Berkeley, CA
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Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower Eyelid Surgery In Berkeley, CA

Brighten Tired-Looking Eyes

Expert Lower Eyelid Surgery
In Berkeley, CA

Dark circles, under-eye puffiness, hollows, and loose, crepey skin around the eyes can make you look chronically tired or older than you are, and many patients from Berkeley and San Francisco seek treatment because they are bothered by these changes and want a smoother, younger look. For patients considering lower eyelid surgery in Berkeley, Dr. David Chou offers this procedure through Redwood Facial Plastic Surgery to address under-eye bags and dark circles and restore a more refreshed facial appearance that supports overall facial beauty and balance.

Give your facial expression a subtle refresh with lower eyelid surgery at Redwood Facial Plastic Surgery in Berkeley, CA. This page explains what lower eyelid surgery is, its benefits, who is a good candidate, how the procedure, preparation, recovery, and cost are approached, and why patients choose Dr. Chou when they want to look more rested, confident, and naturally rejuvenated.

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What is Lower Eyelid Surgery?

Lower eyelid surgery, or lower blepharoplasty, addresses under-eye puffiness and dark circles (bags) by removing excess skin and fat.1 The goal of the procedure is to restore a more lively, younger expression in the eyes, one of the most expressive areas of the face.

In lower eyelid blepharoplasty, the procedure involves creating a small, hidden incision behind the lower eyelid to remove excess fat; in some cases, fat is repositioned rather than removed alone to soften the tear trough and fill hollows along the lower orbital rim. This is known as a transconjunctival approach and is commonly used for patients whose main concern is puffiness with minimal skin excess. This leaves little to no visible external scarring. In some patients who also have redundant or loose lower eyelid skin, a small strip of skin can also be removed through small incisions under the eyelash line to tighten the area.

Lower eyelid surgery often takes 45 to 90 minutes, though timing varies based on factors such as surgical complexity and whether it is combined with additional procedures, such as upper eyelid surgery or a brow lift.2

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Why Trust Dr. Chou With Your Lower Eyelid Surgery in Berkeley, CA?

  • Attended medical school at Thomas Jefferson University and completed Head and Neck Surgery Residency at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center
  • Completed a prestigious Facial Plastic Surgery Fellowship at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City
  • He is double Board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS)
  • He is a member of both the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS)

Lower Eyelid Surgery Quick Facts

  • Surgery Time: 1-2 hours
  • Price: ~$4,000 to $9,000 (For an accurate cost, please ask during your consultation). 
  • Initial Recovery: 1-2 weeks
  • Final Results: 2-3 months

Combining My Lower Eyelid Surgery with Other Procedures

Combining procedures helps our San Francisco Bay Area patients address multiple concerns through a single recovery, save on facility and anesthesia costs, and achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Here are some procedures frequently combined with lower eyelid surgery.

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty removes excess skin, fat, and muscle as needed and repositions the skin around the eyes to a more youthful position. This helps reduce a heavy or hooded appearance around the eyes. This combination achieves a balanced, natural-looking refresh to your eyes. Some patients may also benefit from related oculoplastic procedures such as ptosis repair, a specialized treatment for drooping lids, or eyelid laxity repair, depending on anatomy and goals.

6 Steps to Prepare for My Lower Eyelid Surgery with Dr. Chou

To prepare for your lower eyelid surgery and ensure a smooth recovery, follow these 6 steps:

  1. Organize a friend or family member to pick you up after the surgery
  2. Do not smoke
  3. Do not drink for at least 1 week before the surgery
  4. Stop taking blood thinners, if approved by your primary care doctor
  5. Gather supplies to help you recover, such as lubricating eye ointment, ice packs, and sterile gauze sponges.
  6. Do not eat or drink for at least 8 hours before your surgery

6 Tips for Recovery From Lower Eyelid Surgery

Here is a breakdown of some of the most important tips to remember as you recover from lower eyelid surgery:

  1. Avoid rubbing your eyes. Do not wear contact lenses until cleared by Dr. Chou.
  2. Follow Dr. Chou’s instructions on incision cleaning and protection
  3. Use cold compresses
  4. Avoid strenuous activities for 2-3 weeks
  5. Keep eye strain and screen time to a minimum
  6. Elevate your head while resting and sleeping
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How to Begin Your Lower Eyelid Surgery Journey

Begin your lower eyelid journey with a scheduled consultation at Redwood Facial Plastic Surgery in Berkeley, CA. Dr. Chou will support you and answer all of your questions as he works with you to determine your candidacy.

  • Clearly explain your goals, concerns, and expectations for the outcomes you want to achieve through the procedure
  • Dr. Chou will assess your facial anatomy, focusing on your lower eyelids in relation to the rest of your face
  • Review your medical history and any medications you are taking
  • Walk through the details of the procedure to make sure you fully understand what to expect
  • Recommend a surgical plan tailored to your goals, facial anatomy, and other individual needs

What to Expect On the Day of Lower Eyelid Surgery

Arrive at the surgery center free of makeup or lotion on your face to avoid interfering with the incisions and to avoid infection. You’ll review your treatment plan again with Dr. Chou to make sure everything is in order before general anesthesia is administered, sending you into a restful sleep.

Dr. Chou will create small incisions just beneath the lower lash line or within the lower eyelid to remove or reposition excess fat and skin. In some cases, supporting structures at the outer corner of the eyelid may also be tightened for better lower-lid support, using techniques such as canthoplasty or canthopexy to strengthen or tighten the lateral canthal tendon when needed. He will perform any combined procedures and close the incisions with fine sutures.

You’ll wake up in a recovery room and be given time to adjust to the grogginess of the anesthesia. You will leave when you feel able, and you will be taken home by a friend or family member.

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Lower Eyelid Surgery Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Lower Eyelid Surgery Care

The initial recovery phase can be uncomfortable as you navigate some soreness, swelling, and recovery steps. Lightly apply ice packs to the treated areas and keep your head slightly elevated to manage swelling and bruising. You should also take the prescribed pain medication as needed to help tolerate these symptoms. For many patients, swelling and bruising improve steadily but may last up to three weeks, and healing also depends on how your body responds. It’s also common for patients to experience mild eye irritation during the first week after surgery due to the incision behind the lower eyelid.

Dr. Chou will walk you through how to use lubricating ointments to keep your incision sites moist and prevent scabbing and dryness. You should also wear sunglasses when you go outside to protect your eyes from UV rays, as this can help reduce complications.

How Much Does a Lower Eyelid Surgery Cost in Berkeley, CA?

The cost of lower eyelid surgery in Berkeley differs from patient to patient and depends on several factors, including the amount of correction, facility fees, combined procedures, anesthesia, and the surgeon’s fee.

Why Choose Dr. Chou?

Dr. Chou takes pride in delivering the most compassionate and high-quality care for his patients, building a trusting relationship throughout their entire experience. As a lifelong musician, photographer, artist, and traveler, Dr. Chou is particularly passionate about the creative and humanistic aspects of facial plastic surgery. Every patient receives a one-of-a-kind treatment plan that takes into account their goals, facial anatomy, and preferences so that they can have a comfortable, supported journey. 

Dr. Chou is admired and respected not only by his patients but also by healthcare companies and organizations. He has received numerous clinical recognitions, including:

  • 2026 – Castle Connolly Top Doctor
  • 2026 – Physician of Excellence Platinum Award, Emory Healthcare
  • 2025 – Atlanta Magazine Top Doctor
  • 2025 – Castle Connolly Rising Star
  • 2024 – Press-Ganey Excellence in Patient Care Award (99th Percentile in Patient Satisfaction Nationally)

Lower Eyelid Surgery FAQ’S

Sources

  • Eyelid Surgery Procedure Guide | American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. (n.d.). American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/face/eyelid-surgery/
  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (n.d.-c). Eyelid surgery. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/eyelid-surgery

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