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Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery San Francisco, CA

Timeless Rejuvenation

Introduction to Eyelid Surgery in San Francisco

Changes around the eyes tend to show up before the rest of the face catches up. Excess skin on the upper lids can create a heavy, tired look and, in some cases, start to limit peripheral vision. Below the eyes, puffiness and loose skin can settle in over time, making the face look fatigued regardless of how rested you actually are.

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) addresses these changes by removing or repositioning excess skin, fat, and tissue around the upper lids, lower lids, or both. At Wes Plastic Surgery in San Francisco, Dr. Ari Wes tailors each procedure to the specific anatomy of the eyelid and its relationship to surrounding structures, including the brow and midface, so the result looks balanced rather than simply tighter.

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What Is Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery, medically known as blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure performed to correct sagging, loose skin, redundant skin, excess fat pockets, lax muscles, and wrinkles, all of which can create a fatigued, sad, or angry facial expression. With blepharoplasty, Dr. Wes can restore an awake appearance to the upper face, increasing patients’ confidence in and beyond San Francisco, CA.

Upper eyelid surgery in San Francisco is recommended for patients with drooping upper eyelids that can sometimes cause vision impairment. Upper eyelid surgery may also be considered medically necessary when excess tissue obstructs peripheral vision. During the procedure, Dr. Wes can firm the underlying muscles, remove excess skin, fat, and tissue, and restore a rejuvenated, inviting look. Incisions are well-concealed in the natural eyelid crease, resulting in minimal scarring.

What Sets Dr. Wes Apart as the Premier Eyelid Surgeon in San Francisco?

  • Dr. Ari Wes is an Ivy League-trained plastic surgeon with a deep understanding of facial anatomy who approaches eyelid surgery with a detailed understanding of facial balance and aesthetics, while accounting for eye health and the surrounding structures in this delicate area. Rather than focusing solely on excess skin or puffiness, he evaluates how the eyelids interact with the brow, midface, and surrounding structures to create results that look refreshed and natural.
  • In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Wes has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and has received research support from both the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. His academic background reflects a commitment to evidence-based medicine and thoughtful surgical decision-making in facial plastic surgery.
  • Dr. Wes earned his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, one of the nation’s most respected medical institutions. His training emphasizes technical precision, advanced techniques, and individualized patient care.
  • Every eyelid procedure is customized to the patient’s anatomy and goals. Whether addressing upper eyelid heaviness, lower eyelid puffiness, or both, Dr. Wes develops a surgical plan designed to restore a rested appearance without creating an overcorrected or unnatural look.

Eyelid Surgery Quick Facts

  • Surgery Time: Approximately 1-3 hours, depending on whether upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or a combination procedure is performed.
  • Price: Eyelid Surgery in San Francisco from Dr. Ari Wes costs $10,000 – $25,000. 
  • Recovery: Most patients return to non-strenuous activities within 7-10 days, with swelling and bruising continuing to improve over the following several weeks.
  • Results: Improvements are noticeable once initial swelling subsides, with final results continuing to refine over the following months.

What Are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?

When patients choose Wes Plastic Surgery for blepharoplasty in San Francisco, they enjoy a wide array of powerful advantages, including:

  • Safe, effective outpatient procedure
  • Addresses age-related changes around the eyes
  • Restores a rested, attractive facial expression
  • Boosts confidence and self-esteem
  • Long-lasting, natural-looking results that can last over 10 years; while the procedure does not stop the aging process, healthy lifestyle habits help maintain those results

Who Are the Best Candidates for Eyelid Surgery?

To best determine whether you are a candidate for eyelid surgery in San Francisco, Dr. Wes will conduct a thorough consultation and evaluation that includes your medical history and a physical examination. In general, the procedure is suitable for those with the following traits:

  • Physically healthy
  • Free from uncontrolled medical issues
  • Non-smoker
  • Realistic expectations
  • Dealing with age-related changes
  • Frustrated by wrinkles, lines, and creases
  • Struggling with loose, drooping skin
  • Unhappy with under-eye puffiness and bags
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How to Begin Your Blepharoplasty Journey

To begin your treatment at Wes Plastic Surgery in San Francisco, first reach out to our practice manager, Julie. She will answer your questions, walk you through the procedure process, and help you determine whether booking a more in-depth consultation with Dr. Wes is the right move. There’s no charge, pressure, or commitment associated with this call.

If you decide to move forward, you will book a full in-person consultation and medical evaluation with Dr. Wes, including a review of your medical history and a physical examination. During this more comprehensive visit, Dr. Wes will assess your upper and lower lids, eyelid skin, skin quality, fat distribution, and how the eyelids interact with your brow and midface, including whether lower eyelid fat pads create fullness or a hollow appearance. Based on that, he’ll tell you whether upper, lower, or combined blepharoplasty makes sense, and whether anything else might help the overall result. You’ll leave understanding exactly what the surgical procedure involves and what the recovery timeline looks like.

5 Steps to Prepare for My Eyelid Surgery with Dr. Wes

  1. Attend Your Consultation: Meet with Dr. Wes to discuss your concerns, undergo a comprehensive evaluation, and develop a personalized surgical plan.
  2. Complete Any Recommended Medical Testing: Depending on your health history, preoperative testing may be recommended to ensure you are ready for surgery.
  3. Review Your Medications: Certain medications and supplements may need to be temporarily adjusted before surgery to minimize bleeding risks.
  4. Arrange Transportation and Recovery Support: Plan for someone to drive you home after surgery and assist you during the first day of recovery.
  5. Prepare Your Recovery Space: Have cold compresses, medications, and other recovery essentials readily available before your procedure.

What to Expect on the Day of Eyelid Surgery

With blepharoplasty at Wes Plastic Surgery, you can expect a highly customized blepharoplasty surgery process that reflects the details of your individualized treatment plan. To begin, you will be given local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the doctor’s recommendations.

Once you are resting peacefully, Dr. Wes will create your incisions. With upper eyelid surgery, incisions are placed within the natural crease so the incision line follows the eyelid’s contours for camouflage. With lower blepharoplasty, incisions may be placed along the lower lash line when the lower eyelid skin needs tightening, or on the inner side of the lower lids when skin removal is not needed. Through your incisions, Dr. Wes will carefully firm the underlying muscle layer, remove excess fat, tissue, and skin, and create a more inviting, youthful-looking countenance. Facial harmony, symmetry, and balance are consistently prioritized. If needed, Dr. Wes can combine eyelid surgery with dermal fillers to restore volume or eliminate dynamic lines and crow’s feet.

Doctor dressed in a professional dark blazer and white shirt, sits at a desk across from a patient. He is holding a digital tablet and using a stylus to point at an anatomical illustration of a face and ear, explaining a procedure during a consultation. The patient is seen from behind, showing her blonde hair and a black sweater. - Procedure in San Francisco, CA
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Combining My Eyelid Surgery with Other Procedures

Many patients choose to combine eyelid surgery with other facial rejuvenation procedures to create more comprehensive and harmonious improvements. Some patients also pair surgery with laser treatments or laser resurfacing to improve fine wrinkles and skin texture around the eyes. During your consultation, Dr. Wes can discuss whether combining treatments may help you achieve your aesthetic goals more effectively.

  • Brow Lift: A brow lift can elevate a low or heavy brow that contributes to upper eyelid hooding. When performed together, brow lift surgery and blepharoplasty can create a brighter, more refreshed upper face.
  • Facelift: A facelift addresses sagging in the cheeks, jawline, and lower face while eyelid surgery rejuvenates the eye area. Combining these procedures can provide more balanced facial rejuvenation.
  • Neck Lift: For patients experiencing loose skin or aging beneath the chin and jawline, a neck lift can complement eyelid surgery and enhance overall facial definition.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Eyelid Surgery Care

The recovery process can vary slightly depending on whether you underwent upper blepharoplasty, lower eyelid surgery, or both. In general, you will likely experience minor swelling, redness, and tenderness in the treated areas. During early healing, some patients also notice temporary dryness or mild difficulty closing the eyes. These symptoms can be managed by taking oral pain medications prescribed by Dr. Wes and getting plenty of rest and downtime. While you can start light, gentle walks right away after the procedure, you are cautioned to avoid strenuous exercise for 1 month.

Dr. Wes will provide personalized postoperative instructions and remain available to respond promptly to any questions or concerns that arise during the healing process. Your guidance will include when to use eye drops and when to resume wearing contact lenses. Depending on healing, you may need to avoid contact lenses for 10–14 days.

7 Tips for Recovery From Eyelid Surgery

  1. Use Cold Compresses as Directed: Applying cold compresses during the first several days can help reduce swelling and bruising.
  2. Keep Your Head Elevated: Sleeping with your head slightly elevated may help minimize swelling during recovery.
  3. Protect Your Eyes: Wear sunglasses outdoors, protect healing incisions from sunlight for several weeks, and avoid unnecessary eye strain while healing.
  4. Avoid Heavy Lifting: Refrain from strenuous exercise and heavy lifting until cleared by Dr. Wes.
  5. Follow Medication Instructions Carefully: Take prescribed medications as directed, avoid products not approved by your surgeon, and wait to use eye makeup until cleared by Dr. Wes.
  6. Attend Follow-Up Visits: Regular appointments allow Dr. Wes to monitor healing and answer any questions that arise.
  7. Be Patient With Your Results: Swelling resolves gradually, and improvements continue to refine as healing progresses.

How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost in San Francisco, CA?

The cost of eyelid surgery in San Francisco and the Bay Area costs between $10,000 – $25,000. Factors affecting pricing may include your goals, the extent of your concerns, and whether you combine your treatment with other cosmetic procedures or treatments. Rest assured, once Dr. Wes has completed your preliminary consultation and medical review, you will receive a customized quote for services.

Why Choose Dr. Wes?

At Wes Plastic Surgery in San Francisco, California, patients enjoy a modern, sophisticated approach to care built around the artistry and skill of Dr. Ari Wes, an Ivy League-trained plastic surgeon. For blepharoplasty, Dr. Wes evaluates the eyelids in context, how they relate to the brow, the midface, and the surrounding structures, so the result looks rested, not pulled.

As a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Dr. Wes leverages a strong academic background. He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and has received research funding from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, reflecting his commitment to evidence-based care.

Dr. Wes’s highly specialized protocols result in consistently natural, effortless outcomes, helping patients to look and feel their best. Men and women in the Bay Area rely on Dr. Wes for thoughtful, transparent consultations and procedures that maximize natural beauty and confidence. From your first visit through your in-depth aftercare regimen, you can expect a thorough, personalized, and empowering experience.

Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery FAQ’S

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Dr. Ari Wes in San Francisco excels in the art of eyelid surgery and looks forward to meeting with you for a private, informative consultation. He is known for providing among the best blepharoplasty results in and beyond the Bay Area. Reach out today to book your comprehensive initial appointment.