Blepharoplasty (Upper, Lower and Quad Eyelid Surgery) in Newport Beach
Eyelid Lift Surgery for Hooded Lids, Under-Eye Bags, or Both
Your eyes aren’t just about how the world sees you; they’re about how you see the world. At Beyond Restore, our surgeons, Dr. Jarminski and Dr. Sabo, offer three types of blepharoplasty (eyelid lift surgery): upper blepharoplasty for heavy or hooded upper lids, lower blepharoplasty for under-eye bags and puffiness, and quad blepharoplasty, which treats the upper and lower eyelids together in one procedure. Whether you’re looking to lift sagging upper lids, smooth out under-eye bags, or address heavy lids that are getting in the way of your vision, a free consultation is the first step toward a plan designed around you.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle from the eyelid area to improve both appearance and function. It is one of the most precise and customizable facial surgeries, and our surgeons, Dr. Jarminski and Dr. Sabo, approach the delicate eye area with the goal of enhancing your natural features without overcorrecting or changing your expression. Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper eyelids (upper blepharoplasty), the lower eyelids (lower blepharoplasty), or all four eyelids in the same procedure (quad blepharoplasty), depending on your needs.
Upper Blepharoplasty
Over time, the skin and muscles of the upper eyelids can lose firmness, leading to sagging, drooping or a “hooded” look. For some, this creates a heavy, tired appearance; for others, excess skin can crowd the lashes and even limit their field of vision. Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin and, when needed, some fat, and may tighten the muscle to lift the lid and open the eyes. The incision is placed in the natural crease of the upper eyelid, where it is easier to conceal as it heals.
If heavy upper lids are blocking your vision, ask us whether insurance may be relevant in your situation.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower eyelid surgery focuses on the area beneath the eyes, where weakened tissue and shifting fat pads can cause bulging, puffiness or persistent under-eye bags. Depending on your anatomy, the surgeon may remove some of the fat or reposition it to smooth the transition between the lower lid and the cheek, and may tighten or trim loose skin to help soften crepey texture.
There are two common incision approaches. A transconjunctival incision is made on the inside of the lower eyelid, so there is no incision on the skin; it is often used when the main concern is fat rather than excess skin. A subciliary incision is made just below the lash line and also allows excess skin to be removed. Your surgeon will recommend the approach that fits your anatomy and goals.
Quad Blepharoplasty
Quad blepharoplasty treats all four eyelids, upper and lower, in a single procedure. It may be a good fit if you have both heavy or hooded upper lids and under-eye bags or puffiness. Combining upper and lower blepharoplasty means one surgery and one recovery period instead of two, and it allows the upper and lower lids to be planned together for a balanced, natural-looking result. The same incision options described above are used for the upper and lower lids.
Upper, Lower or Quad: Which Option Is Right for Me?
- Upper blepharoplasty may be right for you if your main concern is excess or hooded skin on the upper lids, a heavy or tired look, or upper lid skin that crowds your lashes or vision.
- Lower blepharoplasty may be right for you if your main concern is under-eye bags, puffiness, bulging fat or loose skin beneath the eyes, and you are happy with your upper lids.
- Quad blepharoplasty may be right for you if you have concerns with both your upper and lower lids and would like to address them in one procedure and one recovery.
Some concerns, such as a low brow position, a drooping eyelid margin (ptosis), or hollowness without excess fat, may need a different or additional treatment. During your free consultation, we’ll examine your eyelids, brows and under-eye area and recommend the option that fits your anatomy and goals.
What Can Blepharoplasty Treat?
- Sagging, droopy or hooded upper eyelids (upper or quad)
- Excess upper eyelid skin that affects vision (upper or quad)
- Under-eye puffiness or bulging fat pads (lower or quad)
- Loose, crepey eyelid skin
- Hollowing beneath the eyes, which in some cases can be improved by repositioning fat during lower blepharoplasty
How It Works
Your eyelid area is home to thin skin, delicate fat pads, and intricate muscles. Over time, gravity, aging, and genetics can cause this area to sag or appear puffy. During blepharoplasty, Dr. Jarminski or Dr. Sabo makes small, precise incisions to remove or reposition fat, trim excess skin, and in some cases tighten the underlying muscle:
- Upper: an incision in the natural crease of the upper eyelid.
- Lower: an incision inside the lower eyelid (transconjunctival) or just below the lash line (subciliary).
- Quad: both the upper and lower incisions, in the same procedure.
The goal isn’t to create a new you. It’s to bring back the rested, alert version of you that feels hidden beneath.
Blepharoplasty Benefits
Looks Natural, Not “Done”
Subtlety is key. Our approach focuses on enhancing what you already have, not changing your facial identity. The goal is for people to notice that you look well-rested, not that you had surgery.
Can Improve Vision
If heavy upper lids are obstructing your field of vision, upper or quad blepharoplasty removes the excess skin, which may make reading, driving, and daily life easier.
Smooths Under-Eye Bags
Sleep and skincare can’t change herniated fat pads. Lower or quad blepharoplasty repositions or removes the bulging fat under the eyes for a smoother, more awake appearance.
Long-Lasting Results
Unlike fillers or lasers that need regular maintenance, eyelid surgery is designed to provide long-lasting improvement. Your eyes will continue to age naturally, and sun protection and healthy habits can help you maintain your results.
Refreshes Your Expression
Sagging eyelids can give off an angry, tired, or sad expression. Blepharoplasty can refresh your overall look, helping you look as energized as you feel.
Discreet Incisions
Incisions are placed in the natural crease of the upper eyelid, just below the lower lash line, or inside the lower eyelid. Scars are designed to blend with the natural contours of your eyelids and typically fade over time.
Blepharoplasty Treatment Process: What to Expect
Before
It all starts with a detailed free consultation. We’ll evaluate your eyelids, brows and facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and walk you through the options: upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or quad blepharoplasty (both). You’ll also receive pre-operative instructions, which may include avoiding certain medications or supplements that increase bleeding risk. Let us know if you have dry eye or another eye condition, wear contact lenses, or have had eye surgery.
During
- Upper Blepharoplasty: Typically performed in-office with local anesthesia. Incisions are made in the natural crease of your upper eyelid, allowing access to remove excess skin and fat.
- Lower Blepharoplasty: Usually performed as an outpatient procedure. Incisions may be made just below the lash line or inside the lower eyelid (transconjunctival), depending on your anatomy.
- Quad Blepharoplasty: The upper and lower procedures are performed together in one session.
Upper, lower and quad blepharoplasty can all be performed under local anesthesia, so you’re awake but comfortable throughout. The procedure generally takes about 2 hours.
After
Expect swelling, bruising, and tightness, which are usually most noticeable in the first few days. Cold compresses and ointment will help ease the recovery. Many patients return to work and daily activities within 7-10 days, though recovery varies from person to person. With quad blepharoplasty, swelling and bruising affect both the upper and lower lids. We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule follow-ups to check your healing.
Risks
As with any surgery, blepharoplasty has risks, including bruising and swelling, dry eye or irritation, asymmetry, scarring, difficulty fully closing the eyes, changes in eyelid position (such as ectropion, where the lower lid pulls down or turns outward), infection, bleeding, rare vision problems, and anesthesia risks. We’ll review your individual risks during your consultation.
Results Timeline
1-2 weeks: You’ll notice a visible difference as swelling and bruising subside.
6 weeks to 3 months: Results begin to settle around week six, with continued refinement over the next few months as tissues heal and adjust.
Longevity: Results are long-lasting, but your eyes will continue to age naturally. Genetics, lifestyle, sun protection and skincare habits all play a role. Individual results vary.
Is Blepharoplasty Right for Me?
- You have droopy or hooded upper lids, persistent under-eye bags, or both
- Your vision is partially obstructed by excess upper eyelid skin
- You want long-term improvement, not a temporary fix
- You’re in good general health, don’t smoke or are willing to stop, and have realistic expectations
Want the full picture? Read our blepharoplasty guide.
Questions? We have answers!
When can I wear makeup or contact lenses after blepharoplasty?
Plan to avoid eye makeup and contact lenses until your surgeon clears you, which is usually after your incisions have healed. Avoid strenuous physical activity during early recovery as well. This gives your eyelids time to heal properly and reduces the risk of irritation or infection. We’ll give you specific timing at your follow-up visits.
How long do blepharoplasty results last?
Blepharoplasty is designed to provide long-lasting results, but it doesn’t stop the aging process. Your eyelids will continue to change over time with genetics, sun exposure and lifestyle. Sun protection, good skincare and healthy habits can help you maintain your results.
Will I have visible scars after blepharoplasty?
Incisions are placed in the natural crease of the upper eyelid, just below the lower lash line, or inside the lower eyelid. All surgery leaves a scar, but eyelid incisions typically fade over time and blend with the natural folds of the eyelid. A transconjunctival incision is made on the inside of the lower lid, so it is not on the skin.
Is there a non-surgical alternative to blepharoplasty?
Injectables, skin tightening and laser treatments can offer subtle improvements for mild concerns, but they do not remove excess eyelid skin or bulging fat the way surgery does. We’ll help you explore all your options during your consultation.
How painful is the recovery after blepharoplasty?
Most patients describe discomfort as mild to moderate, often as tightness or tenderness. Cold compresses and prescribed or over-the-counter medication help keep you comfortable, and the first few days are usually the most uncomfortable.
Can I combine blepharoplasty with other treatments?
Yes. Blepharoplasty can be paired with facelift surgery or with non-surgical treatments such as skin tightening and laser resurfacing to address skin tone, texture and facial balance. Upper and lower blepharoplasty can also be combined as a quad blepharoplasty. Dr. Jarminski or Dr. Sabo will discuss whether combining procedures is right for you during your consultation.
What is the difference between upper, lower and quad blepharoplasty?
Upper blepharoplasty treats excess or hooded skin, and sometimes fat, on the upper eyelids through an incision in the natural crease. Lower blepharoplasty treats under-eye bags, puffiness and loose skin through an incision inside the lower lid or just below the lash line, and the fat may be removed or repositioned. Quad blepharoplasty is upper and lower blepharoplasty performed together in one procedure.
What are the risks of blepharoplasty?
As with any surgery, there are risks. These include bruising and swelling, dry eye or irritation, asymmetry, scarring, difficulty fully closing the eyes, changes in lower eyelid position (such as ectropion, where the lid pulls down or turns outward), infection, bleeding, rare vision problems, and risks related to anesthesia. Dr. Jarminski or Dr. Sabo will review your individual risks and how to reduce them during your consultation.
Let the World See the Real You
If your eyes are sending the wrong message (tired, droopy, or dull), you don’t have to settle. At Beyond Restore in Newport Beach, CA, we focus on restoring natural, refreshed contours with precision and care. Whether it’s about vision, appearance, or a little bit of both, upper, lower or quad blepharoplasty with Dr. Jarminski or Dr. Sabo can make a meaningful difference. Schedule your free consultation to find out which option is right for you.