Eyelid Surgery San Diego
- What is eyelid surgery?
- Are you a candidate?
- Benefits
- Types
- Procedure
- Safety
- Recovery
- Results
- Cost
- Non-surgical
- FAQs
Eyelid Surgery with Natural-Looking Results
If your eyes look tired, heavy, or older than you feel, you’re not alone. The area around the eyes is often one of the first places to show aging, and one of the most noticeable.
Dr. Brian Reagan is a board-certified plastic surgeon in San Diego with over 20 years of experience helping patients achieve natural, refreshed results with eyelid surgery. His approach is conservative and precise, focusing on restoring a well-rested appearance without making you look “done.”
Whether you’re dealing with drooping upper eyelids, under-eye bags, or both, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can make a meaningful difference in how you look, and how you feel.
What Is Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is one of the most effective ways to refresh the appearance of the eyes. Over time, the delicate skin around the eyes can begin to sag, and fat can shift, leading to droopy upper lids or puffiness underneath that makes you look tired or older than you feel.
Dr. Brian Reagan performs eyelid surgery with a focus on natural, balanced results. Depending on your needs, the procedure can address the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. By carefully removing or repositioning excess skin and fat, he’s able to smooth under-eye bags, reduce wrinkles, and restore a more rested, refreshed look, without making you look overdone.
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Why Choose Dr. Reagan for Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery may seem like a small procedure, but it requires a high level of precision and judgment. The eyes are delicate, and even subtle changes can have a big impact on your overall appearance.
Dr. Reagan brings a unique combination of surgical skill and artistic perspective to every procedure. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, with over 20 years of experience in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. His background includes advanced training at top institutions and research focused on wound healing and tissue biology.
He has also been recognized as one of the top plastic surgeons in San Diego and was named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for 2026.
What truly sets Dr. Reagan apart is his philosophy:
Do just enough — not too much.
That means preserving your natural expression, avoiding an overdone look, and focusing on balance and proportion. The goal is simple: you should look like yourself, just more rested and refreshed.
Brian Reagan, MD, FACS
Dr. Brian Reagan is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of True Beauty San Diego Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine. Dr. Reagan is renowned for his surgical skills and commitment to patient satisfaction. Dr. Reagan has been featured on local media outlets, including ABC 10, and recognized as one of the “Best Plastic Surgeons in San Diego” by San Diego Magazine, and “Best Plastic Surgeons in La Jolla” by La Jolla Light Newspaper.
Eyelid Surgery vs Fillers: Which Is Right for You?
A lot of patients come in thinking they just need filler under the eyes. And in some cases, that’s true.
But not always.
If the issue is loose or excess skin, bulging fat pads, or more significant puffiness, fillers won’t fix the root problem. In fact, adding volume in the wrong situation can sometimes make the area look more swollen or unnatural.
Eyelid surgery, on the other hand, addresses the underlying structure. It removes or repositions fat, tightens excess skin, and restores a smoother, more natural contour.
In some cases, a combination approach works best. Dr. Reagan may incorporate fat grafting or other treatments to enhance the overall result. The best way to know what’s right for you is through a consultation, where your treatment plan is tailored to your specific anatomy and goals.
How to Know If Your a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate if you are noticing:
- Excess skin hanging over the upper eyelids, sometimes even affecting your vision.
- Drooping or heaviness caused by weakened eyelid muscle.
- Puffiness or under-eye bags from shifted fat deposits.
- Fine lines and wrinkles on the lower eyelids.
- Dark circles that don’t improve with skincare or fillers.
Benefits of Eyelid Surgery
If your eyes look tired, heavy, or older than you feel, you’re not alone. The eyelids are often one of the first areas to show aging. While skincare and non-surgical treatments can help temporarily, they don’t fix excess skin or puffiness.
Eyelid surgery is designed to correct drooping upper lids, under-eye bags, and fine lines. When done with a careful, conservative approach, it can restore a more refreshed, natural look without appearing overdone. Many patients notice their entire face looks brighter, not just their eyes.
At True Beauty Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine, Dr. Brian Reagan focuses on natural, balanced results that help you look like yourself, just more refreshed.
True Beauty Patient Review
“Dr. Reagan and his staff are very committed to putting each patient first. They are very attentive to an individual’s needs and to ensuring the patient is comfortable. I have had 2 procedures completed by Dr. Reagan so far and am extremely happy with my results. He has taken the time to explain everything about each procedure beforehand and is always readily available to answer and questions or concerns after. I would highly recommend Dr. Reagan and his staff to anyone.”
Types of Blepharoplasty
Depending on what’s contributing to that appearance, eyelid surgery can be customized to address the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.
- Upper Eyelid Surgery (Upper Blepharoplasty)
This procedure removes excess skin that can create a heavy or drooping appearance. The incision is carefully placed within the natural crease of the eyelid, making it well hidden once healed. - Lower Eyelid Surgery (Lower Blepharoplasty)
Lower eyelid surgery focuses on under-eye bags and puffiness. Depending on your anatomy, fat can be removed or repositioned through an internal approach (no visible incision) or a discreet incision just below the lash line. Excess skin, if present, can also be addressed. - Asian Eyelid Surgery
In some cases, patients may want to create or better define an upper eyelid crease. This is done with careful attention to maintaining a natural, balanced appearance. - Non-Surgical Skin Tightening
For mild skin laxity, non-surgical options like laser treatments may help improve skin tightness without surgery.
Procedure Overview
Eyelid surgery is tailored to your specific concerns and may involve the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.
- Excess skin is removed to reduce heaviness and restore a more open, refreshed look
- Fat is carefully removed or repositioned to smooth puffiness and under-eye bags
- When needed, underlying muscles are tightened to improve contour and support
- Incisions are placed within natural creases or inside the eyelid, making them well hidden
- The goal is a natural, well-rested appearance, not an overcorrected look
Dr. Reagan takes a conservative approach, focusing on balance and precision to ensure results look smooth, natural, and in harmony with the rest of your face.
Your Safety Is Our Top Priority
Your safety and comfort are always our top priority. Eyelid surgery is a well-tolerated procedure, and most patients experience only mild, temporary side effects such as swelling, bruising, and some soreness in the treated area. If needed, Dr. Reagan can prescribe medication to help keep you comfortable during recovery.
As with any surgery, there are potential risks, including dry eyes, irritation, infection, delayed healing, or scarring. During your consultation, Dr. Reagan will take the time to walk you through these in a clear and straightforward way, so you know exactly what to expect.
Just as important, he’ll explain the steps he takes to minimize risk and ensure a safe, smooth recovery. His approach is thoughtful and conservative, with a strong focus on both safety and natural-looking results.
Recovery Time
Initial recovery typically takes about 1–2 weeks, depending on how you heal.
During this time, we recommend:
- Resting and keeping your head elevated as much as possible
- Expecting some swelling and bruising (this is normal and temporary)
- Following all post-op instructions provided by our team
- Taking any prescribed medications as directed
We’ll also see you for follow-up visits to make sure everything is healing properly and answer any questions along the way.
Most patients feel comfortable returning to normal activities within 1–2 weeks, with continued improvement over the following weeks.
Eyelid Surgery Patient Review
“I am completely happy with my refreshed looking eyes and repaired chin area. Dr. Reagan and his staff are caring professionals who listened to my concerns and reassured me each step of the way. I have already recommended Dr. Reagan to friends and family who are considering “having something done!” The entire experience was exceptional!”
What Makes Eyelid Results Look Natural?
The difference between a great result and an obvious one often comes down to restraint.
With eyelid surgery, more is not better.
Removing too much skin or fat can lead to a hollow appearance, difficulty closing the eyes, or an unnatural, “pulled” look. That’s why Dr. Reagan takes a conservative approach, carefully evaluating how much to remove, and just as importantly, what to preserve.
With his experience in both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, he focuses on creating results that look smooth, balanced, and natural over time. The goal isn’t to change how you look, it’s to restore what’s been lost.
When will I see results?
The initial results of eyelid surgery will be apparent once the majority of swelling and bruising have subsided (typically one to two weeks after surgery). However, it can take up to a year for residual swelling to dissipate and the final results of the procedure to become visible.
How long will my results last?
The results of eyelid surgery can last for many years. Living a healthy lifestyle, not smoking, using the right skin care products and using sun protection can prolong the results of eyelid surgery.
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?
The cost of eyelid surgery can vary depending on your specific needs. Factors include whether the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both are being treated, the techniques used, and whether the procedure is combined with other treatments.
Because every patient is different, Dr. Reagan will provide a personalized treatment plan and detailed pricing during your consultation.
In some cases, if drooping upper eyelids are affecting your vision, a portion of the procedure may be covered by insurance.
Non-Surgical Alternatives
Not every patient needs surgery. In some cases, non-surgical treatments can help improve the appearance of the eyes—especially in the early stages of aging.
Options may include:
- Dermal fillers to restore lost volume and soften under-eye hollows or dark circles
- Botox or Dysport to relax fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes
- Laser treatments to improve skin texture and address crepey skin
These treatments can provide subtle improvement, but they don’t correct excess skin or more significant puffiness.
For patients looking for a longer-lasting and more complete solution, eyelid surgery is often the better option. During your consultation, Dr. Reagan will walk you through what makes the most sense for your specific concerns and goals.
FAQs
Can eyelid surgery be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Eyelid surgery is often combined with other facial procedures to create more balanced, natural results.
For example, a brow lift can help improve a heavy or hooded appearance caused by a sagging brow. A facelift can address aging in the lower face and neck, while eyelid surgery focuses on the eyes. In some cases, combining procedures like rhinoplasty can further enhance overall facial harmony.
Non-surgical treatments such as laser resurfacing, fillers, or Botox can also complement surgical results.
During your consultation, Dr. Reagan will recommend the right combination based on your goals.
Will blepharoplasty scars be visible?
Incisions are placed very carefully to minimize visible scarring. For upper eyelid surgery, they are hidden within the natural crease of the eyelid. For lower eyelid surgery, incisions are typically placed just below the lash line or inside the eyelid.
Once healed, scars are usually very difficult to see.
Will insurance cover eyelid surgery?
In some cases, yes. If excess upper eyelid skin is affecting your vision, the procedure may be considered medically necessary and partially or fully covered by insurance.
This typically requires a visual field test performed by an eye doctor. Lower eyelid surgery, which is usually cosmetic, is not covered.
Why is a conservative approach important with eyelid surgery?
With eyelid surgery, less is often more. Removing too much skin or fat can lead to a hollow or overdone appearance, and in some cases, issues like dry eyes or difficulty closing the eyelids.
Dr. Reagan takes a careful, conservative approach to preserve your natural look while still achieving a noticeable improvement. The goal is to refresh your appearance, not change it.
How do I choose between eyelid surgery and brow lift?
Eyelid surgery is best for treating excess skin or puffiness directly in the eyelids. A brow lift, on the other hand, addresses sagging in the forehead and brow that can push down on the upper eyelids.
In some cases, both may be recommended together for the best result. Dr. Reagan will help you determine which approach makes the most sense based on your anatomy and goals.
Schedule an Eyelid Surgery Consultation
Schedule your eyelid surgery consultation with Dr. Reagan at True Beauty today by calling (858) 454-7546 or emailing our San Diego office.
