Upper Eyelid Surgery in San Diego

Name: Upper Eyelid Surgery
Brand: San Diego Eyelid Specialists
Rating: 4.9 (221 reviews)

Upper eyelid surgery restores a refreshed appearance and protects eye health by removing excess skin with precision and care.

Dr. Iyengar looking at patient's eyelid while she smiles

Expert Upper Eyelid Surgery With Dr. Srinivas Iyengar

At San Diego Eyelid Specialists, upper eyelid surgery is not just one of many procedures—it is the core focus of Dr. Srinivas Iyengar’s practice. As San Diego’s true eyelid expert, Dr. Iyengar performs upper eyelid lifts every day, combining artistry with safety to deliver natural, refreshed results that protect long-term eye health. If you are considering an upper eyelid blepharoplasty in San Diego, schedule your consultation today.

What Is Upper Eyelid Surgery?

Upper eyelid surgery, also called upper blepharoplasty, is a procedure designed to remove or reshape sagging, heavy, or excess skin from the upper eyelids. Over time, the delicate eyelid skin can loosen, creating hooding that makes the eyes look tired or even block peripheral vision.

Dr. Iyengar’s approach to upper eyelid blepharoplasty in San Diego is refined and precise. He removes only the necessary amount of skin to restore a smoother, more youthful appearance while protecting the eyelid’s natural ability to close. Dr. Iyengar's approach to upper eyelid blepharoplasty is particularly unique in that he takes the time to preserve the muscle underneath the skin that is responsible for eyelid closure. This delicate technical approach is one of the reasons many physicians and fellow surgeons choose Dr. Iyengar for their own upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Unlike general plastic surgeons, Dr. Iyengar focuses exclusively on eyelid procedures, ensuring that both form and function are preserved with every surgery.

Benefits of Upper Eyelid Surgery

Upper eyelid surgery is both cosmetic and functional, offering improvements in appearance, vision, and comfort. Patients often report looking refreshed, younger, and more alert while maintaining their natural expressions. Benefits of the procedure include the following:

Restored ability to see without drooping skin obstructing vision
More youthful and refreshed eye appearance
Elimination of heavy or hooded upper eyelids
Reduced eye strain and tension headaches caused by excess skin
Smooth, natural-looking eyelid contours without visible scars
Safer closure of the eyelid, protecting against dryness or irritation

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Who Is a Good Candidate for Upper Eyelid Surgery in San Diego?

The best candidates for an upper eyelid lift in San Diego are men and women with drooping, crepey, or heavy eyelids that make them look older, more tired, or affect their ability to see clearly. Ideal candidates are in good general health and have realistic expectations about the results.

There is no “perfect age” for eyelid surgery. Some patients seek this procedure in their 30s or 40s due to hereditary eyelid heaviness, while others wait until their 50s or 60s when age-related skin laxity becomes more noticeable. If sagging eyelids are affecting your confidence, makeup application, or vision, a consultation with Dr. Iyengar will help determine if surgery is right for you.

Your Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Iyengar personally evaluates your eyelids, discusses your goals, and carefully explains whether surgery is the best approach. Many patients appreciate his honesty; he will not recommend surgery unless he believes it will truly improve your results.

You will have the opportunity to ask questions, view before-and-after photos, and learn more about what makes Dr. Iyengar’s approach unique. His focus on precision and safety ensures you can move forward with confidence.

What to Expect During Your Procedure

An upper eyelid surgery in San Diego with Dr. Iyengar is typically performed in-office under local anesthesia. This means patients remain comfortable and safe without the risks of general anesthesia.

The procedure itself is efficient, often taking around 20–30 minutes. Dr. Iyengar carefully removes only the necessary amount of skin and fat while preserving the orbicularis muscle, which is critical for normal blinking and eyelid closure. This approach minimizes complications and avoids the “overdone” or hollow look that can result from less specialized techniques.

Recovering After Upper Eyelid Surgery

Recovery from an upper eyelid blepharoplasty in San Diego is typically smooth and faster than many patients expect. While bruising and swelling are common in the first week, discomfort is usually minimal and easily managed with cold compresses and over-the-counter medication.

Most patients return to work and social activities within 7–10 days, though complete healing continues for several weeks. Dr. Iyengar provides detailed aftercare instructions and follows up personally to ensure your recovery is progressing comfortably and safely.

How Much Does Upper Eyelid Surgery Cost?

The cost of upper eyelid surgery in San Diego varies depending on individual needs, whether both eyelids are addressed, and if the surgery is combined with other procedures. During your consultation, Dr. Iyengar will provide a transparent estimate tailored to your situation. For patients with significant visual obstruction, insurance coverage may sometimes apply. Our team can help determine whether medical necessity criteria are met.

San Diego Specialists Office Tour

Meet Your Provider Dr. Srinivas Iyengar

Dr. Srinivas Iyengar is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon, recognized as San Diego’s eyelid expert. A San Diego native, he trained internationally on the world’s only Flying Eye Hospital, performing surgeries in over 20 countries before founding San Diego Eyelid Specialists in 2016. Named a Top Doctor in San Diego for more than a decade, Dr. Iyengar is trusted by patients, physicians, and public figures alike for his precision, natural results, and commitment to protecting eye health.

Why Choose San Diego Eyelid Specialists?

San Diego Eyelid Specialists is the only practice in the region dedicated exclusively to eyelid surgery, meaning every patient benefits from focused expertise and consistent results. Unlike high-volume clinics, our approach is boutique and personal, with direct communication and attentive follow-up that extends well beyond surgery day. Many patients are referred by friends, family, and even physicians who trust our practice for its honesty, transparency, and commitment to natural outcomes. If you are ready to explore upper eyelid surgery in San Diego, contact us today to schedule your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions Upper Eyelid Surgery

How long do results from upper eyelid surgery last?

Most patients enjoy results that last 10–15 years, though the natural aging process will continue.

Will there be visible scars?

Dr. Iyengar places incisions within the natural eyelid crease, making scars virtually invisible once healed.

Can upper eyelid surgery improve my vision?

Yes. For patients with excess skin that hangs over the lash line, surgery can significantly expand the visual field.

Is the procedure painful?

Patients typically report minimal discomfort, as the surgery is performed with local anesthesia and careful technique.

Can I combine this with lower eyelid surgery or other procedures?

Yes. Many patients choose to combine procedures for balanced results, which can be discussed during your consultation.