Blepharoplasty
(Eyelid Surgery)
in Los Angeles

Refresh Your Look With Eyelid Surgery by Dr. Jeffrey Rawnsley

Your eyes are the focal point of your face, conveying your emotions and vitality. When drooping eyelids or under-eye bags start making you look tired or older than you feel, blepharoplasty (also called an eye lift) can help restore your natural, refreshed appearance.

At Rawnsley Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles, Dr. Jeffrey Rawnsley offers specialized upper and lower eyelid surgery designed to rejuvenate the area around your eyes while maintaining your unique facial character.

Before & After

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Understanding 
Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the eyelids. This common surgery can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on your specific needs. The procedure removes excess skin and fat that contribute to a tired or aged appearance, resulting in a more rested, alert look.

Dr. Rawnsley, a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, specializes in both cosmetic and functional eyelid surgery. Whether your concern is cosmetic or related to impaired vision due to sagging upper eyelids, Dr. Rawnsley provides personalized surgical solutions.

Types of Eyelid Surgery

Upper Eyelid Surgery (Upper Blepharoplasty)

Upper eyelid surgery addresses drooping eyelid skin that may hood over the eye, causing a tired appearance or even interfering with vision. This type of surgery removes excess skin and creates a more defined eyelid crease. Patients with upper lids that droop significantly may also benefit from ptosis surgery, another procedure that specifically addresses the muscle function of the eyelid.

Lower Eyelid Surgery (Lower Blepharoplasty)

Lower eyelid surgery focuses on reducing puffiness and eyelid bags under the eyes. Dr. Rawnsley can perform lower lid blepharoplasty through incisions made inside the lower eyelid (transconjunctival blepharoplasty) or just below the lash line, depending on your specific needs.

Combined Upper and Lower Eyelids

Many patients benefit from having both upper and lower eyelid surgery performed simultaneously for a comprehensive rejuvenation of the eye area.

Why Choose Dr. Rawnsley for Your Eyelid Surgery

When selecting a surgeon for your blepharoplasty procedure, experience and specialized training are paramount. Dr. Jeffrey Rawnsley brings exceptional qualifications as a plastic surgeon specifically trained in facial plastic surgery:

  • Double Board Certification by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery
  • Clinical Associate Professor at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine
  • Co-Director of the Fellowship Program in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at UCLA
  • Specialized Training in aesthetics and microsurgery
  • Recognized Expert consulted by other plastic surgeons

Dr. Rawnsley's approach to eyelid surgery combines technical precision with an artistic understanding of facial aesthetics. He carefully analyzes the unique structure of each patient's eyes and surrounding tissues to create natural-looking results that complement your overall facial harmony.

Dr. Rawnsley's work has been featured by

The Blepharoplasty Procedure: What to Expect

Eyelid surgery is performed as an outpatient surgery at our Los Angeles surgical facility. The blepharoplasty procedure takes approximately 1-2 hours depending on whether the surgery involves upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.

Before Your Surgery

Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Rawnsley. During this visit, he will:

  • Evaluate your eyelid structure and facial anatomy
  • Discuss your aesthetic goals
  • Review your medical history
  • Determine if eyelid surgery can help you achieve your desired outcome
  • Create a customized surgical plan specifically for your needs

During the Procedure

  • Anesthesia: Blepharoplasty can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure.
  • Incision Placement: For upper eyelid surgery, incisions are carefully placed in the natural crease of the eyelid. For lower eyelid surgery, incisions are typically made just below the lash line or inside the lower eyelid
  • Tissue Modification: Dr. Rawnsley will remove excess skin and reposition or remove fat deposits as needed. For some patients, he may also tighten the underlying muscles.
  • Closure: The incisions are closed with fine sutures that are typically removed within 5-7 days.

Recovery After Eyelid Surgery

Recovery from blepharoplasty is typically straightforward, with most patients returning to normal activities within 10 to 14 days.

First Few Days After Surgery

  • You'll rest in the recovery room for a short period before going home the same day
  • Expect some bruising and swelling around your eyes, especially the upper and outer parts
  • Cold compresses can help reduce swelling and bruising
  • Dr. Rawnsley will prescribe medication to manage any discomfort
  • You should keep your head elevated, even while sleeping the night after surgery

Following Week

  • Stitches are typically removed 5-7 days after surgery
  • Most bruising and swelling begins to subside
  • Many patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities after 7-10 days, with makeup to conceal any remaining bruising
  • It's important to protect your delicate eyelid skin from sun exposure during recovery

Long-Term Recovery

  • Final results become fully apparent as all swelling resolves, typically within several days after surgery
  • Lower eyelid surgery rarely needs revision, while upper eyelid surgery results typically last 5-7 years before natural aging may prompt consideration of a touch-up
  • Some patients may experience temporary dry eye after surgery, which typically resolves within a few weeks
Throughout your recovery, Dr. Rawnsley and his team will be available to answer questions and ensure your healing progresses smoothly.

Ideal Candidates for Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty can reduce signs of aging around the eyes and help you achieve a more refreshed appearance. You may be an ideal candidate for eyelid surgery if you:
  • Have excess eyelid skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid
  • Experience sagging upper eyelids that interfere with your vision
  • Have puffy upper or lower eyelids due to excess fat deposits
  • Notice under-eye bags or lower eyelid droopiness
  • Are in good overall health
  • Have realistic expectations about what cosmetic eyelid surgery can accomplish
Dr. Rawnsley takes time during your consultation to determine whether blepharoplasty is the right cosmetic procedure for your specific concerns or whether the surgery repairs a condition that affects your daily functioning.

Frequently Asked Questions 
About Eyelid Surgery

Dr. Rawnsley carefully places incisions in the natural creases of the upper eyelid or just below the lash line of the lower eyelid. For some lower eyelid procedures, the incision is made inside the lower eyelid, resulting in no visible external scar. Once healed, blepharoplasty scars are typically very difficult to detect.
Upper eyelid surgery results typically last 5-7 years, while lower eyelid surgery results are often long-lasting or permanent. The natural aging process will continue, but your eyes will always look better than if you had never undergone the procedure
If upper eyelid surgery is performed to improve vision impaired by excess skin, it may be partially covered by insurance. This determination is made on a case-by-case basis and usually requires documentation from an ophthalmologist. Cosmetic eyelid surgery is typically not covered by insurance.
Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort rather than significant pain. Dr. Rawnsley will prescribe appropriate pain medication to keep you comfortable during recovery.
Yes, eyelid surgery is often performed alongside other facial rejuvenation procedures such as brow lift, facelift, or laser skin resurfacing for comprehensive facial enhancement.

Take the Next Step Toward Refreshed Eyes

If you're considering eyelid surgery to address drooping eyelid skin, excess skin, or persistent under-eye bags, Dr. Jeffrey Rawnsley offers the expertise and artistic vision needed to achieve natural, beautiful results.

As a clinical associate professor at UCLA and a surgeon who trains other surgeons in advanced techniques, Dr. Rawnsley brings exceptional skill to every blepharoplasty procedure he performs. His commitment to personalized care means your treatment plan will be tailored specifically to your unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals.

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Call: (310) 596-6491
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