What is Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?
Eyelid surgery is a cosmetic procedure performed on the upper and/or lower eyelids. The surgery is medically known as blepharoplasty (say that 10 times fast) and focuses on removing excess eyelid skin and fat. Doing so trims the upper eyelid to remove heavy, drooping lids and addresses lower lid issues that create under-eye bags and puffiness. The result is a more alert, younger, and brighter looking you.
Although eyelid surgery can improve your appearance, it isn’t intended to treat eye diseases or vision problems. You may see better after a blepharoplasty if your upper lid sags far enough to physically impede your vision. Otherwise, you should not expect an improvement in eye health or function after eyelid surgery.
Upper vs. Lower Eyelid Surgery: What’s the Difference?
Clearly, upper and lower eyelid surgeries are different, but how they differ often feels a little confusing. We can understand that and are happy to explain the specific differences between upper and lower eyelid surgery.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Excess fat and skin in the upper eyelids make them look heavy and can cause them to droop or sag. The eyes become hooded and look heavy. The eyelid can become heavy enough to rest on the eyelashes and bulky enough to completely obscure the natural lid crease. In extreme cases, the eyelid may dip low enough to partially obscure your vision. Upper eyelid surgery corrects these issues, making the eyes look wider and more open.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
The lower eyelids sometimes have their own set of issues. They may appear puffy or full, making you look tired or adding a few extra years to your face. By removing extra skin and fat in the lower lid, plastic surgeons can tighten the skin and reduce the look of puffiness while greatly reducing under-eye bags. This makes you look much more rested and a bit younger.
Who is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery can create a refreshed and more youthful look for the right candidates, but not every patient is a good fit for the procedure. Blepharoplasty is well worth it for those who can benefit from it, but you could be disappointed in the surgery if it’s not a good fit for you.
Good eyelid surgery candidates:
- Are bothered by sagging upper eyelid skin or under-eye bags
- Look tired even when well rested
- Suffer from vision restricted by a hanging upper eyelid
- Enjoy good general health and have chronic conditions like diabetes well-managed
- Can refrain from smoking during recovery
Eyelid surgery may not be the best fit for you if you suffer from:
- Fine lines and wrinkles caused by skin texture rather than excess skin or fat
- Dark circles caused by skin pigmentation
- Hollowness due to fat loss under the eyes
- Certain eye diseases (may need approval from ophthalmologist)
Reaching out to us for a free virtual consultation is the best way to get personalized advice about whether eyelid surgery is appropriate for you. If blepharoplasty isn’t the best option for you, there may be another procedure that can help instead.
How Eyelid Surgery is Performed
The eyelids are extremely delicate, and some people are a bit squeamish about surgery near their eyes to begin with. This makes many patients nervous about what will happen during surgery, so let’s shine some light on the procedure.
During surgery, very small incisions are made on the eyelids and are placed in the natural eyelid crease or along the lashes where scars will be well-hidden. When we say that these incisions are small, we’re talking millimeters. Excess fat and skin are then removed, and the eyelid skin is repositioned. Sometimes muscle is repositioned as well. The entire process is done carefully and conservatively to avoid removing too much fat or skin.
Experienced plastic surgeons like those at Mia Aesthetics understand the importance of taking a less-is-more approach to eyelid surgeries. It’s often easier to remove a bit more tissue later than to correct an over-resection, which is why conservative technique matters. Our surgeons also have an intricate understanding of the eyelid and eye anatomy so they can operate around your eyes safely. Your safety is always our highest priority.
Eyelid Surgery Results, Recovery, and Longevity
Early in your recovery from eyelid surgery, expect to have swelling and bruising around your eyes. For a few days, it may well look as though you got into a bar fight — we suggest having a little fun and coming up with a good story. Your eyelids may also feel tight for the first few days, and your eyes may feel dry. These surgical side effects will improve in time, and your surgical results will continue to refine themselves for several months as residual swelling heals.
You won’t be able to wear contact lenses or eye makeup for a brief time after your surgery. You’ll also need to avoid eye cream. Many surgeons allow you to resume these activities after your incisions heal, but the rules can vary from one surgeon and one patient to another.
A little discomfort during recovery is normal and totally worth it for most patients. Once you heal, you’ll enjoy a more youthful and well-rested appearance. Your eyes will appear brighter and more open, often resulting in a warmer, friendlier look. Your eyes will continue to age after your surgery, so your eyelids may not look the same forever, even after your procedure. You can, however, expect to enjoy your eyelid surgery results for many happy years.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a brief time after their procedures, eyelid surgery patients experience moderate discomfort and tightness around their eyes. They don’t, however, tend to complain of sharp pain. Plastic surgeons typically prescribe pain medication after surgery that will keep you comfortable if taken as directed. After that, OTC medication is usually adequate if further pain relief is desired.
Blepharoplasty primarily improves eyelid contour and can make your eyes look more open and refreshed. It usually doesn’t aim to change your natural eye shape. If you want a noticeable change to the outer corner or a more ‘almond’ appearance, that typically involves a separate procedure (like canthopexy/canthoplasty), which your surgeon can discuss with you if appropriate.
Most patients can return to desk work in seven to 10 days, and most bruising and swelling are gone in about three weeks. Refinement of your final results can easily take six months, however, as residual swelling can hang around for a bit. Remember that because everyone is different, it can take you more or less time to reach healing milestones.
Generally, no. Eyelid surgery scars are hidden in the eyelid creases and aren’t generally noticeable. They may appear red at first, but the color will fade as the scar matures. Your car may never be completely invisible, but it is highly unlikely that it will be prominent or even noticeable.
No. Blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat in the eyelids. Ptosis also addresses a drooping of the eyelid, but in this case, the cause of the droop is weak eyelid muscles. Eyelid surgery removes excess tissue while ptosis correction repairs and strengthens muscles. We can, however, perform the two surgeries at the same time if you need both.
Yes! Droopy, heavy top lids and under-eye bags can both make you look tired. Eyelid surgery addresses these issues and can make you look much more awake and alert. Some patients also feel that they look kinder and more approachable after eyelid surgery.