Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty) in Gig Harbor, WA
Restore a more rested, refreshed appearance to the eyes with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Melissa Larsen, serving Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and the greater Puget Sound area.
Eyelid Lift
The eyes are often the first area of the face to show visible signs of aging. Excess skin on the upper eyelids, puffiness, and hollowing or bags beneath the lower lids can make a person appear tired, aged, or heavier than they feel. Blepharoplasty — eyelid lift surgery — addresses these concerns by removing or repositioning excess skin, fat, and tissue to restore a more open, refreshed, and naturally youthful appearance to the eyes. It is one of the most popular facial procedures performed, and when done well, produces results that look rested rather than surgical.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Eyelid surgery may be appropriate for patients who:
Have excess, drooping, or hooded skin on the upper eyelids
Have puffiness, bags, or hollowing beneath the lower eyelids
Feel the eye area makes them appear more tired or aged than they feel
Are in good overall health with realistic expectations
Are non-smokers, or willing to stop smoking well in advance of surgery
During consultation, Dr. Larsen carefully evaluates both the upper and lower eyelids, brow position, and overall eye anatomy to determine the most appropriate procedure for your concerns — and whether a brow lift may also be beneficial.
Procedure Overview
Blepharoplasty is performed at an accredited outpatient surgical facility.
In general:
Surgery typically takes 1–2 hours depending on whether upper, lower, or both eyelids are addressed
Performed under general anesthesia, or local anesthesia with sedation for appropriate candidates
Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the upper eyelid through an incision placed within the natural eyelid crease, leaving a scar that is virtually invisible when the eye is open
Lower blepharoplasty addresses puffiness, bags, or hollowing beneath the lower eyelid — excess fat is repositioned or removed, and skin is tightened through an incision placed just below the lower lash line or, in some cases, inside the eyelid entirely
Upper and lower blepharoplasty can be performed together in a single surgical session
Patients return home the same day. Blepharoplasty is commonly combined with a brow lift for a more complete upper face rejuvenation.
Recovery
Eyelid surgery recovery is generally well-tolerated. Most patients follow a general pattern:
Week 1 Swelling, bruising, and mild tightness around the eyes are normal. Cool compresses help manage swelling. Rest and keeping the head elevated are encouraged. Most patients are comfortable at home.
Weeks 1–2 Bruising and swelling improve noticeably. Most patients feel comfortable being seen in public by the end of week two. Avoid strenuous activity, bending, and lifting.
Weeks 3–4 Eyes continue to open and settle. Most patients return to all normal daily activities. Residual swelling continues to resolve.
Week 6+ Final eye appearance is largely apparent. Scars continue to fade over the following months.
Dr. Larsen provides detailed postoperative instructions and follow-up visits throughout recovery to monitor healing.
Results
Blepharoplasty restores a more open, rested, and refreshed appearance to the eyes — one of the most impactful improvements that can be made to overall facial appearance.
Bruising and swelling resolve over the first one to two weeks
Final results are typically fully apparent at 3–6 months
Upper eyelid scars sit within the natural crease and become virtually invisible over time
Lower eyelid scars, where external incisions are used, fade considerably and are not typically noticeable in everyday situations
Results are long-lasting — most patients enjoy their outcome for many years
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a brow lift or eyelid surgery? A drooping brow can push down on the upper eyelid and create the appearance of hooding even when the eyelid itself is not the issue. During consultation, Dr. Larsen carefully assesses both brow position and eyelid anatomy to determine the right procedure — or combination — for your concerns.
Can upper and lower blepharoplasty be performed together? Yes. Both are commonly performed in a single surgical session. Dr. Larsen will assess whether addressing both upper and lower eyelids is appropriate and beneficial for your anatomy.
Will the scars be visible? Upper eyelid incisions are placed within the natural eyelid crease and are virtually invisible when the eye is open. Lower eyelid incisions, where used, are placed just below the lash line and fade considerably over time. In some lower eyelid cases, incisions are placed entirely inside the eyelid, leaving no external scar at all.
How long do results last? Results are long-lasting — most patients enjoy their outcome for many years. The aging process continues, but the improvement achieved through blepharoplasty is enduring.
Can blepharoplasty be combined with other procedures? Yes. Eyelid surgery is commonly combined with a brow lift for upper face rejuvenation, and can also be performed alongside a facelift for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Dr. Larsen will advise on what can be safely combined during consultation.
What does eyelid surgery cost? Pricing depends on whether upper, lower, or both eyelids are addressed and whether it is combined with other procedures. Financing options are available
Meet Dr. Melissa Larsen, MD
Dr. Melissa Larsen is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon serving patients in Gig Harbor and the greater Tacoma area. She is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and completed her six-year Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Integrated Residency at Oregon Health & Science University. Dr. Larsen is committed to personalized care that achieves natural, balanced results.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Larsen to discuss your goals, review your options, and find out if eyelid surgery is right for you.