Albert W. Chow, M.D.
1 Daniel Burnham Court #368c
San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: (415) 441-1888
Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Eyelid Surgery
Because the eyes are among the most expressive parts of the face, aesthetic flaws around the eyes are often the most noticeable. San Francisco facial plastic surgeon Dr. Albert Chow has the training and expertise necessary to reshape the eyes subtly or dramatically, correcting for drooping and sagging as well as the lack of a crease common among patients of Asian descent. He offers upper and lower eyelid surgery, technically called blepharoplasty, as an ideal solution to almost any aesthetic flaw around the eyes.
Eyelid surgery alone may be enough to transform your whole face by accentuating and enhancing your natural beauty. To learn more about your eyelid surgery options, including blepharoplasty, Asian blepharoplasty, or revision blepharoplasty in San Francisco with Dr. Chow, request a consultation using his online form or call (415) 441-1888 to schedule an appointment.
Eyelid Surgery
Before & After Photos
Eyelid Surgery Case #64
Eyelid Surgery Case #75
Eyelid Surgery Case #55
Eyelid Surgery Case #100
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Improvements From Eyelid Surgery
Often combined with facial rejuvenation procedures such as a brow lift or a facelift, blepharoplasty involves the removal of excess fat and skin from the upper and lower eyelids and the area below the eyes. By tightening drooping lids and reducing puffy bags, Dr. Chow gives patients a more energetic, alert appearance. Additionally, because he tailors treatment to meet the individual needs of each patient, Dr. Chow provides eyelid surgery results that look incredibly natural.
During your consultation, Dr. Chow will meet with you privately to discuss your appearance goals and determine whether you are an appropriate candidate for blepharoplasty or if another treatment option suits your needs.
Dr. Albert Chow
Triple Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Albert Chow is one of the few Bay Area surgeons who is board certified in plastic surgery, facial plastic surgery, and otolaryngology. In addition to his impressive credentials and decades of experience, Dr. Chow is a kind, approachable doctor who truly listens to his patients. He specializes in cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty and procedures for patients of Asian descent.
Credentials You Can Trust
Different Types of Eyelid Surgery
Dr. Chow tailors eyelid surgery to target different areas around the eyes and address your unique needs and concerns. The blepharoplasty techniques he performs include:
Upper Eyelid Surgery
An upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids. It corrects drooping eyelids, reduces puffiness, and improves vision obstructed by sagging skin. Upper eyelid surgery creates a more alert and youthful appearance.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
Lower eyelid surgery addresses issues such as under eye bags, puffiness, and excess skin beneath the eyes. This procedure smooths the lower eyelid area, reduces the appearance of fatigue, and creates a healthy and refreshed look.
Combined Upper & Lower Eyelid Surgery
For patients concerned about signs of aging in their upper and lower eyelids, Dr. Chow performs a combination blepharoplasty. This comprehensive approach addresses multiple issues simultaneously, ensuring a harmonious and balanced result for the entire eye region. During your consultation, Dr. Chow will assess your unique facial anatomy and discuss your goals to determine which type of eyelid surgery best suits your needs.
Asian Eyelid Surgery
Asian eyelid surgery is popular among San Francisco women and men who want a defined crease in their upper eyelids. Dr. Chow specializes in a range of Asian plastic surgery procedures for men and women throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, including specialized versions of the facelift and rhinoplasty for Asian patients.
Revision Eyelid Surgery
Ideally, every cosmetic surgeon would perform eyelid surgery that satisfies the needs of their patients. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. With his expertise in advanced eyelid surgery techniques, Dr. Chow performs revision eyelid surgery to correct the results of another doctor’s failed blepharoplasty. In particular, Dr. Chow can correct hollowed eyelids, which are sometimes an unwanted side effect of eyelid surgery.
Revision eyelid surgery is a complex procedure that is absolutely unique to each patient. Dr. Chow takes into account the previous surgery’s results and side effects, as well as the patient’s individual goals, to ensure the best possible results.
Your Recovery Following Eyelid Surgery
Understanding the recovery process helps prepare you for eyelid surgery and sets you up for a more positive experience and outcome. While every patient’s recovery varies, here are some of the major milestones you can expect:
24 to 48 hour post-op:
- Expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort.
- Prioritize rest and healing.
- Keep your head elevated and apply cold compresses as directed.
1 to 2 weeks post-op:
- Return to nonstrenuous work and light activities.
- Swelling and bruising subside.
- You may resume wearing contact lenses after a few weeks.
3 to 4 weeks post-op:
- Swelling continues to decrease.
- You may resume more strenuous activities.
4 to 6 weeks post-op:
- You should feel ready to debut your new look in social settings.
- Continue to be patient as scars gradually soften and fade.
6 to 12 months post-op
- You can confidently show off your full blepharoplasty results.
Eyelid Surgery FAQ
Will a blepharoplasty correct hooded eyes?
Yes, upper blepharoplasty can effectively correct hooded eyes by removing excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids, creating a more open and youthful appearance.
Does the surgery hurt?
The procedure itself is performed under anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during surgery. Postoperative discomfort, including some bruising, is typically mild and can be managed with pain medication prescribed by Dr. Chow as part of your post-op protocol.
How do I know if I need an upper eyelid lift or a brow lift?
The choice between an upper eyelid lift and a brow lift depends on the primary cause of your concerns. If excess skin on the eyelids is the main issue, an eyelid lift may be sufficient. If a heavy or drooping brow is causing the problem, a brow lift might be more appropriate. During your consultation with Dr. Chow, he’ll evaluate your facial structure, discuss your aesthetic goals, and recommend the best approach.
What’s the best age for eyelid surgery?
There’s no specific “best age” for eyelid surgery as long as you’re in good overall health. Instead, your candidacy for the procedure depends on your unique symptoms and individual needs and goals. Some people bothered by their eyelid appearance may benefit from the procedure in their 30s, while others may not need it until their 50s or 60s.
Are there any nonsurgical alternatives to eyelid surgery?
While nonsurgical treatments can’t replicate the results of eyelid surgery, some options may provide subtle improvement. These include BOTOX® Cosmetic injections to lift the brow or dermal fillers to address under eye hollows. Eyelid surgery is the most effective and long-lasting approach for treating significant eyelid sagging or excess skin.