Services

BLEPHAROPLASTY (EYELID SURGERY)

Blepharoplasty offers a transformative approach to rejuvenating the eye area through precise surgical techniques. Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, removes excess skin and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids to restore a more youthful, alert appearance. At Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology in Danville, Dr. Potozkin performs blepharoplasty to deliver natural-looking results that enhance your confidence.

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What Is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty represents the gold standard for addressing aging changes around the eyes that cannot be corrected with non-surgical treatments. This surgical procedure removes excess skin, repositions or removes fat, and tightens underlying muscles to restore a more youthful eye contour. If you’re experiencing drooping upper eyelids that affect your vision or prominent under-eye bags that make you look tired, blepharoplasty may be right for you.

The procedure can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on your specific needs. Upper blepharoplasty addresses sagging skin and fat that can impair peripheral vision, while lower blepharoplasty reduces under-eye bags and puffiness for a refreshed appearance.

Contributing factors to eyelid aging include:

Natural loss of skin elasticity over time
Weakening of muscles that support the eyelids
Gravitational effects that cause skin to sag
Genetics and family history
Sun damage and environmental exposure
Fat pad displacement or accumulation

Blepharoplasty can be performed for both cosmetic and functional reasons. When drooping eyelids obstruct vision, the procedure may be covered by insurance. Results from blepharoplasty are long-lasting, with most patients enjoying their refreshed appearance for many years.

How Does Blepharoplasty Work?

Blepharoplasty works by surgically removing excess tissue and repositioning structures around the eyes to create a more youthful, alert appearance. For upper eyelids, incisions are made along natural creases to hide scarring, while excess skin and fat are removed or repositioned. For lower eyelids, we often use a transconjunctival approach, making incisions inside the eyelid to remove fat without visible external scars. We focus on preserving natural facial expressions while achieving dramatic improvements in both appearance and function. Our Danville patients appreciate our conservative approach that avoids an “overdone” look while delivering significant rejuvenation.

What Areas Can Blepharoplasty Treat?

Blepharoplasty can address:

Upper Eyelid Concerns:

Excess skin that hangs over the eyelashes
Fat deposits causing puffiness
Drooping that impairs peripheral vision
Deep upper eyelid creases

Lower Eyelid Concerns:

Under-eye bags and puffiness
Excess skin and wrinkles
Fat herniation creating bulges
Hollowing beneath the eyes

Combined Treatments:

Comprehensive eye rejuvenation (upper and lower)
Simultaneous laser resurfacing for skin texture
Fat repositioning techniques

Dr. Potozkin will evaluate your specific anatomy and aesthetic goals to determine the most appropriate surgical plan for optimal, natural-looking results.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

Ideal candidates for blepharoplasty are individuals who:

Are at least 30 years old with realistic expectations
Have excess eyelid skin or prominent fat deposits
Experience vision impairment from drooping upper eyelids
Are in good overall health
Have stable eye health with no active infections
Want long-lasting results that surgery can provide
Understand the recovery process and surgical risks

If you’re in the Danville area and considering eyelid surgery, our expert team can help determine if blepharoplasty is right for you during a comprehensive consultation.

Patients who are pregnant, have certain eye conditions (glaucoma, dry eye, detached retina), or have unrealistic expectations may not be suitable candidates.

Why Surgeon Experience Matters

Choosing a board-certified physician in a cosmetic specialty for your blepharoplasty is crucial for achieving optimal results while maintaining safety. Eyelid surgery requires precise technique, thorough understanding of facial anatomy, and artistic vision to create natural-looking outcomes. At Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology in Danville, Dr. Potozkin has extensive experience with facial procedures and understands how to enhance your natural beauty while preserving function and expression.

Personalized Consultation and Treatment Plan

During your consultation, Dr. Potozkin will conduct a thorough examination of your eyelids, assess your vision, and discuss your aesthetic goals. We’ll review your medical history and explain the surgical process in detail. Whether you need upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or both, we’ll create a customized surgical plan designed to achieve your desired results while maintaining the highest safety standards.

Frequently Asked Questions About Blepharoplasty

How is blepharoplasty different from non-surgical treatments like Botox or fillers?

While Botox and fillers can address some aging concerns around the eyes, blepharoplasty is the only treatment that can remove excess skin and fat. Non-surgical treatments work best for fine lines and volume loss, while surgery addresses structural changes that require tissue removal or repositioning.

Is blepharoplasty covered by insurance?

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty may be covered by insurance if drooping skin significantly impairs your vision and meets medical necessity criteria. However, at our practice, we only perform blepharoplasty for cosmetic reasons—even though patients often find it improves their field of vision. Because our blepharoplasties are considered elective cosmetic procedures, they are not covered by insurance.

We are happy to refer you to an oculoplastic surgeon if you’re seeking an insurance-covered evaluation for medically necessary eyelid surgery.

How long does blepharoplasty last?

Results from blepharoplasty are long-lasting, with most patients enjoying their refreshed appearance for 10-15 years or more. While aging continues, the dramatic improvement achieved with surgery is maintained over time.

What is recovery like?

Most patients experience swelling and bruising for 1-2 weeks. Sutures are typically removed within one week, and normal activities can be resumed in 10-14 days. Complete healing and final results are visible within several weeks to months.

Will there be visible scars?

Upper eyelid incisions are placed in natural creases and become virtually invisible over time. Lower eyelid surgery often uses internal incisions that leave no visible scars. Our surgical technique is designed to minimize scarring.

What Our Patients Have to Say

Why Choose Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology

Patients from San Francisco, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Orinda, Moraga, Alamo, and Blackhawk choose Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology for our unparalleled expertise and results.

We combine the science of dermatology with the artistry of aesthetics to deliver natural-looking enhancements that build confidence. With board-certified dermatologists performing all injections and a comprehensive range of laser technologies delivered by skilled providers, we provide both safety and excellence in a sophisticated yet approachable environment.

Unlike other practices, we complement our advanced treatments with physician-selected medical-grade skincare products and begin every aesthetic journey with our signature DermDesigned consultation. Whether you're seeking cosmetic enhancement or medical dermatology care, our commitment to natural-looking results and excellence ensures you'll receive the highest standard of care in the East Bay.

Visit Us In Danville

Experience world-class dermatology care right here in the East Bay.

Our Location

600 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite 102 Danville, CA 94526

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Contact Us

925.838.4900

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