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Get High-Quality, Natural-Looking Results for Your Eyelid Surgery in La Jolla

Dr. Glynn Bolitho is very experienced in this delicate procedure and knows how important it is to get it right. He has the skill and expertise to give clients a refreshed outcome that does not look overdone.

  • Quadruple board-certified in plastic surgery
  • Over 20 years of experience
  • Former Chief of Plastic Surgery Scripps Memorial Hospital
  • Current Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery UC San Diego
  • Patient safety and care is paramount

Blepharoplasty Before & After

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Why Get Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, offers a compelling solution for individuals seeking to refresh and rejuvenate their appearance. As we age, the delicate skin around the eyes may develop excess folds, puffiness, and drooping, contributing to a tired look. Eyelid surgery in La Jolla effectively addresses these concerns by removing excess skin, repositioning or removing fat deposits, and tightening underlying muscles. The result is a more youthful and alert appearance that can enhance both one's facial aesthetics and self-confidence.

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Subtle Benefits of Eyelid Surgery

This cosmetic surgery imparts a subtle yet impactful enhancement to one's overall look, providing a refreshed and revitalized appearance through the following benefits:

  • Reduction of excess skin, puffiness, and fine lines around the eyes.
  • Improved eyelid contour, enhancing facial symmetry.
  • Minimized appearance of under-eye bags and sagging upper lids.
  • Enhanced brightness and openness of the eyes, contributing to a more alert expression.
  • A rejuvenated and rested appearance that boosts self-confidence.
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Types of Eyelid Surgeries

Eyelid surgery in La Jolla encompasses various techniques tailored to individual needs, each targeting specific areas around the eyes for a rejuvenated appearance:

Upper Blepharoplasty

Upper blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids, helping to restore a youthful, refreshed appearance. It’s perfect for patients experiencing sagging or drooping eyelids that impair vision or create a tired look. This procedure enhances the natural contour of the upper eyelid for a brighter, more alert expression.

Lower Blepharoplasty

Lower blepharoplasty addresses puffiness, under-eye bags, and sagging skin beneath the eyes, giving a rejuvenated and well-rested appearance. Removing or repositioning fat and tightening the skin reduces shadows and smooths the under-eye area. This procedure is ideal for those looking to eliminate signs of fatigue and achieve a smoother, more youthful look.

Asian Eyelid Surgery

Asian eyelid surgery, also known as double eyelid surgery, creates a natural-looking crease in the upper eyelid while preserving the patient’s ethnic characteristics. The procedure enhances the eye’s appearance by adding definition and improving symmetry. It is often chosen by patients who want a more open-eyed look without losing their unique cultural features.

Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty

Transconjunctival blepharoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to remove or redistribute fat deposits beneath the eyes without leaving a visible scar. This technique is ideal for younger patients with under-eye bags but good skin elasticity, as it avoids external incisions. The result is a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance with minimal downtime.

Combination Blepharoplasty

A comprehensive approach combining upper and lower eyelid surgery for a harmonious overall rejuvenation.

The Procedure

This is a straightforward technique that involves the removal of excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids. The surgeon makes discreet incisions along the natural creases of the eyelids, minimizing visible scarring. The excess tissue is then carefully removed or repositioned, creating a smoother and more youthful eye contour. The incisions are meticulously closed, and the recovery process allows for gradual healing, revealing a revitalized appearance.

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Your Recovery for Refreshed, Bright Eyes

After eyelid surgery, expect a relatively short recovery period. Swelling and bruising may be present for about one to two weeks, gradually diminishing over time. Patients can typically resume normal activities within a week, while complete healing and optimal results may take a few months.

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Tips for Eyelid Surgery Recovery


It is essential to follow Dr. Bolitho's instructions diligently in order to optimize healing and minimize complications during the recovery period. Firstly, applying cold compresses gently to the eyes can help reduce swelling and bruising in the initial days following the procedure. Keeping your head elevated while resting can also aid in reducing swelling and promoting drainage. Avoiding strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending over for the first week or two can prevent unnecessary eye strain and promote proper healing. Additionally, attending all follow-up appointments with Dr. Bolitho to track your progress and address any concerns promptly to ensure a smooth recovery process.

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Who is a Candidate for Blepharoplasty in La Jolla?

Dr. Bolitho takes a personalized approach to eyelid surgery, meticulously discussing your unique aesthetic vision and carefully reviewing your health and medical history. 

Eyelid surgery is ideal for:

  • Individuals with tired or drooping eyelids
  • Those with excess skin and puffiness around the eyes
  • Individuals experiencing impaired vision due to sagging upper eyelids
  • Those desiring a more refreshed and youthful appearance around the eyes
  • Non-smokers with a healthy lifestyle

Eyelid Surgery FAQ

What is eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)?

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the eyelids by removing excess skin, fat, or muscle. It can address sagging eyelids, under-eye bags, and drooping lower eyelids, resulting in a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

What are the different types of eyelid surgery?

There are two main types of eyelid surgery: upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty. Upper blepharoplasty focuses on correcting droopy upper eyelids by removing excess skin and fat. Lower blepharoplasty targets under-eye bags and puffiness by repositioning or removing fat and tightening the skin.

Are there any risks or complications associated with eyelid surgery?

Like any surgical procedure, eyelid surgery carries risks, including infection, bleeding, scarring, and changes in eyelid symmetry or shape. Other potential complications may include dry eyes, temporary numbness, or difficulty closing the eyes completely. However, these risks can be minimized by choosing a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon and following post-operative instructions diligently.

Can Eyelid Surgery Help with Vision Problems?

Yes, eyelid surgery, particularly upper blepharoplasty, can improve vision in patients whose sagging upper eyelids obstruct their line of sight. As we age, the skin around the eyes can lose elasticity, causing droopy eyelids that may interfere with vision. By removing the excess skin and fat, blepharoplasty can enhance not only the appearance of the eyes but also restore a clearer field of vision.

Is Eyelid Surgery Effective for Treating Under-Eye Bags Permanently?

Eyelid surgery can significantly reduce or eliminate under-eye bags by removing or repositioning the fat and tightening the surrounding skin. While the results are long-lasting, they are not entirely permanent, as the natural aging process will continue. However, many patients enjoy the benefits of a more youthful and refreshed appearance for many years before any touch-up procedures might be considered.

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Why Choose Dr. Glynn Bolitho for Your Procedure?

Dr. Bolitho has been practicing plastic and reconstructive surgery for over 20 years. Following in his father’s footsteps, he is a second-generation physician and developed a dedication to providing the best in patient care early on. He is not only board-certified in plastic surgery in the U.S., but also South Africa, United Kingdom and Canada. Dr. Bolitho’s team consists of highly qualified, credentialed staff and board-certified anesthesiologists. Our operating suite has passed stringent national standards for safety—the same standards demanded of hospitals. He values the long-term client relationships he has developed; thanks to his dedication to spending as much time as needed during the consultation and patient care afterwards, clients value the relationship as well.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bolitho in our comfortable and inviting consulting suite on the same floor as the operating room complex. He is happy to go over the blepharoplasty process in general and help you obtain the aesthetic appearance you want.

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