Facial Plastic Surgery · Dr. Susan Tan, MD ABFPRS

Blepharoplasty in Honolulu

Eyelid lift surgery — also known as blepharoplasty — restores a more youthful, rested appearance to your eyes. In many ways, your eyes are the most visible and expressive part of your face. When their appearance is affected by aging or sun damage, the effects can be profound. Dr. Tan has extensive experience correcting upper and lower eyelids with natural-looking results.

Request a Consultation

ABFPRS Board Certified Fellowship-Trained · University of Toronto Castle Connolly Top Doctor 2026 Only Female Facial Plastic Surgeon in Honolulu

Eyelid Lift Surgery in Honolulu

Blepharoplasty — Because Your Eyes Tell the Story

Droopy eyes may make you appear tired or, unintentionally, as though you aren’t paying attention. If you’re ready to look more youthful again, seeing Dr. Tan for eyelid surgery in Honolulu can be the answer.

Blepharoplasty is both cosmetic and medically beneficial. Excess fat or skin on the upper eyelids can obstruct peripheral vision — when removed, your field of vision is restored. One of the best things about an eyelid lift is that downtime and recovery are less than some other procedures, and the appearance improvement is significant.

An important clinical distinction: many patients present with droopy upper eyelids when the actual issue is ptosis — descent of the upper eyelid margin over the pupil due to levator muscle weakening. Ptosis requires a different surgical correction than blepharoplasty. Dr. Tan assesses for both conditions at consultation — getting the diagnosis right before the incision is made is where specialist experience matters most.

Why Choose Dr. Tan

What Eyelid Surgery Improves

Blepharoplasty Corrects These Eyelid Concerns

Reduces excess skin on the upper eyelids

Removes “hoods” over the upper eyelids

Combines easily with facelift or brow lift

Restores peripheral vision when obstructed by excess skin

Reduces bags and wrinkles under the bottom lid

Restores a rested, alert appearance naturally

The incisions required for an eyelid lift are made in the existing folds of the eyelid — disguising them naturally and permanently. This is another factor that reduces visible recovery after surgery.

Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid Lift Surgical Procedures — Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty

Whether you would benefit from upper or lower eyelid surgery depends on your eyes and what you hope to improve. Most important is making natural and realistic improvements — avoiding the surprised look that comes from old-fashioned techniques. It’s also important to correct upper and lower eyelids in a way that looks natural in context with the rest of your face.

Upper Eyelid Surgery in Honolulu

When skin above the eye loses its elasticity and sags, or muscles become lax, the upper eyelid can feel heavy and look tired. It’s also common for fat deposits to accumulate above the eye. Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin, addresses fat, and restores the natural eyelid crease — with results that appear immediately more rested and alert.

When upper eyelid skin significantly obstructs the visual field, the procedure may qualify for partial insurance coverage. Dr. Tan’s team can guide you through the documentation process.

Lower Eyelid Surgery in Honolulu

Nearly everyone has encountered bags under their eyes — one of the most common lower eyelid concerns. Lower blepharoplasty removes or repositions herniated orbital fat and addresses excess skin — permanently improving the appearance of the under-eye area.

Lower eyelid surgery is approached through a transconjunctival incision (inside the eyelid, leaving no visible scar) or a subciliary incision just below the lashes, depending on your anatomy and the changes being made.

Asian Eyelid Surgery

Dr. Tan offers complete Asian blepharoplasty services — creating a double eyelid or eyelid fold in patients of East Asian heritage. This is a distinctly different technique from standard blepharoplasty, designed with full respect for the patient’s natural aesthetic identity. Asian double-eyelid surgery can be performed with or without incisions, depending on your eyes and the amount of skin.

Eyelid Surgery with Eyebrow Lift

Eyelid lift surgery is commonly combined with an eyebrow lift (brow lift or browplasty) when needed. A descending brow often mimics excess upper eyelid skin — Dr. Tan assesses both at consultation. Brow lifting benefits patients who have a heavy brow and are typically between 40 and 65. Dr. Tan will explain which procedure — or combination — would most improve your appearance.

Candidacy

Am I a Candidate for Eyelid Lift Surgery?

Eyelid surgery can be an ideal solution for patients from all walks of life. If your eyelids have begun to negatively affect how you feel about your appearance — or if you experience visual obstruction — this procedure could be for you.

By personally meeting with Dr. Tan, you can learn about your treatment options and what is right for you. Together, you’ll build a personalized procedure plan to take your eyes and facial aesthetic to where you want it to be.

Nonsurgical options are also available for patients who would benefit more from alternative treatments. If the appearance of your eyes is most affected by volume loss, Dr. Tan can treat you with injectable fillers — restoring volume with no cutting and very little recovery time.

Request a Consultation

Blepharoplasty Recovery Timeline

Days 2–4 Keep head elevated. Ice packs reduce swelling — use gauze as protection

Week 1 Avoid TV and reading. Audiobooks and podcasts recommended

Weeks 1–2 Some bruising and swelling — continuously improving

Week 4 No strenuous exercise. No contact lenses for 7–10 days

Months 2–3 Final result fully visible as residual swelling resolves

Gallery

View Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

Eyelid Lift Surgery in Honolulu — Commonly Asked Questions

What Happens During Eyelid Surgery?

Honolulu blepharoplasty, also known as an eyelid lift, involves surgically removing a small portion of the eyelid skin and fatty tissue. When complete, the area is stitched with micro sutures. The surgeon works from inside or makes incisions in the folds of the eyelids so they are invisible when healed. It’s a quick procedure, often done simultaneously with other cosmetic facial improvements. For virtually everyone, recovery does not involve significant discomfort.

What is Ptosis, and am I Affected?

Ptosis is the medical term for drooping eyelids — specifically, descent of the upper eyelid margin over the pupil due to levator muscle weakening. It can have both cosmetic and vision effects if left untreated, resulting in an asymmetrical or tired appearance. Dr. Tan evaluates you for ptosis during the initial consultation for eyelid surgery. Ptosis correction is a different procedure from standard blepharoplasty — and getting the diagnosis right before the surgical plan is made is where specialist training matters most.

How Do I Prepare for Eyelid Surgery?

You’ll receive detailed instructions about what to do before your procedure. It’s always wise to arrange for someone to pick you up, drive you home, and be present with you the first night. Arrange for three to five days at home to recover after surgery. If you’ll have urgent tasks around the time of surgery, take care of them in advance so you have ample downtime. Full pre-operative instructions are provided at your consultation appointment.

What is the Recovery Process Like After an Eyelid Lift?

Recovery after an eyelid lift is simpler than some other procedures. For the first 2–4 days, keep your head elevated to reduce swelling. During the first week, avoid watching TV or reading — audiobooks and podcasts are recommended. Some bruising and swelling may be present during the first two weeks, but they subside continuously. Avoid bending, strenuous physical activities, and being bumped. Dr. Tan sees every patient personally at each post-operative visit.

Can Blepharoplasty Be Covered by Insurance?

Upper blepharoplasty may qualify for partial insurance coverage if the excess upper eyelid skin is causing documented visual field obstruction — confirmed by a formal visual field test and pre-authorization from your insurance carrier. Lower blepharoplasty is cosmetic and is not covered. Dr. Tan’s team can guide you through the functional testing and documentation process if visual impairment may be present.

Where Can I Get Eyelid Lift Surgery in Honolulu?

Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery is conveniently located at 1150 S. King St., Suite 504, Honolulu, HI 96814 — easily accessible from anywhere in Oahu. Parking is available on Young Street at the Eleven50 parking structure in the Atlas Building. The practice is by appointment only. Call (808) 636-9084 to schedule your consultation with the top blepharoplasty surgeon Honolulu has available.

Interested in learning more about eyelid lift services in Honolulu?

Schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Susan Tan — the top surgeon for blepharoplasty Honolulu has available. Every plan begins with a professional evaluation of your eyes and face.

Book a Consultation Asian Blepharoplasty