This blog discusses the benefits of upper and lower blepharoplasty, the differences between the two procedures, and who may be a good candidate for each.
Table of Contents
- Clear, Youthful Eyes with Blepharoplasty
- What’s the Difference Between Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty?
- How Do I Know I’m a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
- Who Is NOT a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
- What Is Eyelid Surgery Recovery Like?
- Eyelid Surgery Results
- Want to Learn More About Eyelid Surgery in Washington, D.C.?
Clear, Youthful Eyes with Blepharoplasty
The eyes are the most prominent and expressive feature of the face, yet they also age the quickest and most obviously. This is partly due to the frequent movement of the eyelid skin when we laugh, smile, or otherwise express ourselves. Additional contributing factors include sun exposure, genetics, and the natural aging process—particularly given how thin and delicate the skin around the eyes is.
Eyelid surgery, sometimes called an eyelid lift or blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that restores a youthful appearance to the upper or lower eyelids, helping patients look more rested and alert.
What’s the Difference Between Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty?
Eyelid aging affects the upper and lower lids in very different ways; therefore, upper and lower blepharoplasty have different surgical techniques and approaches.
Upper blepharoplasty addresses drooping skin of the upper eyelids; it often appears crinkly or saggy and can hang down into the patient’s field of vision, obstructing their vision. During upper blepharoplasty, the surgeon makes a small incision in the eyelid’s crease (which remains hidden when the eyes are open) to remove excess skin and fat, and in some cases, tighten loose muscles.
Lower blepharoplasty treats loose skin and puffy bags under the eyes. These “bags” are often not caused by a lack of sleep: they are loose fat pads that shift due to muscle laxity. During lower blepharoplasty, the surgeon makes an incision just below the lash line or inside the lower lid, depending on the patient’s anatomy, through which they can remove excess fat or relocate it, tighten lax muscles, and remove loose skin.
How Do I Know I’m a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
You’ll need to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon to know for sure, but some factors that mean you may qualify for eyelid surgery include:
- You have drooping or sagging eyelid skin that may affect your vision
- You have puffiness, bags, or drooping skin below your eyes
- You have early signs of eyelid aging
- You are a nonsmoker and are in good health
- You have realistic expectations for results
Who Is NOT a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Patients who are mostly concerned about wrinkles on the sides of the eyes, such as crow’s feet, rather than sagging or drooping, may not be candidates. Blepharoplasty treats very specific parts of the eyes.
Additionally, you may not be considered a candidate for eyelid surgery if:
- You have an eye condition like dry eyes
- You smoke and are not in good health
- You are unwilling or unable to undergo a few weeks’ rest for recovery
Your experienced facial plastic surgeon will discuss all of these factors with you during your comprehensive consultation to ensure your eyelid surgery is safe, appropriate, and aligned with your goals.
What Is Eyelid Surgery Recovery Like?
Each patient is different, and your experience will depend in part on whether you had upper, lower, or quad blepharoplasty (both upper and lower lids).
However, blepharoplasty is one of the generally more comfortable recovery processes, as patients experience very little pain or discomfort. Some temporary swelling or bruising is normal, particularly in the first week, so it’s helpful to know what to expect.
Eyelid surgery recovery tips:
- Follow all surgical instructions
- Avoid straining your eyes, limit screentime, reading, etc.
- Use lubricating eyedrops as directed by your surgeon
- Protect your eyes from sunlight by wearing dark sunglasses
Eyelid Surgery Results
Blepharoplasty is one of the more transformative procedures, as the slightest changes make a world of difference. By removing excess skin and tightening loose muscles, patients can enjoy a more youthful, rested appearance that brightens the whole face. Many patients feel they look 5 to 10 years younger after eyelid surgery alone.
This, paired with the discreet placement of incisions and a relatively quick recovery, makes blepharoplasty an accessible procedure that delivers meaningful results. Patients can enjoy the benefits of upper blepharoplasty for about 5 to 7 years, or longer, with proper aftercare and sun protection. Lower blepharoplasty can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, depending on individual factors such as lifestyle habits and natural skin elasticity.
Want to Learn More About Eyelid Surgery in Washington, D.C.?
If you’re considering eyelid surgery, the experienced plastic surgeons at Center for Plastic Surgery are here to help you explore your options and determine whether blepharoplasty is right for you.
Call Center for Plastic Surgery today at (301) 652-7700 for our Chevy Chase location or (703) 560-2850 for our Tysons Corner location to schedule your consultation with one of our knowledgeable, experienced plastic surgeons.