Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery
Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic and functional procedure designed to improve the appearance of the eyelids. It can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. The goal of blepharoplasty is to rejuvenate the eye region, correct sagging or drooping eyelids, and remove excess skin or fat that contributes to a tired or aged appearance.
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
What It Treats
Drooping or sagging upper eyelids (dermatochalasis)
Excess skin that may block vision
Bulging fat deposits in the upper eyelids
Tired or aged appearance
Technique
A fine incision is made in the natural crease of the upper eyelid, which allows scars to remain hidden.
Excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat are carefully removed or repositioned.
The incision is closed with fine sutures for minimal scarring.
Advantages
Restores a fresher, more youthful look
Can improve vision if sagging skin obstructs sight
Scar is usually invisible due to natural eyelid crease
Recovery is relatively quick
Disadvantages / Risks
Temporary bruising and swelling
Rare asymmetry or overcorrection
Dry eyes or irritation in the healing period
In rare cases, difficulty closing the eyelids completely
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
What It Treats
Puffiness or “bags” under the eyes (caused by fat protrusion)
Loose or wrinkled skin beneath the eyes
Dark circles accentuated by bulging fat or hollowing
Techniques
There are two main approaches to lower blepharoplasty:
1. Transconjunctival Approach
The incision is placed inside the lower eyelid.
Fat pockets are removed or repositioned without an external scar.
Best for younger patients or those with good skin elasticity.
2. Subciliary (Skin) Approach
The incision is made just below the lash line.
Excess skin and muscle can be removed or tightened.
Ideal for patients with loose or wrinkled skin in addition to fat prolapse.
Advantages
Improves under-eye contour and removes puffiness
Transconjunctival method leaves no visible scar
Can be combined with skin tightening (laser, chemical peel) for better results
Disadvantages / Risks
Temporary swelling, bruising, or tearing
Risk of lower eyelid malposition (ectropion or retraction), more common with subciliary approach
Possible asymmetry or persistent under-eye hollowing
Longer recovery when skin removal is involved
Combined Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty
In many cases, upper and lower blepharoplasty are performed together to achieve balanced rejuvenation. This combined approach enhances both the functional and cosmetic outcomes, restoring a more youthful and rested appearance to the entire eye region.
Recovery After Blepharoplasty
Most patients return to daily activities within 7–10 days
Swelling and bruising usually subside in 1–2 weeks
Final results become visible after a few months once tissues heal completely
Results are long-lasting, although the natural aging process continues
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Blepharoplasty
Am I a good candidate for blepharoplasty?
You may be a good candidate if you have drooping eyelids, puffiness, or excess skin around the eyes that bothers you aesthetically or impairs vision. Good general health and realistic expectations are important.
Will blepharoplasty make me look unnatural?
No. When performed with proper technique, blepharoplasty provides a natural and refreshed appearance. The goal is not to change your expression but to restore a rested look.
How long do the results last?
Results are typically long-lasting. Upper eyelid surgery can last 7–10 years, while lower eyelid improvements are often permanent. However, the natural aging process continues over time.
Is the surgery painful?
Most patients report only mild discomfort after surgery, which is easily managed with oral pain medication.
What kind of anesthesia is used?
Blepharoplasty can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of surgery and patient preference.
Will there be visible scars?
For upper eyelids, the scar is hidden in the natural crease. For lower eyelids, scars are either inside the eyelid (invisible) or just beneath the lash line, where they fade significantly over time.
How soon can I return to work?
Most patients can return to work and social activities within 7–10 days, although some residual bruising or swelling may still be present.
Can blepharoplasty be combined with other procedures?
Yes. It is often combined with procedures such as facelift, brow lift, fat transfer, or skin resurfacing for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.surgeries in America. It is a procedure applied to both the lower and the upper eyelids.
The appearance of the eye and the periorbital area from the outside is very important for our eyes. In this region, the eyebrow and eyelid complex and the fat pads behind the lower eyelid have various deformations and sagging due to age.
Upper eyelid aesthetics is the surgical procedure consists of the removal a part of the skin of the drooping upper eyelid. It is mostly applied for aesthetic purposes. Sometimes the lid is so droopy that it even starts to block the vision.
The upper eyelid can be shortened to protect the visual field whenever in need when it sags in front of the pupil and visual field begins to compromise.
The drooping of the upper eyelid gives the person a tired and exhausted appearance and also makes them look older.
Upper eyelid surgery can be performed under local or general anesthesia. The excess skin is determined and marked by measuring before the operation.
Afterwards, the marked area is removed from the upper eyelid skin and the resulting skin defect is closed with an aesthetic suture. The operation time is about half an hour. The suture line is going to be hidden in the crease of the upper eyelid and in this way, there will be no visible scars when the wound totally heals.
It takes about a week to heal. The patient can return to his normal life and start working again 3-4 days after the procedure. After 10 days, the stitches on the skin are removed