Eyelid Lift | Blepharoplasty in Portland, OR
This refined procedure can take years off your appearance by restoring a smoother, more open look to the eyes, without changing the essence of who you are.
As a double board-certified female plastic surgeon in Portland, Dr. Hetal Fichadia brings a delicate touch, aesthetic vision, and woman-centered care to every eyelid lift. She’s known for creating elegant, natural-looking results that make you look more rested, not “done.”
To learn more about eyelid lift surgery in Portland, Beaverton, Clackamas, Lake Oswego or to schedule a consultation in Portland, call (503) 488-2344. Dr. Fichadia also offers related procedures like facelift and facial fat grafting for comprehensive rejuvenation.
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What Is an Eyelid Lift?
An eyelid lift (or blepharoplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes or repositions excess skin, fat, and tissue from the upper or lower eyelids. It can be performed on the upper lids, lower lids, or both depending on your goals and anatomy.
Upper eyelid surgery restores a lifted, defined eyelid crease, which is especially helpful if loose skin is beginning to hood the eyes or interfere with vision. Lower eyelid surgery smooths puffiness or “bags” under the eyes caused by fat protrusion and skin laxity.
What Are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?
An eyelid lift, also called blepharoplasty, is one of the most effective ways to refresh your appearance without changing your natural expression. Patients in Portland and surrounding areas often choose this procedure when sagging skin or under-eye puffiness makes them look more tired than they feel. Eyelid lift surgery offers results that are subtle yet long-lasting, helping you look rested and approachable while still looking like yourself.
Key benefits of eyelid surgery include:
- Brighter, more open eyes: Lifts heavy or drooping upper eyelids to restore a youthful, refreshed look.
- Smoother under-eyes: Reduces puffiness and “bags” caused by fat or skin laxity.
- Improved symmetry and definition: Refines the natural shape of the upper or lower eyelids.
- Easier make up application: Many patients comment that they can apply eye makeup without getting it smudged and that they don’t need as much products
- Confidence boost: Looking refreshed helps you feel more engaged in everyday life when you present your best self.
- Functional improvement: In some cases, lifting sagging upper lids can improve vision by removing obstruction from the visual field.
Why Choose Dr. Hetal Fichadia?
Choosing the right plastic surgeon for eyelid surgery is essential for safety and precision as well as aesthetic judgment and emotional care. When you choose Dr. Fichadia, you’ll feel cared for from the beginning of your surgical journey to your last follow-up appointment.
Here’s what sets Dr. Fichadia apart:
- Surgical precision and experience: As a double board-certified plastic surgeon with over a decade of experience, she brings technical finesse and artistic balance to every procedure. With a patient-first philosophy rooted in honesty, education, and genuine care, Dr. Fichadia has been consistently selected by her peers as a Portland Monthly Top Doctor every year since 2018.
- Woman-to-woman perspective: Fichadia understands how aging affects women’s eyes and expressions and creates results that honor your natural beauty.
- Tailored surgical plans: Every eyelid and face is different. She customizes each procedure to your facial structure, changes with aging, and goals. She often uses facial fat grafting with eyelid lift surgery for adding youthful volume around the eyes.
- Natural aesthetic: Fichadia avoids overcorrection. Her goal is refreshed—not startled—results.
- Holistic support: From pre-surgical readiness to post-op healing, Dr. Fichadia supports your journey with clear communication, education, and long-term follow-up.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery in Oregon?
During your consultation, Portland blepharoplasty surgeon, Dr. Fichadia will review your medical history form, and may ask for some additional information from you. Previous eyelid surgery, under eye fillers, LASIK surgery, and tendencies toward dry or runny eyes are important to mention to Dr. Fichadia during your consultation. Dr. Fichadia will also pay special attention to parts of your medical history that need to be considered carefully when undertaking eyelid surgery, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, or any medications or supplements you may take that thin the blood. In general, all over-the-counter pain/fever reducers (except Tylenol) are off-limits for 2 weeks before and after eyelid surgery, as are ginkgo biloba, St. John’s Wort, or high doses of fish oil, flax seed oil, or vitamin E. All your prescriptions are called in at your preoperative visit, so you have picked them up already on the day of surgery.
You may be a good candidate if:
- You have excess upper eyelid skin causing a tired or heavy look
- You experience puffiness or bags under the eyes
- You’re in generally good health and do not smoke
- You have realistic expectations and want natural-looking results
How Does Eyelid Surgery Work?
Eyelid lift surgery is performed either at our office (especially for upper eyelid lift) or at accredited surgical facilities such as East Pavilion Surgery Center in Portland. Depending on the type of blepharoplasty and your preferences, the procedure may be done under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
Surgery typically takes 1–2 hours and most patients return home the same day. You will check in 1.5 hours before your surgery, and at the conclusion of your procedure, Dr. Fichadia will tell your companion how everything went, and he or she will have the opportunity to see you. You will be observed for another 1 hours after surgery before being discharged home.
Upper eyelid lift
A small incision is made in the natural eyelid crease. Dr. Fichadia removes or repositions fat, trims excess skin, and carefully closes the incision for minimal scarring.
Lower eyelid lift
Incisions are hidden just below the lash line or inside the lower lid. Fat is repositioned or removed to smooth under-eye bags and create a more youthful contour. Most of the times, fat grafting is performed to minimize the dark undereye valleys (tear troughs). Skin may be treated with a moderate depth chemical peel or a small excision.
Hetal Fichadia MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Portland, OR
Recovery After Eyelid Lift Surgery in Portland, OR
Healing is monitored closely with follow-up appointments, so you feel supported every step of the way. Recovery from eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is usually smooth and faster than many patients expect. With Dr. Fichadia’s careful technique and personalized follow-up, most people feel comfortable returning to normal routines within 1 to 2 weeks.
Many patients say recovery is easier than they imagined. The early improvements—such as a brighter, more rested appearance—are visible quickly, which makes the healing process feel rewarding.
Dr. Fichadia will guide you through every stage of recovery with detailed instructions, scar care recommendations, and scheduled follow-ups to ensure you heal comfortably and confidently.
Typical recovery timeline:
Days 1–3
Expect mild swelling, bruising, and some tightness around the eyes. Cold compresses, eye ointment, and keeping your head elevated help reduce discomfort.
Days 4-7
Bruising and swelling begin to fade. Stitches are usually removed around day 5–7. Make up can be worn by day 7.
Week 1
Many patients feel ready to return to work, light activities, and social events, often with minimal makeup to conceal residual bruising.
Weeks 2-3
Most swelling resolves, and the eyes look brighter and more refreshed. Contact lenses can usually be worn again.
Months 2–3
Final results continue to refine as scars fade and the eyelids settle into their natural shape.
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost in Portland?
The cost of eyelid lift surgery varies depending on whether you’re having upper, lower, or both lids treated and if it’s combined with other facial procedures such as facial fat grafting. For a ballpark estimate, please visit our pricing page. At your consultation, Dr. Fichadia will provide a transparent quote tailored to your anatomy and goals.
Financing options are available to help make your transformation accessible and stress-free.
Maintaining Your Results After Blepharoplasty Surgery
Eyelid lift results typically last many years. To preserve your refreshed look:
- Use medical-grade skincare and daily sunscreen
- Consider complementary treatments like Botox or dermal fillers to maintain facial balance
- Follow Dr. Fichadia’s long-term care recommendations
Ready to See a Brighter You? Schedule Your Eyelid Lift Today
Your eyes are one of the first things people notice and one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Rejuvenating them can help you feel more awake, engaged, and confident in every setting.
Call (503) 488-2344 or contact us via our online form to schedule your eyelid lift consultation in Portland or Lake Oswego. Dr. Hetal Fichadia serves patients from Tigard, Beaverton, Clackamas, Vancouver, and beyond. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Portland Eyelid Surgery - FAQs
Will I have visible scars?
Most patients do not notice their scars once they have healed. Incisions for upper eyelid surgery are placed in the natural eyelid crease, while lower eyelid incisions are hidden along the lash line or inside the lid. With proper healing and scar care, they become virtually invisible.
Does eyelid lift surgery require general anesthesia?
Typically, upper eyelid surgery can be done in the office with the use of local anesthetic (numbing medication) and anti-anxiety pills. Lower eyelid surgery and facial fat grafting are usually done under general anesthesia at an accredited surgery center such as East Pavilion Surgery Center.
Is eyelid surgery painful?
Most people describe eyelid lift recovery as more uncomfortable than painful. Mild tightness, swelling, or dryness is common in the first few days, but Dr. Fichadia’s gentle technique and post-op support help keep discomfort minimal.
Can eyelid surgery improve my vision?
Yes. If excess upper eyelid skin is obstructing your vision, a blepharoplasty can restore a clearer sightline in addition to enhancing your appearance. Insurance may cover part of the procedure when vision is affected.
How long do eyelid lift results last?
While duration of results depends on lifestyle, genetics, and ongoing skin care and sun protection, blepharoplasty is one of the most long lasting facial cosmetic procedures. It is not uncommon for results to last well over 10 years before touch ups are required.
What’s the difference between upper and lower eyelid surgery?
Upper blepharoplasty removes sagging skin and restores the eyelid crease, while lower blepharoplasty addresses under-eye bags, puffiness, or hollowing. Some patients benefit from a combination of both for full eye rejuvenation.
Can eyelid surgery be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Many patients choose to combine eyelid surgery with a facelift, brow lift, lip lift, or non-surgical treatments like Botox and fillers for a more comprehensive rejuvenation.
When can I return to work after eyelid lift surgery?
Most patients return to work or light activities within 7–10 days, depending on healing and whether both upper and lower lids were treated. If you can work from home and take meetings off the camera or are ok with visible bruising, you may be back to limited work in 3-5 days.
Will I look like a different person after eyelid surgery?
No. Dr. Fichadia’s approach is conservative and natural. You will look like yourself—simply more rested, youthful, and refreshed.
How much does eyelid surgery cost in Portland?
Blepharoplasty can improve shadowing from puffiness or volume loss. However, true dark circles caused by pigmentation may respond better to complementary treatments such as laser resurfacing or fat grafting.
Can eyelid surgery help with dark circles?
Blepharoplasty can improve shadowing from puffiness or volume loss. However, true dark circles caused by pigmentation may respond better to complementary treatments such as laser resurfacing or fat grafting.
What are the risks of eyelid surgery?
Risks are rare but may include temporary dryness, swelling, asymmetry, or, in very rare cases, vision changes. Choosing an experienced, double board-certified surgeon like Dr. Fichadia minimizes these risks.
How do I know if I need eyelid surgery or a brow lift?
If your brows have descended and are pushing skin onto the eyelids, a brow lift may be more effective, or it may be combined with blepharoplasty. Dr. Fichadia will carefully evaluate your anatomy to recommend the right approach.
Will I have trouble closing my eyes after surgery?
Temporary tightness is common in the first week, but permanent issues are rare with proper technique. Dr. Fichadia takes care to preserve eyelid function while achieving aesthetic improvement.