Eyelid Surgery

in San Antonio, Texas

Brighter, Refreshed Eyes

Introduction to Eyelid Surgery in San Antonio

Do your family or friends ask why you look tired? Do they say you look depressed? Have you noticed excess skin in your eyelids or bags under your eyes?

Whether we feel joy, surprise, anger, or grief, our eyes convey a wide range of emotions. As the face ages, however, changes around the eyes can sometimes create an appearance of fatigue, sadness, or heaviness that does not reflect how we actually feel.

In addition to the eyebrows and upper eyelids, many patients find increased skin, wrinkling, and sagging of the lower eyelid.

Patients often complain of “bags” under the eyes or a hollow area between the lower eye and nose. These changes arise from facial aging, but may also be inherited. This appearance results from both increased skin laxity and weakening of the lower eyelid structures that help contain the cushioning fat around the eyeball.

With all these changes over time, fat begins to protrude beneath the lower eyelid, and the eyelid sags. Together, these lead to the formation of lower eyelid skin creping and bags. As gravity pulls the cheek down, these effects are worsened.

Fortunately, there are a number of techniques that can be used alone or together to help rejuvenate your eyes and bring balance to your face. Dr. Stallworth at Texas Plastic Surgery in San Antonio, TX, can help you understand your options and tailor a treatment plan that is right for you.

Dr Stallworth MD and Dr Rokosz performing operation in modern operating room with surgical lights overhead - Eyelid surgery in San Antonio, TX

What is Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, can be performed on the upper and lower lids, but the techniques vary. Blepharoplasty can also be performed and may be recommended together with brow lift surgery.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 120,755 eyelid surgery procedures were performed in the United States in 2024, making it one of the five most popular cosmetic surgical procedures nationwide.1

Surgery of the upper eyelids is most often done to remove excess eyelid skin. However, if a brow lift is indicated, this may remove some or most of the excess skin. For this reason, upper lid blepharoplasty can accentuate brow drooping if it is not identified in advance. It is essential that your surgeon understands this possibility and helps you understand the appropriate surgical approach.

Upper eyelid surgery treats sagging upper eyelids by removing excessive skin and small amounts of fat that can cause a heavy or hooded look. It can also improve your vision when drooping tissue may impair vision by blocking the visual field. This can reduce a tired look and create a more alert, refreshed, and youthful appearance.

What Sets Dr. Stallworth Apart as the Premier Eyelid Surgery Surgeon in San Antonio?

  • Dr. Christian Stallworth focuses exclusively on facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, which means he has specialized expertise in the details of the face and eyes.
  • He is known for giving patients natural-looking results that help them look refreshed, not overdone, including with blepharoplasty procedures tailored to the face as a whole.
  • Dr. Stallworth earned his medical degree and completed years of surgical training focused on the head, neck, and face before moving on to advanced facial plastic surgery training.
  • He is 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 an active member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS), and the Texas Medical Association (TMA).
  • Because he understands facial aging, Dr. Stallworth considers the eyelids, brows, cheeks, and surrounding areas together. This helps him create treatment plans that give balanced, natural results.

Eyelid Surgery Quick Facts

Surgery Time:

Approximately 1–3 hours, depending on the extent of treatment

Price:

~$4,000–$10,000+ (For an accurate cost, please ask during your consultation).

Recovery:

Typically 1–2 weeks

Results:

Results often last 10 years or longer, depending on aging patterns and skin quality.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Eyelid Surgery?

The best candidates for eyelid surgery are people whose eyes don’t show how young and energetic they feel. Most candidates are over 40, though some younger patients seek treatment for inherited conditions. Good candidates include:

  • Individuals bothered by drooping upper eyelids or drooping skin
  • Patients with under-eye bags, puffiness, or loose lower eyelid skin
  • People seeking long-term facial rejuvenation
  • Patients looking to appear more rested, alert, and youthful

What Are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery can make your eyes look more refreshed, restore a more youthful appearance, and improve the overall balance of your face. In some cases, it can also help with vision. Other benefits include:

  • Creates a more rested, youthful, and refreshed appearance
  • Reduces puffiness and under-eye bags
  • Removes excess skin and addresses sagging eyelids that may contribute to a tired or aged look
  • May improve peripheral vision when sagging skin on the upper eyelid obstructs sight
  • For the right patient, it can create a more awake look and may help some people appear roughly 10 years younger.

Combining My Eyelid Surgery with Other Procedures

Many of Dr. Stallworth’s patients choose to combine their eyelid surgery with other facial treatments as cosmetic procedures for more balanced facial rejuvenation, which can also support comprehensive rejuvenation.

A brow lift can help raise sagging brows and smooth out forehead lines, which can make the results of upper eyelid surgery even better. If brow position contributes to upper eyelid heaviness or may obstruct vision, a brow lift may also be recommended as part of the procedure selection.

Dr Stallworth MD shaking hands with female client in wheelchair during office meeting - Facelift in San Antonio, TX

How to Begin Your Eyelid Surgery Journey

At Texas Plastic Surgery in San Antonio, your eyelid surgery starts with a consultation with Dr. Christian Stallworth. He will closely examine your eyelids, brows, and other facial features to determine the best way to help you look refreshed and natural.

Here’s what you can expect during your consultation:

  1. Meet personally with Dr. Stallworth to discuss your concerns and goals
  2. Receive a comprehensive facial evaluation, including the upper and lower eyelids and brow position
  3. Learn whether upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, a brow lift, an upper eyelid lift, or a combination of procedures is recommended for your upper face concern
  4. Review your medical history, the surgical process, recovery, and expected results
  5. Receive a customized treatment plan based on your facial anatomy

6 Steps to Prepare for

My Eyelid Surgery with Dr. Stallworth

Getting ready for eyelid surgery helps make sure everything goes smoothly and safely. Before your procedure, Dr. Stallworth and his team will walk you through each step, including:

1.

Complete your consultation along with your pre-operative evaluation.

2.

Follow all medication instructions, including temporarily stopping blood-thinning medications and supplements if directed.

3.

Stop smoking and avoid nicotine products before surgery to promote proper healing.

4.

Arrange for someone to drive and stay with you following your procedure

5.

Prepare cold compresses, medications, and a comfortable recovery area at home

6.

Carefully follow all pre-operative instructions provided by Dr. Stallworth and the Texas Plastic Surgery team

What to Expect On the Day of Eyelid Surgery

When you come in for your eyelid surgery at Texas Plastic Surgery, Dr. Christian Stallworth and his team will go over your personalized surgical plan with you, answer any last questions, and help you get ready for the procedure. Once you receive anesthesia, which may be local anesthesia or general anesthesia depending on your treatment plan, Dr. Stallworth will start your blepharoplasty. In most cases, a local anesthetic is also injected around the eyelids to provide comfort during this surgical procedure.

During upper eyelid surgery, your incisions will be made in the natural crease of your eyelid. This lets Dr. Stallworth focus on removing excess skin and fat, along with a thin strip of muscle when needed, while minimizing visible scarring after you heal.

For lower eyelid surgery, if you have extra skin, Dr. Stallworth usually makes an incision just below your lower lashes to remove excess skin and treat excess fat. If you are mainly concerned about under-eye bags and don’t have loose skin, he may use a transconjunctival approach, making the incision inside your lower eyelid or along natural lines to help minimize scarring. The fat can be removed or moved for a smooth, natural look between your lower eyelid and cheek.

After your surgery, Dr. Stallworth will carefully close the incisions. You’ll spend some time in the recovery area before being sent home.

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Dr Stallworth MD consultating blonde female client during session in professional medical office setting - Doctor in San Antonio, TX

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Eyelid Surgery Care

Most patients have some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort around their eyes during the first week. Dr. Stallworth will give you detailed aftercare instructions and check your progress at follow-up visits to make sure you heal well.

Swelling and bruising often peak within the first 2–4 days, and sutures are usually removed within one week post-surgery.

Most patients feel ready to return to work and social activities within 7 to 10 days, with results continuing to improve for up to 4 weeks. The natural aging process will continue, but your results begin from a younger baseline.

A prospective multicenter study of 2,134 blepharoplasty patients found significant improvements in satisfaction with their eyes, overall facial appearance, psychological well-being, and perceptions of aging that remained stable 12 months after surgery.2

6 Tips for Recovery From Eyelid Surgery

Following Dr. Stallworth’s recovery instructions can help reduce swelling and give you the best results. He also suggests:

  1. Sleeping with your head elevated for the first several nights
  2. Applying cold compresses as directed to help reduce swelling and bruising and speed healing
  3. Using your prescribed eye drops and medications as instructed
  4. Avoiding any intense exercise, heavy lifting, and bending over until cleared
  5. Protecting your healing skin from sun exposure with sunglasses and daily sun protection
  6. Avoid wearing contact lenses until approved during your follow-up visit
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How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost in San Antonio, TX?

The price of eyelid surgery in San Antonio depends on whether you have upper, lower, or both eyelids treated. The complexity of the surgery, anesthesia, and any extra facial procedures can also affect the cost.

Dr. Stallworth will give you a detailed treatment plan and a customized quote during your consultation.

Why Choose Dr. Stallworth?

Dr. Christian Stallworth has spent his career focusing solely on facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, so he has specialized skills in the eyes and face. His goal is to help you look refreshed and well-rested while keeping your natural expressions and unique features.

As a dual Board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Stallworth makes a custom surgical plan for each patient based on their anatomy, concerns, and goals. At Texas Plastic Surgery in San Antonio, you’ll get personal attention from your first visit through recovery, with a focus on great care, skill, and results that enhance your whole face, including expert blepharoplasty in San Antonio.

Dr Stallworth MD standing in operating room with surgical lights overhead - in San Antonio, TX

Eyelid Surgery FAQ’S

  • Dr. Stallworth is truly exceptional.

    I trusted him with my facelift, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. He completely refreshed my appearance, my face looks lifted, youthful, and naturally defined.

    Eman Haswah

  • best patient care by you and the team!!!

    You are the BEST!
    Professional, caring, and best patient care by you and the team!!!

    Gracie Shue

  • “highly recommend her for any plastic surgery you may need”

    Dr Rokosz is one classy person!

    She listens patiently, tells you what you need to hear and does not waver in her stance on things. I asked her opinion on outcome to expect for a procedure i was entertaining to get and I was disappointed in what she said. She understood that it wasn’t what I wanted to hear but she held her ground and was empathetic. It’s hard to want one thing but reality is not always the outcome we want!

    She never makes you feel pressured into any kind of decision and is supportive in helping you figure out what will be best for you! I just love her and highly recommend her for any plastic surgery you may need. I am 3 weeks PO from an arm lift and breast lift …both are doing quite well! As i said ..one classy lady!!

    Melanie Ferguson Strange

Sources

  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2024, June 25). Plastic surgery sees steady growth amidst economic uncertainty, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ 2023 Procedural Statistics Report finds. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/press-releases/plastic-surgery-sees-steady-growth-amidst-economic-uncertainty-american-society-of-plastic-surgeons-2023-procedural-statistics-report-finds
  • Domela Nieuwenhuis, I., Luong, K. P., Vissers, L. C. M., Hummelink, S., Slijper, H. P., & Ulrich, D. J. O. (2022). Assessment of Patient Satisfaction With Appearance, Psychological Well-being, and Aging Appraisal After Upper Blepharoplasty: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 42(4), 340–348. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjab389

Contact Us Today

Schedule Your Consultation

If drooping eyelids, under-eye bags, or extra eyelid skin affect your appearance or vision, eyelid lift surgery could help you look refreshed and younger.

Call Texas Plastic Surgery in San Antonio at (210) 997-3223 to set up your consultation with Dr. Christian Stallworth.