Say Goodbye to Under-Eye Bags

Are you tired of looking tired? Under-eye bags can make you look worn-out and older than your years. These puffy, saggy bags are difficult to treat on your own. Once they appear, no amount of skin care products can truly get rid of them. 

At his practice in San Mateo, California, board-certified facial plastic surgeon R. James Koch, MD, can help you say goodbye to under-eye bags for good with blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift. Learn more below about blepharoplasty, how it works, and what to expect from treatment.

Refresh your tired, puffy eyes with blepharoplasty

Under-eye bags can make you look older and more tired than you feel. Blepharoplasty is a great option for addressing these concerns. Removing the excess fat and skin that causes puffiness gives you a smoother, younger look. 

Dr. Koch specializes in creating natural results that leave you looking refreshed and confident. If you're bothered by sagging skin or puffiness under your eyes, blepharoplasty could be what you need to feel more like yourself again.

How blepharoplasty works

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand what to expect from blepharoplasty:

Step 1: Consultation and planning

First, Dr. Koch evaluates your eyelid area and discusses your concerns and goals. Based on your needs — upper eyelid sagging, lower eyelid puffiness, or both — he develops a personalized plan for your surgery.

Step 2: Anesthesia 

On the day of surgery, Dr. Koch’s team gives you oral medication to relax and administers local anesthesia to numb the eyelid area, eliminating the need for general anesthesia. You remain awake but relaxed during the surgery, allowing you to communicate with Dr. Koch.

Step 3: Incisions and fat removal

For lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Koch uses one of two methods depending on your condition. He may make an incision just under the lower lashes to address loose skin or opt for a transconjunctival approach (inside the eyelid) for fat removal.

Step 4: Suturing 

Once the excess skin and fat are gone, Dr. Koch carefully closes the incisions using sutures that he hides along your lash line. The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours.

Set up your blepharoplasty recovery for success

You can return home the same day after blepharoplasty. Since the procedure uses twilight sedation, you need a ride home and someone to stay with you that night. You may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort around your eyes, but this gradually improves.

Week 1

Expect to follow up with Dr. Koch in 7-8 days for a checkup and suture removal. During this time, most patients find the swelling and bruising noticeable but manageable. 

Avoid certain activities, such as bending over or lifting heavy objects, to ensure proper healing. You can shower 48 hours after surgery, but the incision areas shouldn’t get wet.

Week 2

About 80% of swelling should subside by two weeks. Any puffiness shouldn’t be as noticeable. If you had a transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty, you might need to wait up to two weeks before wearing contact lenses. 

People typically feel comfortable wearing makeup again after 10 days, but be cautious around the incision sites for at least three weeks.

Returning to activities

For the first two weeks, refrain from strenuous exercise, sexual activity, or heavy lifting. By week three, you should be cleared to return to most regular activities. 

Enhance your results

Dr. Koch may recommend nonsurgical treatments, like laser resurfacing and Botox®, to further refine the area around your eyes, smooth out fine lines, and address wrinkles like crow’s feet. These treatments can complement your blepharoplasty and extend your results.

Book your blepharoplasty consultation in San Mateo, California

If you’re ready to say goodbye to under-eye bags for good, talk to the Bay Area’s blepharoplasty specialist. Contact us for an appointment today at 669-279-3663, text us, or schedule online at drkochfacialplasticsurgery.com.