Tired-Looking Eyelids? Blepharoplasty in Vancouver, Explained

September 9, 2026

Back To Blog

The eyelids give away fatigue before anything else on the face does. Skin loses elasticity, the small fat pads around the eye shift position, and the result is a hood on the upper lid or a fullness underneath that no amount of sleep resolves. Blepharoplasty works on that structure rather than the surface. At Pacific Plastic Surgery it is performed by Dr. Ashley Tregaskiss, a board-certified plastic surgeon whose practice centres on the face and neck, for patients travelling in from across Metro Vancouver.

What the Procedure Actually Changes

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to refine the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. As part of a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation, eyelid surgery can help reduce the appearance of sagging skin, puffiness, and under-eye hollowing that can contribute to a fatigued or aged aesthetic. Many patients who pursue blepharoplasty in Vancouver are motivated by cosmetic goals, seeking a more rested, refreshed, and naturally youthful appearance.

During the procedure, Dr. Tregaskiss carefully removes or repositions excess skin and, where appropriate, addresses underlying tissue to achieve balanced, harmonious results. Because the eyes are such a focal point of the face, surgical precision and a nuanced eye for facial anatomy are essential. Dr. Ashley Tregaskiss is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Vancouver with over 20 years of experience and a focus on advanced facial and neck rejuvenation. After a decade at Vancouver General Hospital treating complex craniofacial and head and neck conditions, he transitioned fully into private practice in 2021, bringing exceptional anatomical expertise and surgical precision to his aesthetic work. You can also explore the before-and-after gallery to see the kind of outcomes Dr. Tregaskiss works toward.

Signs Patients Notice First

Blepharoplasty in Vancouver may be a good fit for adults who are in good general health and have realistic expectations about what cosmetic eyelid surgery can achieve. Ideal candidates are typically non-smokers, or are willing to quit in advance of surgery, and do not have underlying eye conditions that could affect healing or outcomes. A thorough consultation with Dr. Tregaskiss will help determine whether this procedure aligns with your cosmetic goals.

Patients who tend to be strong candidates for blepharoplasty often share one or more of the following concerns:

• Excess or lax skin on the upper eyelids that contributes to a heavier appearance
• Puffiness or hollowing beneath the lower eyelids
• A consistently fatigued or aged look that does not reflect how they feel
• Skin laxity around the eyes that has not responded to non-surgical treatments
• A desire for a more refreshed, balanced facial aesthetic
• Interest in complementing other facial procedures, such as a neck lift or facelift

If you are curious whether blepharoplasty in Vancouver is the right next step for you, we invite you to contact Dr. Tregaskiss to schedule your consultation, available both in person and virtually.

From Consultation to Day of Surgery

Your experience begins with a comprehensive consultation, during which Dr. Tregaskiss will take time to understand your aesthetic goals, evaluate your eyelid anatomy, and discuss the surgical approach best suited to you. He offers both in-person and virtual consultations, making it convenient for patients traveling from Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Langley, and surrounding communities.

On the day of your procedure, blepharoplasty is performed under general or local anaesthesia, depending on the scope of surgery and your comfort level, and it is done as day surgery. Incisions are typically placed within the natural creases of the eyelids, which helps minimize visible scarring over time. How long the procedure takes depends on whether the upper lids, lower lids, or both are being addressed, and Dr. Tregaskiss will confirm that at your consultation.

Recovery for most patients involves some swelling, bruising, and mild sensitivity in the days following surgery. Pacific Plastic Surgery advises three to five days off work, light activity only for the first two weeks, an increase in activity from two to three weeks, and a return to full activity after about six weeks. Final results continue to refine over the following weeks as the tissues settle. Individual results may vary. Dr. Tregaskiss and his team provide detailed aftercare guidance and remain accessible throughout your recovery. Microneedling can be added alongside surgery to work on skin quality around the eyes, and is worth raising at your consultation.

The Surgeon and the Setting

Patients throughout Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, and New Westminster choose Pacific Plastic Surgery because of the depth of surgical expertise and the genuinely personalized care they receive. Dr. Ashley Tregaskiss is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Vancouver with over 20 years of experience and a focus on advanced facial and neck rejuvenation, having practised in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.

Having spent a decade performing complex craniofacial and reconstructive procedures at Vancouver General Hospital, Dr. Tregaskiss possesses an anatomical precision that is particularly valuable in delicate surgeries such as blepharoplasty. Since transitioning to full-time private aesthetic practice in 2024, he brings that same level of surgical rigor to cosmetic outcomes. Pacific Plastic Surgery has earned five-star ratings on both Google and RateMDs, and offers both in-person and virtual consultations for added accessibility. You can also read about the surgical facilities where he operates.

Before You Book

How long do blepharoplasty results typically last?

Blepharoplasty results are considered long-lasting, because the structural changes made during surgery are not undone by normal aging in the short term. The natural aging process does continue, so maintenance treatments or complementary procedures may be considered over time. Dr. Tregaskiss will discuss what you can realistically expect during your consultation.

Is blepharoplasty in Vancouver performed under general anesthesia?

The type of anesthesia used depends on the scope of your procedure and your personal comfort level. Pacific Plastic Surgery performs blepharoplasty under either general or local anaesthesia, as day surgery. Dr. Tregaskiss will review all anesthesia options with you during your consultation to ensure you feel fully informed and comfortable before moving forward with surgery.

Can blepharoplasty be combined with other facial procedures?

Yes, blepharoplasty is frequently combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures such as a facelift or neck lift for patients who want a more comprehensive refresh. Combining procedures can reduce overall recovery time compared to staging them separately. Dr. Tregaskiss will assess your goals and facial anatomy holistically and recommend a surgical plan tailored to you. Reviewing before and after photos from our gallery may help you visualize possible outcomes.

Where is the practice, and who travels to it?

Pacific Plastic Surgery is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, and sees patients travelling in from Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, Langley and New Westminster. Virtual consultations are available if you would rather start the conversation before making the trip.

How soon can I wear makeup or contact lenses again?

Both wait until the incisions have closed and the swelling has settled enough not to irritate them, which is usually a matter of weeks rather than days. Eye makeup and lenses sit directly on healing tissue, so this is one to clear with Dr. Tregaskiss at a follow-up rather than judge by how things look in the mirror.

Book a Consultation in Vancouver

If your eyelids are the first thing you notice in photographs, one examination will tell you whether surgery is the right fix and what it would involve. Request an appointment with Dr. Ashley Tregaskiss, in person or virtually, or give us a call.