The aging process not only takes a toll on our skin but also takes a toll on the eyes, leading to puffy lower eyelids, sagging upper eyelids, bags, and more. Patients choose to get Eyelid surgery to address these signs of aging for cosmetic purposes or health reasons, such as reduced vision due to excessively droopy eyelids. There are two types of eyelid surgery, also known as Blepharoplasty surgery, for both the upper and lower eyelids helping rejuvenate the face for a younger-looking appearance. Blepharoplasty is the process of removing excess fat and tissue, whether that be the upper or lower eyelid. Below is an explanation of the difference between the two to help you decide which procedure, or both, is right for you.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
The skin around the eyes is very delicate and usually the first to start showing signs of aging, leading to bags, puffiness, and sagging lower eyelids. These characteristics can make a person look exhausted or prematurely old. The skin around the eyelids naturally loses elasticity and fat padding as we age, this can cause a longer lower eyelid, giving a shadow and what appears to be dark under-eye circles. Fortunately, lower eyelid surgery can help remove loose skin, excess fat and eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. Depending on what symptoms you are experiencing, the plastic surgeon will remove excess fat if you have puffy under-eyes or have fat transferred to restore volume during surgery.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Upper eyelid surgery can be done for both aesthetic reasons and to help address functional concerns. The main concern for the upper eyelids is excessive drooping that can cause obstructed vision. However, patients choose to get eyelid surgery to get rid of excessive wrinkling and those who don’t have a fold where one doesn’t exist. Upper eyelid surgery can help remove the excess skin and fat, giving a more “open” look around the eyes taking years off your facial appearance.
Summary
Eyelid surgery can significantly impact a patient’s life, aesthetically or functionality-wise, and sometimes both. Unfortunately, a patient may be suffering from puffy, baggy, or droopy upper and lower eyelids in some cases. In this case, the patient would get a combined Blepharoplasty surgery for more significant, dramatic results. Depending on which type of eyelid surgery you’re getting, surgery time can range between 45 minutes to an hour and a half. You can expect to enjoy your results for ten years with any type of eyelid surgery. Consult with your plastic surgeon to determine which type of Blepharoplasty surgery would be best for you.