Cosmetic Blepharoplasty (Eyelid) Surgery in Bellevue, WA

Upper, Lower & Quad Blepharoplasty Designed to Restore a Naturally Refreshed Appearance

The eyes are often the first feature people notice—and one of the first places where subtle signs of aging begin to appear. Excess upper eyelid skin, puffiness, and under-eye bags can create a tired or heavy appearance that doesn’t reflect how youthful or energized you feel.

Cosmetic blepharoplasty is one of the most refined procedures in facial plastic surgery, requiring an exceptional understanding of eyelid anatomy, facial harmony, and surgical precision. Beautiful eyelid surgery is not defined by how much tissue is removed, but by how naturally the eyes appear afterward. The goal is to preserve your unique expression while restoring a brighter, more rested appearance.

With more than 30 years of specialized surgical experience, Dr. Kristin Tarbet is a triple board-certified, double fellowship-trained oculofacial plastic surgeon who has devoted her career exclusively to the eyelids, orbit, and face. Her highly individualized approach combines meticulous surgical technique with artistic judgment to create elegant, natural-looking results that enhance your appearance without making you look like you’ve had surgery.

Whether you are bothered by hooded upper eyelids, persistent under-eye bags, or signs of aging affecting both the upper and lower eyelids, Dr. Tarbet develops a personalized surgical plan tailored to your anatomy, aesthetic goals, and natural facial balance.

Cosmetic blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is designed to restore a more youthful, rested appearance by rejuvenating the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. As we age, the delicate tissues surrounding the eyes gradually lose elasticity, while subtle changes in skin, fat, and muscle can alter the natural contours of the eyelids.

These changes may contribute to:

• Hooded upper eyelids
• A tired or heavy appearance
• Under-eye bags
• Puffiness beneath the eyes
• Loss of upper eyelid definition
• A less refreshed overall appearance

Modern blepharoplasty is about far more than removing excess skin. It is a highly individualized procedure that carefully restores youthful eyelid contours while preserving the natural architecture of the eyes. By thoughtfully repositioning or refining tissue rather than simply removing it, Dr. Tarbet creates results that appear refreshed, balanced, and harmonious with the rest of the face.

The eyelids are among the most delicate and complex structures of the face. They contribute not only to facial appearance but also to eye protection, vision, comfort, and natural expression. Even subtle changes require an advanced understanding of both eyelid function and facial aesthetics.

Unlike general plastic surgeons who perform procedures throughout the body, oculofacial plastic surgeons dedicate their practices exclusively to the eyelids, orbit, and surrounding facial structures. This highly specialized training allows Dr. Tarbet to approach cosmetic eyelid surgery with exceptional precision, balancing aesthetic refinement with the preservation of normal eyelid function.

Her philosophy is simple: the best cosmetic eyelid surgery should never look obvious. Instead, patients should simply look brighter, more rested, and naturally rejuvenated.

Cosmetic eyelid surgery is often chosen by patients who feel their eyes no longer reflect how vibrant or energetic they feel.

Common concerns include:

• Excess upper eyelid skin 
• Hooded eyelids 
• Under-eye bags 
• Persistent puffiness 
• Loose lower eyelid skin 
• A tired or aged appearance 
• Loss of visible eyelid space for makeup application 

Treatment recommendations depend on the specific concerns affecting the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.

Upper blepharoplasty is designed to restore definition to the upper eyelids while preserving the natural shape and expression of the eyes. As excess skin gradually develops over time, the eyelids may appear heavier, making patients look tired or older than they feel.

Patients often seek upper eyelid surgery when they notice:

• Hooded upper eyelids
• Heavy or drooping eyelid skin
• Difficulty applying eye makeup
• Eyes that appear tired or aged

Potential benefits include:

• A more open, refreshed appearance
• Improved upper eyelid definition
• Increased visible lid space
• A naturally rejuvenated appearance

Rather than creating a dramatic change, Dr. Tarbet’s goal is subtle refinement that enhances your natural features while preserving the unique character of your eyes.

The lower eyelids play an important role in maintaining a youthful, rested appearance. Over time, changes beneath the eyes may lead to puffiness, under-eye bags, and contour irregularities that persist regardless of sleep or skincare.

Modern lower blepharoplasty focuses on restoring smooth, youthful contours rather than simply removing fat. By carefully repositioning or refining tissue, Dr. Tarbet creates elegant, natural-looking rejuvenation while avoiding the hollow or overcorrected appearance associated with older surgical techniques.

For patients experiencing aging changes affecting both the upper and lower eyelids, quad blepharoplasty combines upper and lower eyelid surgery into a single procedure.

This comprehensive approach can:

• Address hooded upper eyelids 
• Improve under-eye bags 
• Restore youthful eyelid contours 
• Create overall facial rejuvenation around the eyes 

Many patients choose quad blepharoplasty when they want the most complete improvement with a single recovery period.

A consultation with Dr. Tarbet is the best way to discuss your concerns and confirm your compatibility with cosmetic eyelid surgery

You may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery if you:

• Feel your eyes make you look tired or older than you feel 
• Have excess upper eyelid skin 
• Notice puffiness or under-eye bags 
• Have realistic expectations 
• Are in good overall health 
• Want long-lasting facial rejuvenation 

The best way to determine candidacy is through a personalized consultation with Dr. Tarbet.

During your visit, she will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals, and recommend the most appropriate treatment approach.

Every treatment plan is customized based on the areas being addressed and your individual anatomy. Depending on your procedure, surgery may be performed using local anesthesia with sedation or IV sedation.

Upper eyelid surgery focuses primarily on removing excess skin and refining the upper eyelid contour.

Lower eyelid surgery may involve addressing excess fat, repositioning tissue, and improving lower eyelid contours.

For patients undergoing quad blepharoplasty, both upper and lower eyelids are treated during the same surgical procedure to create comprehensive rejuvenation. Dr. Tarbet will review your surgical plan in detail during your consultation.

Most patients experience mild to moderate swelling and bruising following blepharoplasty. Here is a typical recovery timeline:

First Week

• Swelling and bruising are most noticeable 
• Patients focus on rest and healing 
• Cold compresses may be recommended 

One to Two Weeks

• Significant improvement in bruising and swelling 
• Many patients feel comfortable returning to social activities 

Following Weeks

• Continued refinement of results 
• Progressive improvement in eyelid contours 
• Scars continue to mature and fade 

Lower eyelid procedures sometimes require slightly longer healing than upper eyelid surgery, but most patients find recovery manageable. As healing progresses, patients often notice they look more refreshed, rested, and youthful without appearing dramatically different.

Before-and-after photos can help you understand what may be possible with cosmetic eyelid surgery.

We encourage patients to review examples of:

• Upper blepharoplasty results 
• Lower blepharoplasty results 
• Quad blepharoplasty results 

These photos demonstrate how eyelid rejuvenation can improve contour, reduce puffiness, and restore a more youthful appearance while maintaining natural facial balance.

Exceptional eyelid surgery begins with exceptional expertise.

With more than three decades of experience devoted exclusively to the eyelids, orbit, and face, Dr. Kristin Tarbet is recognized nationally for her specialized knowledge of oculofacial plastic surgery. As a triple board-certified, double fellowship-trained oculofacial plastic surgeon, she combines advanced reconstructive expertise with refined cosmetic artistry to deliver elegant, natural-looking results.

Her meticulous approach emphasizes individualized surgical planning, preservation of natural eyelid anatomy, and subtle rejuvenation that enhances rather than alters your appearance.

Patients throughout Bellevue and the greater Seattle area choose Dr. Tarbet because of her:

• Triple board certification and double fellowship training
• More than 30 years of specialized surgical experience
• Exclusive focus on the eyelids, orbit, and face
• National recognition as an educator, lecturer, and clinical researcher
• Artistic approach to facial rejuvenation
• Commitment to preserving natural expression
• Personalized treatment planning
• Refined, natural-looking surgical outcomes

Her goal is not to make patients look different—it is to help them look like the most refreshed, confident version of themselves.

The cost of cosmetic blepharoplasty varies depending on several factors, including:

• Upper vs. lower eyelid surgery 
• Quad blepharoplasty procedures 
• Surgical complexity 
• Anesthesia requirements 
• Individual treatment goals 

Because cosmetic blepharoplasty is an elective aesthetic procedure, it is generally not covered by insurance. During your consultation, we will provide detailed pricing based on your personalized treatment plan.

Financing options may be available for qualified patients, helping make treatment more accessible through convenient monthly payment plans.

If hooded eyelids, under-eye bags, or a tired appearance are making you look older than you feel, cosmetic blepharoplasty may help restore a brighter, more youthful appearance.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Kristin Tarbet today to learn more about upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, and quad blepharoplasty in Bellevue, Washington.