Dr. Kenneth Kim
N/a
Los Angeles
Dr. Kenneth Kim Plastic Surgery
© Dr. Kenneth Kim. 2025 | All rights reserved.
An eyelid lift, also known as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the eyelids. The procedure can improve eye contour, reduce under-eye bags, correct asymmetry, smooth the skin, and promote a more youthful appearance. Reach out to learn more about undergoing an eyelid lift in Los Angeles and your other options for eyelid surgery.
An eyelid lift before and after: Discover these amazing results achieved by Dr. Kenneth Kim:
There are eight main types of eyelid lifts, with each tailored to address specific concerns and areas around the eyes. Here are the main types:
| Upper Blepharoplasty | |
|---|---|
| Purpose: To remove excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat from the upper eyelids. |
Indications: Droopy or sagging upper eyelid skin that may impair vision or create a tired appearance. |
| Lower Blepharoplasty | |
|---|---|
| Purpose: To address puffiness, bags, and sagging under the eyes. |
Indications: Prominent under-eye bags, dark circles, and excess skin in the lower eyelid area. |
| Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty | |
|---|---|
| Purpose: To remove or reposition fat in the lower eyelids without removing any skin. |
Indications: Younger patients with puffiness or bags under the eyes but no significant skin laxity. The incision is made inside the lower eyelid, leaving no visible scar. |
| Transcutaneous Lower Blepharoplasty | |
|---|---|
| Purpose: To remove or reposition fat and tighten the skin and muscles in the lower eyelids. |
Indications: Older patients with more pronounced skin laxity and under-eye bags. The incision is made just below the lash line. |
| Asian Blepharoplasty (Double Eyelid Surgery) | |
|---|---|
| Purpose: To create a natural-looking crease in the upper eyelid for individuals typically of Asian descent who may have a single eyelid without a crease or asymmetric crease. Learn more about Asian eyelid anatomy. |
Indications: A desire for a double eyelid crease to enhance eye appearance and make the eyes look larger. |
| Ptosis Correction (Droopy Eyelid Surgery) | |
|---|---|
| Purpose: To correct a weak eye-elevating muscle (levator muscle) so that the patient can easily open their eyes. |
Indications: Weak eyelid muscles can create droopy eyelids that can impair vision and make one appear tired, sleepy, or harsh. |
| Revision Blepharoplasty | |
|---|---|
| Purpose: To correct or improve the results of a previous eyelid surgery. |
Indications: Patients who are unsatisfied with their initial blepharoplasty results or have developed complications. |
| Canthoplasty and Canthopexy | |
|---|---|
| Purpose: To tighten the outer corner of the eyelid (canthus) and improve the shape and support of the lower eyelid. |
Indications: Often combined with lower blepharoplasty to address eyelid laxity and create a more youthful eye contour. It can also be performed alone to create wider eyes. |
Each type of eyelid lift addresses specific aesthetic and functional concerns, and the best approach depends on individual needs and anatomical factors. Consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Kenneth Kim, can help determine the most appropriate type of eyelid lift for your goals. To schedule a consultation and see more pictures of “eyelid lift before and after”, click here or call our Los Angeles office at 213-700-4297.
Qualifications for eyelid lift surgery generally involve both medical and aesthetic criteria. Medically, candidates should be in good overall health, without severe conditions that could affect healing or increase surgical risks. Key factors include having healthy eyes and no significant eye diseases. If you have glaucoma or dry eye, make sure to consult with Dr. Kim. He can also advise on the recovery process and expectations.
Aesthetically, the ideal candidate for eyelid surgery typically exhibits signs of excess skin, fat, or drooping in the upper or lower eyelids that impact their appearance or vision.
This includes issues such as sagging eyelids that impair peripheral vision or under-eye bags that contribute to a tired appearance. Age is not a limit, and patients of all ages are candidates for eyelid surgery.
For patients seeking improvement in appearance rather than functionality, the procedure should align with their cosmetic goals and expectations. Please learn more about the steps for preparing for surgery and aftercare.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation with the expert eyelid surgeon. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kenneth Kim to discuss your eyelid lift goals: 213-700-4297.
Dr. Kim performs an eyelid lift using local anesthesia (the patient is awake). An awake blepharoplasty offers many benefits, including enhanced health safety by avoiding the risks associated with general anesthesia, such as respiratory complications, memory loss, heart problems, and other adverse reactions.
Patients typically experience a faster recovery time, reduced swelling, and better results with awake eyelid surgery.
The awake procedure allows the patient to open and close their eyes, enabling Dr. Kim to make precise adjustments for better symmetry and results. Additionally, local anesthesia requires less pre-operative preparation and keeps patients comfortable and totally relaxed throughout the surgery with modern anesthetic techniques.
An eyelid lift in Los Angeles can involve removing excess skin, addressing the eyelid fold, and/or correcting the eyelid muscle in the upper lids and reducing puffiness and sagging in the lower lids. Dr. Kim typically makes incisions along the upper eyelid’s natural crease or where the ideal crease should be and/or just below the lower lash line or inside the lower lid to access and remove excess fat and muscle tissue. In some cases, Dr. Kim may reposition rather than remove tissue and fat. The procedure can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on the patient’s specific concerns.
The duration of an eyelid lift surgery typically ranges from 30 mins to 2 hours, depending on the complexity and whether both the upper and lower eyelids are being addressed.
Recovery time will vary based on the patient’s physiology and the extent of surgery.
During the initial days following the surgery, patients may experience swelling and bruising around the eyes, which is most pronounced within the first 48 to 72 hours.
To manage these symptoms, patients are advised to keep their heads elevated and rest.
The first week typically involves a follow-up visit to remove stitches, and patients are encouraged to avoid strenuous activities, bending over, or heavy lifting to ensure proper healing. Most people can resume light activities and return to work within the first week, though social activities may require additional time if bruising is still noticeable.
By the second week, the majority of swelling and bruising has subsided, allowing patients to return to their normal routines and apply makeup to cover any residual discoloration.
The results of an eyelid lift will last many years, though this varies depending on several factors, such as individual aging processes, skin type, lifestyle choices, and, of course, the surgeon’s expertise and experience.
Many patients find that the aesthetic improvements from an eyelid lift significantly enhance their appearance and self-confidence for many years.
The average cost of eyelid lift surgery varies widely depending on factors such as the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s experience, and geographic location.
During your consultation, Dr. Kenneth Kim will create a tailored procedure plan that perfectly aligns with your individual features and goals. The cost will vary based on the specific details of your personalized treatment.
Discover how an eyelid lift procedure can enhance your appearance by scheduling a consultation today. Call us at (213) 700-4297. We look forward to meeting you!
Meet Dr. Kim, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who has performed numerous eyelid lift procedures and is internationally recognized for his knowledge and expertise in this area.
He has also built a strong reputation for performing awake plastic surgeries with local anesthesia and minimal recovery time.
His meticulous and advanced surgical approach helps minimize internal and external scarring, leading to optimal results for patients. To meet with Dr. Kim, who is also an assistant clinical professor at UCLA and a clinical instructor at Seoul National University, please click here or call our Los Angeles office at 213-700-4297 to schedule a consultation. Dr. Kim will discuss the procedure in depth so that you can better understand the benefits of an eyelid lift.
Eyelid lift surgery is generally not painful and well-tolerated. Local anesthesia used during the procedure numbs the area, and any post-operative discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
For an eyelid lift, patients are typically not put to sleep and instead undergo the procedure under local anesthesia. This approach keeps the patient comfortable and awake, allowing for a quicker recovery compared to general anesthesia.
Awake surgery might sound intimidating, but it’s actually quite comfortable. Local anesthesia effectively numbs the surgical area, eliminating pain. You may feel some pressure or tugging, but it’s generally minimal. Dr. Kenneth Kim, a renowned expert in awake plastic surgery, offers a range of procedures, including blepharoplasty, deep plane facelift, awake tummy tuck, breast augmentation, and rhinoplasty under local anesthesia. This is the safest surgical approach that provides patients with a more relaxed and controlled experience, often with a quicker recovery time compared to traditional surgery under general anesthesia.
No. Insurance does not cover droopy eyelid surgery.
Absolutely yes! An eyelid lift can make you look younger by removing excess skin and fat, reducing puffiness, and improving the overall contour of the eyes. This procedure helps create a more refreshed and youthful appearance by addressing common signs of aging around the eyes.
No, 60 is not too old for blepharoplasty. Many patients in their 60s undergo the procedure successfully. As long as you are in good health and have realistic expectations, age alone is not a barrier to receiving an eyelid lift.
Yes, you are awake during Dr. Kim’s blepharoplasty, which is performed under local anesthesia.
After eyelid lift surgery, it is often recommended to sleep with your head elevated or in a semi-upright position to minimize swelling and promote healing. This can usually be achieved with pillows or a reclining chair rather than sleeping sitting up.
*Results May Vary
Dr. Kenneth Kim
N/a
© Dr. Kenneth Kim. 2025 | All rights reserved.