Eyelid Surgery Los Gatos, CA

Restore Alert, Youthful Eyes With Precision Surgery

Heavy, hooded upper eyelids that make you look exhausted even after a full night’s sleep, or puffy bags under your eyes that no amount of concealer can hide—these concerns go beyond vanity when they affect how people perceive you or even interfere with your vision. We’ve helped numerous patients overcome the frustration of looking perpetually tired when they feel energetic and engaged. Dr. Kirk A. Churukian brings meticulous surgical skill to blepharoplasty procedures, creating natural results that restore a refreshed, alert appearance to one of your most expressive features.

Eyelid Surgery Los Gatos, CA

Blepharoplasty surgically corrects aging changes around the eyes by removing excess skin, repositioning or removing fat deposits, and tightening muscles when necessary. Upper eyelid surgery addresses sagging skin that creates a hooded appearance and can droop low enough to obstruct peripheral vision. Lower eyelid surgery reduces under-eye puffiness caused by protruding fat pads and eliminates loose skin that contributes to a tired, aged look. Many patients benefit from treating both upper and lower eyelids simultaneously for balanced, harmonious rejuvenation.

We recognize that drooping eyelids and under-eye bags don’t just make you look older—they misrepresent how you actually feel and can undermine your confidence in professional and social settings. That’s precisely why you’re seeking surgical correction that looks natural, not overdone. Los Gatos eyelid surgery requires a delicate touch and thorough understanding of periorbital anatomy. The procedure preserves your natural eye shape while removing just enough tissue to create improvement without a hollow or operated appearance.

Surgical procedures that are often required and performed with blepharoplasty are listed below:

• Brow lift – elevates the brow to the proper position on the bony skeleton
• Canthopexy – reinforces the ligament of the lower eyelid
• Canthoplasty – shortens the length and improves the position of the ligament of the lower eyelid
• Fat grafting to the cheek – builds up the volume of the cheek and adds support to the lower eyelid.

Fat grafting to the brow and temple – builds up the volume around the upper eyelid to decrease the sagging of the excess skin around the upper eyelid.

The male patient below shows many of the typical changes associated with aging of the upper and lower eyelids.

Fig. 1: male blepharoplasty patient showing loss of volume in cheeks and temples, excess skin of upper lids, sagging of lower lids associated with lax ligaments, and lack of cheek support…

Candidates for blepharoplasty have skin excess and/or fat excess present that may create a tired or fatigued appearance. Eyesight and tear function are assessed to determine if “dry-eye” symptoms are present and are accounted for in the preoperative preparation and postoperative treatment.

Upper eyelid surgery typically involves an incision hidden within the natural eyelid crease, making any resulting scar virtually invisible once healed. Lower eyelid surgery may use an incision just below the lash line or a transconjunctival approach inside the eyelid when only fat repositioning is needed. Recovery involves initial swelling and bruising that resolves within one to two weeks, with most patients returning to work and normal activities fairly quickly. Results are long-lasting, though the natural aging process continues over time.

Our Approach To Delicate Periorbital Surgery

We’ve dedicated our practice to delivering surgical outcomes that look natural and age gracefully. Our commitment to precision and patient safety distinguishes every procedure we perform. Here’s what sets our approach apart:

• Extensive Surgical Training: Dr. Churukian completed his plastic surgery residency at Stanford University Medical Center, receiving rigorous training in facial plastic surgery techniques including advanced blepharoplasty methods
• Customized Surgical Plans: We evaluate your unique anatomy, including eyelid structure, fat distribution, and skin quality, to determine the most appropriate surgical approach for your specific needs
• Accredited Surgical Facility: Our office-based operating room maintains full AAASF accreditation, meeting rigorous safety standards for patient care, emergency equipment, and surgical protocols
• Attention to Detail: We take care to preserve natural eyelid contours and maintain proper eyelid function while achieving aesthetic improvement, prioritizing both appearance and long-term eye health

We’ve helped countless patients achieve more alert, youthful-looking eyes through various eyelid procedures. Dr. Kirk A. Churukian has advanced training in oculoplastic surgery, which focuses specifically on the delicate structures around the eyes. Our approach prioritizes natural results that enhance rather than change your appearance. Each procedure is customized based on your anatomy, concerns, and desired outcomes, whether you’re seeking cosmetic improvement or need functional correction.

Types Of Eyelid Procedures We Perform

Your eyes are often the first feature people notice when they meet you. Unfortunately, the delicate skin around your eyes shows signs of aging earlier than other areas of your face. Drooping upper lids can make you look tired or older than you feel, while puffy lower lids create a perpetually fatigued appearance. Some people even experience vision problems when excess upper eyelid skin blocks their peripheral sight. Eyelid surgery addresses these concerns with precision techniques that refresh your appearance while maintaining the natural character of your eyes.

• Upper Blepharoplasty: This procedure removes excess skin and sometimes fat from the upper eyelids to eliminate hooding and restore a more open, refreshed appearance. We make incisions within the natural crease of the eyelid, where resulting scars become virtually invisible once healed. Upper eyelid surgery can dramatically improve your appearance and may even restore peripheral vision that was blocked by sagging skin.
• Lower Blepharoplasty: Lower eyelid surgery addresses puffiness, bags, and loose skin beneath the eyes that create a tired or aged look. We can remove or reposition fat deposits and tighten the lower eyelid skin through incisions hidden just below the lash line. This procedure smooths the transition between the lower lid and cheek, creating a more rested and youthful appearance.
• Transconjunctival Approach: For patients with lower eyelid puffiness but minimal skin excess, we can access the fat through the inside of the eyelid. This technique leaves no visible external scars and works particularly well for younger patients with good skin elasticity. The recovery is often faster than traditional lower blepharoplasty since there are no external incisions to heal.
• Fat Repositioning Techniques: Rather than simply removing fat from the lower eyelids, we can reposition it to fill in the hollow tear trough area. This approach addresses both puffiness and under-eye hollowing in a single procedure, creating smooth contours from the lower lid to the cheek. Fat repositioning provides more natural, lasting results than simply removing bulging fat.
• Asian Eyelid Surgery: This specialized procedure creates or enhances the upper eyelid crease in patients of Asian descent who desire a defined fold. We respect each patient’s ethnic features while creating results that look natural for their facial structure. The procedure can be performed with or without incisions, depending on your anatomy and goals.
• Ptosis Correction: Drooping of the upper eyelid itself, rather than just excess skin, requires tightening or reattachment of the levator muscle that lifts the lid. This functional procedure improves vision obstruction while creating more symmetric, alert-looking eyes. Ptosis correction can be performed alone or combined with cosmetic upper blepharoplasty.
• Ectropion and Entropion Repair: These conditions involve the lower eyelid turning outward or inward, causing irritation, tearing, and potential damage to the eye. We surgically reposition the eyelid to restore proper alignment and function. These repairs are typically considered medically necessary rather than purely cosmetic and may be covered by insurance.
• Canthopexy and Canthoplasty: These procedures tighten and support the outer corner of the lower eyelid to prevent drooping or rounding. Canthopexy involves suturing the existing tendon into a higher position, while canthoplasty involves detaching and repositioning it. These techniques prevent or correct lower eyelid malposition that can occur with aging or after previous eyelid surgery.
• Brow Position and Eyelid Combination: Sometimes upper eyelid hooding results from brow descent rather than actual eyelid excess. We carefully evaluate whether you need upper blepharoplasty, a brow lift, or both procedures to achieve optimal results. Combining these procedures when appropriate prevents removing too much eyelid skin and creates more harmonious upper facial rejuvenation.
• Revision Eyelid Procedures: If you’ve had previous eyelid surgery that resulted in complications or unsatisfactory outcomes, we can perform revision procedures. Common issues we address include excessive skin removal, asymmetry, persistent puffiness, or lower lid malposition. Revision surgery requires careful planning and advanced techniques to improve upon previous results.

Los Gatos Eyelid Surgery requires meticulous attention to detail and thorough understanding of periocular anatomy. We perform comprehensive evaluations that include assessing eyelid position, skin quality, fat distribution, and tear function. Your medical history and any vision concerns are also carefully reviewed to determine the most appropriate surgical approach.

Your journey toward more youthful, refreshed-looking eyes begins with a thorough consultation where we can evaluate your needs and discuss your options. Contact our office to schedule an appointment and learn how eyelid surgery can help you achieve the alert, vibrant appearance you desire.

What Eyelid Surgery Is

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a way to treat the tired appearance of the eyes that occurs with aging. A properly performed eyelid lift is oftentimes not noticed as its effect is to make the patient look less tired and more like their original self. As a plastic surgeon, the best results are when patients appear rested and refreshed compared to their preoperative photographs.

Eyelid surgery usually is directed to both upper and lower lid issues that occur with aging. These problems include excess skin of the upper and/or lower lid, excess bulging fat of the upper and lower eyelid, loss of fat around the eye, laxity of the supportive ligaments of the lower lid, and sagging of the brow contributing to excess skin of the upper lid. Blepharoplasty, as performed by a skilled surgeon, will improve both the appearance and function of the eye.

Blepharoplasty of the upper lid is performed by excising a segment of skin and muscle and removing any excess fat present. In some instances, a brow lift is performed to elevate a brow that has sagged low on the forehead before removing skin from the upper eyelid.

Blepharoplasty of the lower lid can be performed by removing both skin and fat from the lower lid through an incision just below the eyelashes. Alternatively, if no skin needs to be removed, a transconjunctival approach through the inside of the lower lid is a more direct route to treat excess fat. Excess fat in the lower lid can be conservatively trimmed or, in cases of a deep tear trough deformity, repositioned to fill in this contour irregularity. Dr. Kirk A. Churukian carefully evaluates each patient’s anatomy to determine the most appropriate technique for achieving natural-looking, balanced results.

Los Gatos Eyelid Surgery FAQ

Your eyes are often the first feature people notice when they look at you, yet they’re also among the first areas to show signs of aging. Drooping upper lids, puffy bags under your eyes, and excess skin can make you appear tired, sad, or older than you actually are. Eyelid surgery addresses these concerns by removing excess tissue and repositioning fat, creating a more alert and youthful appearance that better reflects your inner vitality.

Who Benefits Most From This Type Of Surgery?

We typically recommend eyelid surgery for adults bothered by sagging upper eyelids, under-eye bags, puffiness, or excess skin around the eyes. If drooping upper lids interfere with your peripheral vision, this procedure can provide both functional and aesthetic benefits. Good candidates are in general good health, don’t smoke or are willing to quit, and have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes. People with certain eye conditions like dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, or detached retina require careful evaluation before proceeding. We also assess thyroid problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues that might affect healing. Dr. Kirk A. Churukian will examine your eyelid structure, evaluate how excess tissue affects your appearance or vision, and discuss whether upper lid surgery, lower lid surgery, or both will achieve your desired results.

What Happens During The Surgical Procedure?

We perform Los Gatos, CA Eyelid Surgery using local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia depending on the extent of surgery and your comfort preferences. For upper eyelid surgery, we make incisions along the natural crease of your lid, remove excess skin and fat, then close the incisions with fine sutures that leave minimal scarring. Lower eyelid surgery involves incisions just below the lash line or inside the lower lid, allowing us to remove or reposition fat deposits and tighten skin as needed. The procedure typically takes one to three hours depending on whether we’re treating upper lids, lower lids, or both. Throughout surgery, we take great care to preserve eyelid function while creating natural-looking results. We may combine eyelid surgery with other facial procedures for comprehensive rejuvenation if appropriate for your goals.

Why People Choose Surgical Correction Over Other Options?

While non-surgical treatments can address some concerns temporarily, surgery provides the most dramatic and long-lasting improvement for significant eyelid aging. Creams and serums cannot remove excess skin or reposition herniated fat pads that create puffy bags. Injectable fillers may temporarily improve hollowing but don’t address sagging tissue. For people whose drooping upper lids obstruct vision, surgery is often the only effective solution. The results look natural because we’re working with your existing anatomy rather than adding foreign substances. Recovery is relatively straightforward compared to other facial surgeries, and scarring is minimal due to strategic incision placement. Many people find that eyelid rejuvenation makes them look more approachable and energetic. The procedure can take years off your appearance while maintaining your natural eye shape and features.

How Recovery Unfolds After Your Procedure?

Immediately after surgery, we’ll apply ointment and cold compresses to minimize swelling and bruising. Your eyes may feel tight, sore, or gritty for the first few days. Swelling and bruising peak around day two or three, then gradually improve over the following weeks. We typically remove sutures within five to seven days. Most people feel comfortable returning to work and social activities after seven to ten days, though some bruising may still be present and can be concealed with makeup. Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending over for two to three weeks. We recommend sleeping with your head elevated to reduce swelling. Some temporary side effects include dry eyes, excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and blurred vision, which typically resolve as healing progresses. Follow all post-operative care instructions carefully to promote optimal healing and minimize complications.

How Long Results Typically Last With Proper Care?

Eyelid surgery provides long-lasting results, with most people enjoying their refreshed appearance for ten to fifteen years or more. The removed skin and fat won’t return, though your eyelids will continue aging naturally over time. Factors affecting longevity include genetics, sun exposure, skin quality, and lifestyle habits. Protecting your delicate eyelid skin from sun damage with quality sunscreen and sunglasses helps preserve results. Maintaining a stable weight and following a healthy lifestyle supports lasting outcomes. Some people eventually develop new signs of aging and choose revision surgery, but you’ll always look better than if you’d never had the procedure. The functional improvements from upper eyelid surgery—particularly enhanced peripheral vision—typically remain permanent. Many people report increased confidence and satisfaction with their appearance that extends well beyond the physical changes.

Call Dr. Kirk A. Churukian Today!

If you’re ready to address heavy, hooded eyelids or persistent under-eye bags that make you look tired despite feeling rested, we invite you to explore surgical options with our team. We’ll evaluate your periorbital anatomy, discuss your concerns and goals, and explain how blepharoplasty can help you achieve a more alert, youthful appearance. Contact our practice today to schedule your private consultation and discover how eyelid surgery can restore the vibrant, refreshed look that reflects your true vitality.