Eyelid Surgery
in San Francisco
Home | Face Rejuvenation | Eyelid Surgery - Blepharoplasty
A Refreshed, Rested Look
—with Natural, Precise Results
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is designed to restore a brighter, more rested appearance by addressing heaviness of the upper lids and puffiness or hollowing below the eyes. For many patients, it’s not about looking different—it’s about looking like themselves again, without the tired or strained look that can settle in over time.
At Aesthetic Surgery Center: Michael R. Macdonald, M.D., Dr. Michael R. Macdonald provides eyelid surgery in San Francisco with an approach centered on facial harmony, subtle refinement, and results that age well.
A Thoughtful Approach to Eyelid Rejuvenation
The eye area is delicate and expressive. The goal of eyelid surgery is to improve the features that create a heavy, fatigued appearance—while preserving your natural shape, character, and expression.
Dr. Macdonald’s approach prioritizes:
- Clean, refined eyelid contours
- Natural-looking results (never “pulled” or overcorrected)
- A smooth transition from lower lid to cheek
- Careful planning that complements the full face—not just the eyelids
Why Choose Dr. Michael R. Macdonald for Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery is small in surface area, but high in complexity. Precision matters—especially when your goal is a refreshed look that still feels completely like you.
As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in San Francisco, Dr. Macdonald combines aesthetic judgment with a deep understanding of facial anatomy. Patients across San Francisco and the Bay Area choose his practice for results that feel refined, balanced, and natural.
Benefits of Eyelid Surgery
Patients often choose eyelid surgery because it can make a real difference in how they look—and how they feel day to day.
Eyelid surgery can help:
- Reduce heaviness or drooping of the upper eyelids
- Create a more open, refreshed appearance
- Smooth under-eye puffiness (“bags”)
- Improve hollowing and shadowing under the eyes
- Support a more rested look in photos and in person
- In some cases, improve vision when upper lid skin blocks sight lines
Is Eyelid Surgery Right for You?
You may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery in San Francisco if you:
- Look tired even when you feel well-rested
- Notice sagging skin on the upper lids
- Have under-eye puffiness or deep under-eye shadows
- Feel your eyes look older than the rest of your face
- Are bothered by a heavy or “hooded” eyelid appearance
- Have vision obstruction due to drooping upper eyelids
A consultation is the best way to determine whether upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or a combined approach will best match your goals.
Eyelid Surgery Options
Upper, Lower, or Combined Blepharoplasty
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Upper blepharoplasty focuses on removing or refining excess skin that contributes to a tired, heavy look. Incisions are placed within natural eyelid creases, allowing scars to heal discreetly.
Common goals include:
- Reducing “hooding”
- Restoring a more open eye appearance
- Improving upper lid definition while keeping a natural eyelid shape
Lower Eyelid Surgery
Lower blepharoplasty addresses puffiness, under-eye bags, and contour concerns. Depending on anatomy, it may include fat repositioning to smooth the lid-cheek junction and reduce the “tired” look created by shadows.
Common goals include:
- Smoothing puffiness and under-eye bags
- Reducing the appearance of hollows and dark shadows
- Creating a cleaner, more youthful lower eyelid contour
Combined Upper + Lower
For many patients, treating both the upper and lower lids produces the most balanced result—especially when the goal is an overall refreshed eye area.
What to Expect
Consultation, Planning, and Surgical Care
Your Consultation
Your consultation is focused on your goals, your anatomy, and the specific concerns you see in the mirror—whether that’s heaviness, puffiness, asymmetry, or shadowing.
Dr. Macdonald will evaluate:
- Upper lid skin redundancy and brow position
- Lower lid contour and the lid-cheek transition
- Skin quality and elasticity
- Whether adjacent treatments may enhance the result
Surgical Approach
The technique is selected based on what will create the most natural, stable result. Incisions are designed to be discreet and placed strategically to minimize visibility.
Recovery and Results
Recovery varies by patient and by whether upper, lower, or combined eyelid surgery is performed. In general, most patients experience temporary swelling and bruising that improves steadily during the first week.
Most patients can expect:
- Early swelling/bruising that improves over the first 1–2 weeks
- A gradual refinement of results as healing continues
- A refreshed, rested appearance that looks natural—not obvious
Your post-procedure guidance will include how to care for the area, protect incisions, and support the cleanest healing possible.
Safety and Surgical Judgment
Eyelid surgery requires careful planning and measured execution. The goal is not simply “removing skin,” but refining the eye area while maintaining eyelid function, support, and natural expression.
Choosing a highly experienced San Francisco eyelid surgeon matters—particularly when addressing lower eyelid contour, under-eye bags, and transitions between the lower lid and cheek.
Before & After Results
Our before-and-after gallery features real patient outcomes and individualized treatment plans. Results vary, and your consultation is the best way to understand what is realistic for your features and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Eyelid Surgery / Blepharoplasty)
What is eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery, medically known as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes or repositions excess skin and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. It is performed to reduce heaviness, smooth under-eye puffiness, and restore a more rested appearance.
What does eyelid surgery improve?
Eyelid surgery improves drooping upper eyelids, under-eye bags, puffiness, and shadowing beneath the eyes. In some patients, it can also improve vision when excess upper eyelid skin obstructs the field of sight.
What is the difference between upper and lower eyelid surgery?
Upper eyelid surgery removes excess skin that causes hooding or heaviness. Lower eyelid surgery focuses on under-eye bags, puffiness, and contour irregularities between the lower eyelid and cheek. Some patients benefit from a combined procedure.
How long does recovery from eyelid surgery take?
Most patients return to light, non-strenuous activities within 7–14 days after eyelid surgery. Swelling and bruising improve steadily during the first two weeks, while subtle refinement continues over several months.
Will eyelid surgery make me look different?
Eyelid surgery is designed to make you look more rested—not different. When performed conservatively, it preserves your natural eye shape and expression while reducing heaviness and puffiness.
Can eyelid surgery be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Eyelid surgery is commonly combined with brow lift surgery, facelift procedures, or laser skin resurfacing to create balanced facial rejuvenation.
How long do eyelid surgery results last?
Eyelid surgery results are long-lasting. While natural aging continues, excess skin and puffiness removed during surgery do not typically return.
Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery?
Good candidates for eyelid surgery are healthy individuals bothered by drooping upper eyelids, under-eye bags, or a tired appearance. A consultation determines whether upper, lower, or combined surgery is appropriate.
Let’s Talk About What’s Right for You
You don’t need to know which treatment you want—that conversation starts with understanding your goals. A consultation with Dr. Macdonald offers honest guidance, clear options, and a personalized plan designed around you.
Let us help you achieve your aesthetic goals with confidence and ease.