Is Eyelid Surgery Painful?

Eyelid surgery is typically well-tolerated by most patients. During the procedure, you’ll be under anesthesia so that you won’t feel any pain. Afterward, you may experience some discomfort as the anesthesia wears off, but it’s generally manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Mild swelling and bruising around the eyes are common and usually resolve within a few days to a few weeks.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

You can expect a series of appointments that support you before, during, and after your surgery. Most patients will have: One in-depth consultation to discuss goals, medical history, and surgical recommendations A pre-op appointment to review logistics, sign consents, take pre-operative photographs, and answer last-minute questions The surgery itself Several post-op check-ins over the weeks and months that follow. These visits allow Dr. Daly to monitor your healing, remove any necessary sutures, and ensure you love your results.

How Long Until I See Results?

Most patients notice an improvement in their appearance immediately after surgery, although the full results may take several weeks to become fully evident. Swelling and bruising will gradually subside within the first weeks, and the final, natural look will appear after about 3-6 months, once all swelling has fully resolved. Patience is key, but the refreshed, youthful appearance will continue to improve as your body heals.

Can I Combine Eyelid Surgery With Other Procedures?

Common combinations include facelifts , brow lifts , or laser resurfacing . Combining procedures can provide a more comprehensive rejuvenation, saving you time during recovery and achieving a more harmonious, refreshed look. However, it’s crucial to approach this with a personalized plan. Dr. Daly will evaluate your specific needs and ensure that combining procedures is safe for you. She will discuss the benefits and risks, as well as what recovery may look like, so you can make an informed decision.

What Are the Risks Associated With Eyelid Surgery?

Infection: Though rare, infections can occur after any surgery. Dr. Daly takes extra precautions during the procedure and will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to minimize this risk. Scarring: Though the incisions are placed in natural creases to minimize visible scarring, every patient’s healing process is different. Over time, most scars fade significantly and become hard to detect. Dry Eyes or Irritation: Some patients experience dryness or irritation after surgery. These symptoms usually resolve on their own; however, in rare cases, additional treatment may be necessary. As with any surgery, it’s essential to discuss your health history, conce s, and expectations with Dr. Daly to ensure you are a suitable candidate for the procedure and to address any potential complications. By following post-surgical instructions, most patients recover smoothly and achieve the results they desire.

Sacramento, CA

Eyelid Surgery

Introduction to Eyelid Surgery

Sometimes the smallest change can make the biggest difference, especially when it comes to the eyes. If you’re struggling with puffiness, heavy eyelids, or a tired appearance, eyelid surgery offers a refreshed, more open look that still feels entirely like you. At her Sacramento area practice, Dr. Lauren Daly takes a thoughtful, detail-driven approach to eyelid surgery (also known as blepharoplasty), helping patients appear more awake, relaxed, and confident without sacrificing expression or softness.

Before & After Photos

Gallery

Photo Gallery

What is Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery is a facial plastic surgery procedure that tightens skin while repositioning or removing excess fat from the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. It’s commonly used to correct hooded lids, heavy lids, or under-eye bags that can affect facial harmony. The goal is to subtly enhance the natural contour of the area around the eye, bringing light and lift back to one of your most expressive features. The goal is to avoid that “overdone” or hollowed look, focusing instead on balance, softness, and graceful results.

A woman with short, gray hair is looking at her reflection in a mirror. She is wearing a white bathrobe. She is touching her face, and her expression appears somewhat concerned or pensive. The lighting in the bathroom is bright and neutral. The background is a light gray/white bathroom wall. The reflection in the mirror shows a similar-aged woman with a similar expression. - Eyelid Surgery in Folsom, CA

Who Are the Best Candidates For Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery is ideal for individuals in good overall health who are bothered by signs of aging or fatigue around the eyes. Some of the most common candidates include:

Those with excess skin or fat causing hooded or weighed-down upper eyelids
People with puffiness or under-eye bags
Those looking to rejuvenate their appearance without a full facelift

It’s essential that candidates have realistic expectations and understand that eyelid surgery ca ot halt the natural aging process—it can, however, refresh and revitalize the eyes to help them appear more energetic and vibrant.

What Are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery is known for its ability to refresh your entire face without dramatically altering your appearance. Some of the most common benefits include:

A more rested, alert appearance
Smoother under-eyes and reduced puffiness
Tighter, firmer eyelid skin
Improved vision in cases of severe lid drooping
Minimal scarring and downtime
Long-lasting results that don’t rely on fillers or repeated treatments

Many patients find that this one procedure can help them feel more confident in their skin, whether they are makeup-free or not. Because the changes are subtle yet effective, it’s a popular choice for those looking to look “like themselves, but better.”

What’s the First Step?

The first step in your eyelid surgery jou ey is a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Daly in Sacramento. During this visit, you’ll discuss your conce s, goals, and any questions you have about the procedure. Dr. Daly will thoroughly examine your eyelids and facial structure, assess your overall health, and walk you through the surgical process. She’ll also help you understand the most effective approach for your specific needs, whether that involves upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or a combination of both. By the end of the consultation, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of the next steps and a personalized surgical plan tailored to your needs.

What to Expect on the Day of Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can return home on the same day. Depending on whether both upper and lower eyelids are being treated, the surgery itself lasts between 1 and 3 hours in our Folsom surgery center.

Dr. Daly will use either local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your comfort and the complexity of the surgery. Once you’re settled in, she’ll make small incisions along the natural creases of your eyelid or on the inside of your eyelid, ensuring any scars are discreet or completely hidden. After the procedure, you’ll rest for a short while to ensure you’re fully alert and comfortable. You’ll leave the office with instructions on how to care for your eyes during the recovery process and will have a follow-up appointment scheduled to check on your healing progress.

Recuperation & Healing

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

The recovery process for eyelid surgery is relatively quick compared to other facial procedures. Most patients experience mild swelling and bruising around the eyes for the first few days to weeks. You may also have some discomfort, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Cold compresses can also help minimize swelling.

You’ll need to rest with your head elevated for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling, and Dr. Daly will provide you with specific aftercare instructions for cleaning the area and applying ointments. Most patients can return to light activities after about one week, though strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 3-4 weeks.

How Much Does an Eyelid Surgery Cost in Sacramento, CA?

The cost of eyelid surgery in Sacramento typically ranges from $5,000 to $9,000, depending on whether you’re undergoing upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or a combination of both. Factors that influence cost include the complexity of the surgery and the type of anesthesia required. While it’s essential to remember that pricing varies, Dr. Daly believes in transparent communication about costs upfront. During your consultation, she’ll provide a precise breakdown of the costs based on your specific needs and goals, and discuss financing options to make the procedure more accessible.

Our Ethos

Why Choose Dr. Daly?

When you trust someone to perform surgery, you deserve a surgeon who prioritizes technical skill, artistry, compassion, and true listening. Dr. Lauren Daly, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Folsom, CA, brings a fresh, modern perspective to facial aesthetics by customizing every procedure to the patient’s unique anatomy, goals, and lifestyle. Known for her meticulous eye for balance and proportion, Dr. Daly’s approach avoids the “overdone” look and instead focuses on creating natural-looking enhancements that empower patients to feel confident and true to themselves.

Eyelid Surgery FAQ’S

Eyelid surgery is typically well-tolerated by most patients. During the procedure, you’ll be under anesthesia so that you won’t feel any pain. Afterward, you may experience some discomfort as the anesthesia wears off, but it’s generally manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Mild swelling and bruising around the eyes are common and usually resolve within a few days to a few weeks.
You can expect a series of appointments that support you before, during, and after your surgery. Most patients will have:
- One in-depth consultation to discuss goals, medical history, and surgical recommendations
- A pre-op appointment to review logistics, sign consents, take pre-operative photographs, and answer last-minute questions
- The surgery itself
- Several post-op check-ins over the weeks and months that follow. These visits allow Dr. Daly to monitor your healing, remove any necessary sutures, and ensure you love your results.
Most patients notice an improvement in their appearance immediately after surgery, although the full results may take several weeks to become fully evident. Swelling and bruising will gradually subside within the first weeks, and the final, natural look will appear after about 3-6 months, once all swelling has fully resolved. Patience is key, but the refreshed, youthful appearance will continue to improve as your body heals.
Common combinations include facelifts, brow lifts, or laser resurfacing. Combining procedures can provide a more comprehensive rejuvenation, saving you time during recovery and achieving a more harmonious, refreshed look. However, it’s crucial to approach this with a personalized plan. Dr. Daly will evaluate your specific needs and ensure that combining procedures is safe for you. She will discuss the benefits and risks, as well as what recovery may look like, so you can make an informed decision.
- Infection: Though rare, infections can occur after any surgery. Dr. Daly takes extra precautions during the procedure and will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to minimize this risk.
- Scarring: Though the incisions are placed in natural creases to minimize visible scarring, every patient’s healing process is different. Over time, most scars fade significantly and become hard to detect.
- Dry Eyes or Irritation: Some patients experience dryness or irritation after surgery. These symptoms usually resolve on their own; however, in rare cases, additional treatment may be necessary.
As with any surgery, it’s essential to discuss your health history, conce s, and expectations with Dr. Daly to ensure you are a suitable candidate for the procedure and to address any potential complications. By following post-surgical instructions, most patients recover smoothly and achieve the results they desire.

Get Started Today

Schedule Your Consultation

Dr. Daly welcomes the opportunity to discuss your goals, address any questions you may have, and create a personalized plan that aligns with your vision. Scheduling your consultation is easy; simply contact our Folsom office to book a convenient time.

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