technique. Call the Newport Beach, California, office today or request an appointment online. Press option 3 when calling to reach their Chinese hotline and talk with a Mandarin-speaking physician.

Learn more about eyelid surgery procedures done at Dr. Zelken's office »

How does eyelid surgery improve my appearance?

Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty or, more commonly, an eyelid lift, reshapes your eyelids and the surrounding area. This procedure can be the perfect choice if you want to improve:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Sagging upper eyelids
• Bags under your eyes
• Excess skin on your eyelids
• Fat that builds up in unwanted areas

 An eyelid surgery can improve your vision if your upper eyelids sag down and cover part of your eyes.

Can I have other aesthetic treatments together with eyelid surgery?

Many people have another procedure at the same time as their eyelid surgery. For example, you could have a brow lift, facelift, injectable treatments like dermal fillers and Botox®, or other nonsurgical facial rejuvenation treatments. 

Can I have eyelid surgery and preserve my ethnic identity?

Ethnic blepharoplasty, including Asian eyelid surgery, improves your appearance without changing your ethnic identity. Dr. Zelken has observed eyelid surgery in Taipei and Seoul and appreciates the meticulous, subtle techniques used to open your eyes and eliminate wrinkles while preserving your natural ethnic appearance.

 Dr. Zelken welcomes patients from across the world. The Jonathan Zelken, MD, team includes a Mandarin translator.

What happens during eyelid surgery?

Depending on your needs, Dr. Zelken rejuvenates the upper, lower, or both eyelids. Many patients undergo the procedure using a local anesthetic and oral sedation. But you can also receive intravenous twilight sedation in the office by a board-certified anesthesiologist.

 To begin your surgery, Dr. Zelken makes incisions in areas where you won’t see the scar. Then, he uses an advanced laser to do your upper eyelid surgery. The procedure generally involves removing excess skin and fat and tightening the underlying muscles.

 Dr. Zelken repositions the fat whenever possible to rebuild a natural, soft cushion under the skin. Or he can transplant the fat to another area, using it to soften facial folds or enhance your cheeks.

What should I expect after eyelid surgery?

Self-care following eyelid surgery, including applying a prescription ointment, eases inflammation and shortens your recovery. You’ll receive detailed instructions before leaving the office. Dr. Zelken and the skilled nursing team can also answer your questions during your recovery.

If you’re ready to revitalize your eyes, connect with Jonathan Zelken, MD, today. Call the office or request a consultation to meet with Dr. Zelken using online booking.

Blepharoplasty is one of Dr. Zelken’s top three favorite operations to perform, as it yields instant results, rewards perfectionism and meticulous technique. Optimal results should leave your friends wondering, did you have something done?

This common procedure will enhance the eye area and give you a fresh faced appearance.

WHAT IS BLEPHAROPLASTY

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift can involve rejuvenation or reshaping of the upper, lower, or both eyelids. Many patients complain of puffy eyelids, looking tired all the time, or shadows on their faces. Blepharoplasty procedures range from straightforward to complex, and in many cases, can be performed in the Our clinic procedure suite under local anesthesia.

BLEPHAROPLASTY AT THE OUR CLINIC

Blepharoplasty for aging should preserve your appearance. Dr. Zelken believes eliminating shadows is the most important goal of blepharoplasty, not so much excision of tissue. For example, in lower lid blepharoplasty, many patients complain of bags or festoons. Rather than excising the fat that causes these festoons (which may not eliminate shadows), Dr. Zelken will consider repositioning that excess tissue to a more desirable location like your cheekbone to efface folds and enhance your cheeks.

Dr. Zelken prefers his Lumenis AcuPulse laser to assist his upper eyelid lifts, also known as blepharoplasty. In this video, he performs upper eyelid skin and fat resection, and lower eyelid skin, fat, and muscle resection and resuspension. The patient did very well with oral sedative pills and local numbing, but we also offer twilight sedation in our office by a board-certified anesthesiologist.

Sutures come out at 1 week. Bruising can be avoided with discontinuation of aspirin and alcohol. Socially presentable by 2 weeks, at the very least with some cover-up.

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ASIAN AND ETHNIC BLEPHAROPLASTY

Ethnic blepharoplasty, including Asian eyelid surgery, should improve appearance without insulting ethnic identity. It is very possible to do this while establishing symmetrical folds, opening your eyes further, and effacing the epicanthal fold. Dr. Zelken has observed eyelid surgery in Taipei and Seoul and appreciates the meticulous technique used and subtlety in Asian outcomes after blepharoplasty.

I just had a Blepharoplasty and my ears done and now every time I look in the mirror it makes me want to cry from happiness!

– Lori M.

In this video, Angels hall-of-famer Chuck Finley describes why he chose Dr. Zelken and quadruple blepharoplasty to enhance (but not change) his look. He was back on his game in no time, thanks to wide awake surgery, meticulous technique, and compliance with postoperative instructions.

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BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS

Before

After

Individual results may vary

YOUR BLEPHAROPLASTY CONSULTATION AT THE OUR CLINIC

At the Our clinic we welcome patients from across the world and there is a Mandarin Chinese translator available. If you are interested in exploring this further, call (949) 432-4730 and press option 3 for our Chinese hotline to speak with a Mandarin-speaking physician and schedule your appointment.

Heavy lids? Taking blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) to the NEXT LEVEL with a single stitch browlift

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FAQ

CAN BLEPHAROPLASTY BE COMBINED WITH ANOTHER PROCEDURE?

In many cases, blepharoplasty is paired with injectable treatments to further enhance appearance and freshen up your look. Other topical, non-surgical options can also be used to enhance eyelash fullness and length.

DOES INSURANCE COVER A BLEPHAROPLASTY PROCEDURE?

If you are interested in eyelid surgery to improve your vision because of sagging brows and excessive upper lid skin your surgery might be covered by insurance and we can explore this further.

Night of surgery. The patient has marked swelling and is able to open her eyes part-way. She does not have visual complaints and has no need for pain medication

Postoperative day 2 and 3 are usually the worst in Asian eyelids as the fluid swelling is replaced by the body’s natural inflammatory responses.

The next day is more of the same, but avoidance of strenuous activity and use of the ointment prescribed facilitates quicker recovery. Bruising begins to fade

As swelling resolves the result begins to show, although we are months away from the final outcome. There are still bruises and asymmetries.

Stitches generally come out on postoperative day 6 or 7. The act of stitch removal usually stirs up a small amount of swelling, and can be somewhat uncomfortable, but without stitches there, the healing process speeds up and you can be red carpet ready within 2-3 weeks.