The eyes are often the first place where the signs of aging begin to appear. Fine lines, sagging skin, puffiness, and under-eye bags can make you look tired even when you feel rested. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) offers a transformative solution, rejuvenating your appearance by restoring youthful contours to the eyes. At Hessler Plastic Surgery in Palo Alto, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jill Hessler specializes in advanced eyelid surgery techniques that refresh and refine with precision and artistry. Before scheduling your procedure, it’s essential to know what to ask and why it matters.
What Experience Do You Have With Eyelid Surgery?
Your outcome depends as much on your surgeon’s artistry as on their technical skill. Ask how many blepharoplasty procedures your surgeon performs each year and whether they specialize in facial surgery. Dr. Jill Hessler focuses exclusively on the face, eyes, nose, and neck—a level of specialization that allows her to deliver refined, natural-looking results while prioritizing patient safety.
Am I a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
During your consultation, your surgeon should assess your overall health, skin elasticity, and aesthetic goals. Ideal candidates are generally healthy, non-smokers, and wish to correct issues such as drooping eyelids, puffiness, or under-eye bags. At Hessler Plastic Surgery, each treatment plan is customized to complement your features and achieve balanced, natural-looking results.
The best candidates for blepharoplasty typically:
- Are in good overall health
- Are non-smokers (or willing to stop before and after surgery)
- Have drooping lids, puffiness, or under-eye bags they wish to correct
- Want a refreshed, natural improvement, not a drastic change
What Technique Will Be Used for My Procedure?
Eyelid surgery may target the upper lids, lower lids, or both, using incision methods tailored to your needs. Ask where incisions will be placed and how your surgeon minimizes visible scarring. Dr. Hessler makes precise incisions within natural creases or inside the lower eyelid to ensure a seamless, rejuvenated appearance.
What Is Recovery Like After Eyelid Surgery?
Recovery is typically smooth, with mild swelling, bruising, or dryness resolving within days. Most patients return to work within about a week. At Hessler Plastic Surgery, every patient receives detailed aftercare instructions and guidance from Dr. Hessler’s personally trained nursing staff to promote comfortable, efficient healing.
During recovery, patients commonly experience:
- Mild swelling and bruising for several days
- Temporary dryness or light sensitivity
- Return to work and daily activities within about a week
- Visible improvement as swelling subsides over the following weeks
What Results Should I Realistically Expect?
Your surgeon should provide clear, realistic expectations for your results and their longevity. Some improvements appear within weeks, though final results become visible once swelling fully subsides. Many patients enjoy a refreshed, alert appearance that lasts for years. Dr. Hessler’s approach emphasizes subtle enhancement, ensuring you look naturally rejuvenated rather than overdone.
Are There Any Risks I Should Know About?
All surgical procedures carry some level of risk. Ask about potential complications such as infection, irritation, or temporary changes in vision. Dr. Hessler takes a meticulous, conservative approach to minimize risk, combining surgical precision with evidence-based techniques and advanced technology.
Choosing Excellence in Facial Rejuvenation
Selecting the right surgeon is the most important step in your eyelid surgery journey. With over a decade of experience and recognition as one of Newsweek’s Best Plastic Surgeons in America, Dr. Hessler combines artistry, innovation, and compassionate care to deliver transformative yet natural results.
If you’re ready to restore a brighter, more youthful appearance, schedule your consultation at Hessler Plastic Surgery. Experience the precision, expertise, and warmth that have made Dr. Hessler a trusted leader in facial rejuvenation throughout the Bay Area.
