Eyelid surgeries are becoming more and more common these days. According to statistics, there were a staggering 17.5 million procedures in the US in the year 2017. This translates into a 40% percent increase from the year 2000. People are more aware of their looks more than ever due to the internet. People are coming under intense pressure to look young, and one of the ways to do this is by performing eyelid surgery.

There are many reasons why you would want to have information about eyelid surgery. Before you decide whether you want one, let us look at this procedure and what it entails.

All about Blepharoplasty

Eyelid surgery is primarily referred to as blepharoplasty. This surgical procedure is done to repair droopy eyelids or add to them, shares Healthline. It involves the removal of skin, fat, or muscle to make the eyelid look smaller than it was. When we age, the eye starts looking sleepy and tired. Removing the droopy and tired part cuts several years from our look. This is why the procedure is popular nowadays. It can make you look younger and more attractive.

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the eyelids. It involves removing excess skin, muscle, and fat from the eyelids, and can be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids.

Here are some key points about blepharoplasty:

1. Procedure: Blepharoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. The surgeon makes incisions along the natural lines and creases of the eyelids to minimize visible scarring. Excess skin, muscle, and fat are then removed or repositioned to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome. The incisions are then closed with sutures.
2. Upper Eyelid Surgery: Upper blepharoplasty targets the upper eyelids, specifically addressing drooping eyelid skin that may impair vision or create a tired or aged appearance. The procedure can create a more youthful and alert look by removing sagging skin and reducing puffiness.
3. Lower Eyelid Surgery: Lower blepharoplasty focuses on the lower eyelids and is mainly performed to eliminate under-eye bags, reduce puffiness, and improve the overall contour of the lower eyelids. This procedure can also address wrinkles and fine lines in the lower eyelid area.
4. Candidates: Candidates for blepharoplasty are typically individuals who are in good general health and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery. They may have concerns such as drooping or sagging eyelids, excess skin that interferes with vision, puffy bags under the eyes, or a tired appearance.
5. Recovery: After the surgery, patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and temporary discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication and cold compresses. The stitches are usually removed within a week. Recovery time varies, but most individuals can return to their normal activities within 7 to 10 days. It’s important to follow the surgeon’s post-operative instructions for optimal healing.
6. Risks and Complications: As with any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty carries some risks, although they are relatively rare. These risks can include infection, bleeding, scarring, dry eyes, temporary or permanent changes in eyelid sensation, asymmetry, and unsatisfactory cosmetic outcomes. It’s essential to discuss potential risks with your surgeon before undergoing the procedure.
7. Longevity of Results: While blepharoplasty can produce long-lasting results, it does not halt the aging process. Over time, the effects of aging, gravity, and lifestyle factors can continue to impact the appearance of the eyelids. However, many individuals find that the results of blepharoplasty last for many years, providing a rejuvenated and refreshed appearance.

It’s crucial to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon to discuss your specific concerns, evaluate your candidacy, and determine the most suitable approach for your desired outcome. They can provide personalized advice and guidance based on your unique situation.

The following are the most common types of double eyelid surgery;

1. Upper Blepharoplasty

This is the most sought-after type of eyelid surgery procedure currently. The operation is a remedy for sagging, drooping, and wrinkled eyelids. The main target areas are the eyelids. When you feel that your eyes look sleepy, tired, and unhappy, this is the right cosmetic procedure for you. Aging can also cause your eyelids to diminish, preventing you from having a clear vision. Upper eyelid surgery corrects these defects. The procedure is usually done through surgical incisions, which are made along the natural skin lines. The procedure is done in a way that there are no scars created. The scars are concealed within the natural structures of the eyelid. Some eye muscles will be appropriately tightened during this period. The entire surgery process takes about 1-2 hours.

If the surgery goes well, the effects will last for almost 8 years, after which you can decide whether to have another one to enhance your look. The recovery time for this surgery is about 1-2 weeks. During this period, you should avoid activities that stress out the eye muscles, like watching TV, typing, etc.

Upper blepharoplasty, also known as upper eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that focuses on rejuvenating the upper eyelids. It involves the removal of excess skin, muscle, and fat to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

Here are some important details about upper blepharoplasty:

1. Concerns Addressed: Upper blepharoplasty primarily targets drooping or sagging eyelid skin that may impair vision or create a tired or aged look. As we age, the skin loses elasticity, and the muscles supporting the eyelids weaken, resulting in excess skin that can hang over the eyelashes. Upper eyelid surgery helps correct these issues, giving the eyes a more alert and rejuvenated appearance.
2. Surgical Procedure: The surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis and can be done under local anesthesia with or without sedation. The surgeon makes incisions along the natural creases of the upper eyelids, ensuring that any resulting scars are concealed within the natural folds. Through these incisions, excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat are removed or repositioned to improve the eyelid contour.
3. Recovery and Healing: Following the surgery, patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and temporary discomfort in the treated area. Cold compresses and prescribed pain medication can help manage these symptoms. The sutures are typically removed within a week. Most individuals can resume normal activities within 7 to 10 days, although strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for a few weeks.
4. Benefits and Results: Upper blepharoplasty can provide several aesthetic and functional benefits. It can eliminate drooping or sagging eyelid skin that obstructs vision or makes the eyes appear tired or aged. By removing excess tissue, the surgery can create a more open and alert appearance, making the eyes look brighter and more youthful.
5. Risks and Considerations: Like any surgical procedure, upper blepharoplasty carries certain risks and potential complications. These may include infection, bleeding, scarring, asymmetry, dry eyes, temporary or permanent changes in eyelid sensation, and unsatisfactory cosmetic outcomes. It’s crucial to discuss these risks with your surgeon beforehand and ensure that you choose a qualified and experienced professional.
6. Longevity of Results: The results of upper blepharoplasty are generally long-lasting. While the procedure does not halt the natural aging process, most individuals enjoy the benefits for many years. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall skin health can influence the longevity of the results. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following a proper skincare routine can help prolong the effects of the surgery.

If you are considering upper blepharoplasty, it is important to consult with a skilled and board-certified plastic surgeon. They will evaluate your individual concerns, discuss your goals, and determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. They can provide personalized advice and guidance to help you achieve the desired outcome while prioritizing your safety and well-being.

2. Lower Blepharoplasty

As we have seen above, aging causes muscles to weaken. In this case, the muscles under the eyelids start to weaken, and a fat trough forms. These troughs bring a weary and tired look to your face. The main aim of lower blepharoplasty is to remove these fat troughs, says NCBI. The target area for this cosmetic surgery is the region under the eyes. In this procedure, the surgeon will make a tiny incision that will shift the fat troughs and tighten up the loose aging skin. This will bring a new and glowing look to your eyes, making you look younger and your face a more balanced look. The entire surgery takes 1-2 hours. The recovery precautions are just the same ones as with the upper blepharoplasty. The recovery time is between 10 days to 2 weeks, after which you will have a brighter and more awake look.

Lower blepharoplasty, also known as lower eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that focuses on rejuvenating the lower eyelids. It is designed to address concerns such as under-eye bags, puffiness, wrinkles, and overall contour irregularities.

Here are some important details about lower blepharoplasty:

1. Concerns Addressed: Lower blepharoplasty primarily targets the lower eyelids and aims to correct issues such as under-eye bags, puffiness, and excess skin. These concerns can be caused by factors such as genetics, aging, or lifestyle choices. Lower eyelid surgery can improve the overall appearance of the lower eyelids, creating a more youthful and refreshed look.
2. Surgical Approaches: Lower blepharoplasty can be performed using different surgical techniques, depending on the specific concerns and goals of the patient. The two main approaches are transconjunctival and subciliary.
   • Transconjunctival Approach: This technique involves making an incision inside the lower eyelid, along the conjunctiva, which is the inner lining of the eyelid. Through this incision, excess fat can be removed or repositioned to reduce under-eye bags and puffiness. This approach does not involve removing skin and is suitable for patients without significant excess skin.
   • Subciliary Approach: This technique involves making an incision just below the lower lash line, allowing the surgeon to access and address both excess fat and skin. The incision is carefully placed to minimize visible scarring. This approach is suitable for patients with excess skin or those requiring more extensive correction.
3. Fat Repositioning: In some cases, instead of removing excess fat, it may be repositioned to fill in hollow areas or to improve the overall contour and smoothness of the lower eyelids. This technique can provide a more natural and youthful appearance.
4. Combination Procedures: Lower blepharoplasty can be combined with other cosmetic procedures to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Common combinations include fat grafting, laser resurfacing, or midface lift procedures. Your surgeon will evaluate your specific concerns and goals to determine the most appropriate combination, if necessary.
5. Recovery and Healing: Following the surgery, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and temporary discomfort in the treated area. Cold compresses and prescribed pain medication can help manage these symptoms. Sutures are typically removed within a week. Recovery time varies, but most individuals can resume their normal activities within 7 to 10 days. Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for a few weeks.
6. Benefits and Results: Lower blepharoplasty can provide several aesthetic benefits, including a reduction in under-eye bags, improved contour, and a more rested appearance. By removing or repositioning excess fat and addressing excess skin, the lower eyelids can be rejuvenated, resulting in a more youthful and refreshed look.
7. Risks and Considerations: As with any surgical procedure, lower blepharoplasty carries some risks and potential complications. These can include infection, bleeding, scarring, asymmetry, dry eyes, temporary or permanent changes in eyelid sensation, and unsatisfactory cosmetic outcomes. It’s important to discuss these risks with your surgeon and ensure that you choose a skilled and experienced professional.
8. Longevity of Results: The results of lower blepharoplasty can be long-lasting. However, it’s important to note that the natural aging process, lifestyle factors, and genetics can still impact the appearance of the lower eyelids over time. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, protecting your skin from sun damage, and following a proper skincare routine can help prolong the results of the surgery.

If you are considering lower blepharoplasty, it is crucial to consult with a skilled and board-certified plastic surgeon. They will evaluate your specific concerns, discuss your goals, and determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. They can provide personalized advice and guidance, explaining the surgical approach that will best address your needs while prioritizing your safety and well-being.

It’s essential to have a thorough understanding of the procedure, including the potential risks and complications. Your surgeon will explain these in detail during the consultation process. They will also provide pre-operative instructions to prepare you for the surgery and post-operative care guidelines to promote optimal healing and results.

Remember that every individual’s anatomy and goals are unique, so the specifics of your lower blepharoplasty procedure may vary. By choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon, you can increase the likelihood of achieving the desired aesthetic outcome and enhancing the appearance of your lower eyelids.

3. Bilateral Blepharoplasty

This type of eyelid surgery is very common among patients. In this surgery, the target area is both the areas above and below the eyelid. Some people may have problems in both the upper and lower areas of their eyes. A combination blepharoplasty can correct both sections of the eye and create a more balanced and younger look. In this procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions in the eye creases to tighten and get rid of loose skin. He will also readjust the fat deposits in both sections of the eyelid, get rid of saggy skin and troughs, and tighten underlying muscles so that your eyes will have a more refreshed look. The procedure works wonders, and it shades off almost ten years from your look. The entire surgery takes about 3 hours. If successful, the recovery time is around 10 days to 2 weeks. Avoid doing activities that will put pressure on your eyes at this stage to allow the scars to heal properly. Bilateral blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that simultaneously rejuvenates the upper and lower eyelids. It is often performed to address various aesthetic concerns in the eye area, such as sagging skin, excess fat, puffiness, under-eye bags, and wrinkles.

Here are some important details about bilateral blepharoplasty:

1. Comprehensive Enhancement: Bilateral blepharoplasty aims to provide a comprehensive improvement in the appearance of the entire eye area. By addressing both the upper and lower eyelids together, the procedure can achieve a harmonious and balanced rejuvenation of the eyes.
2. Customized Approach: The surgical technique employed in bilateral blepharoplasty can vary depending on the individual’s specific concerns, anatomy, and desired outcomes. The surgeon will assess factors such as the amount of excess skin, muscle laxity, fat distribution, and overall facial harmony to determine the most appropriate approach.
3. Incision Placement: Incisions are typically made along the natural creases and contours of the eyelids to minimize visible scarring. For the upper eyelids, the incision is made in the natural fold. For the lower eyelids, the incision can be placed just below the lower lash line or on the inside of the eyelid (transconjunctival incision). The specific incision placement will be discussed during the consultation with your surgeon.
4. Tissue Removal and Repositioning: During the procedure, excess skin, muscle, and fat may be removed or repositioned to achieve a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. The surgeon carefully evaluates the amount of tissue to be modified to ensure a natural and balanced result.
5. Recovery and Healing: After bilateral blepharoplasty, some swelling, bruising, and temporary discomfort can be expected. Cold compresses and prescribed pain medication can help manage these symptoms. The sutures are usually removed within a week. The recovery period varies, but most individuals can return to their normal activities within 7 to 10 days. Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for a few weeks.
6. Longevity of Results: The results of bilateral blepharoplasty can be long-lasting. However, it’s important to note that the natural aging process and lifestyle factors can still affect the eye area over time. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, protecting the skin from sun damage, and following proper skincare practices, the results can be prolonged.

It is crucial to consult with a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon if you are considering bilateral blepharoplasty. They will evaluate your unique concerns, discuss your goals, and recommend the most suitable approach to achieve the desired outcome while prioritizing your safety and well-being.

4. East Asian Blepharoplasty

The reason this procedure is known as the East Asian eyelid surgery is due to its prominence in Eastern Asia, particularly in Taiwan and Japan. Asians have a slightly different eyelid structure from the ones that Sub-Saharan Africans and Europeans. East Asians normally have slightly smaller eyelids compared to people from other races. The procedure involves adding a fold in the eyelid to make the eye seem larger. The procedure is perfect for those people with small eyelids. Unlike other types of double eyelid surgeries, this one is common in young people. This is because the main aim of this surgery is not to make one look younger but rather to increase the size of one’s eyelid. The end result is a larger eye which is socially known to add beauty. 

East Asian blepharoplasty, also known as double eyelid surgery or Asian eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that focuses on creating a defined upper eyelid crease in individuals of East Asian descent who have a single eyelid fold or a less defined crease. It is a popular procedure among those who desire a more prominent upper eyelid contour.

Here are some important details about East Asian blepharoplasty:

1. Eyelid Crease Formation: The primary goal of East Asian blepharoplasty is to create a visible upper eyelid crease or fold in individuals who have a single eyelid or an indistinct crease. The procedure involves making an incision along the desired crease line and removing excess skin, fat, or muscle to form the new crease. This creates the appearance of a double eyelid or a more defined upper eyelid contour.
2. Variation in Techniques: There are different techniques used in East Asian blepharoplasty, and the choice depends on various factors such as the patient’s desired outcome, anatomical considerations, and the surgeon’s expertise. The two main approaches are the incisional method and the non-incisional (suture) method.
   • Incisional Method: This technique involves making an incision along the desired crease line to remove excess tissue and create a new eyelid crease. It allows for greater customization and is often recommended for individuals with excess skin or fat.
   • Non-Incisional (Suture) Method: This technique involves creating the eyelid crease by placing sutures in the eyelid without making an incision. This approach is typically used for patients with minimal excess tissue and is associated with a quicker recovery time.
3. Customization and Natural Results: The goal of East Asian blepharoplasty is to create a natural-looking double eyelid crease that enhances the overall appearance of the eyes while maintaining ethnic features and individual characteristics. The surgeon will consider factors such as the patient’s desired crease height, shape, symmetry, and the balance with other facial features to achieve a personalized outcome.
4. Consideration for Eyelid Anatomy: East Asian blepharoplasty takes into account the unique anatomical characteristics of East Asian eyelids, such as the presence of an epicanthal fold, different eyelid skin thickness, and varying fat distribution. Surgeons with experience in East Asian blepharoplasty are well-versed in addressing these specific considerations to achieve optimal results.
5. Recovery and Healing: The recovery process after East Asian blepharoplasty varies depending on the technique used. Swelling, bruising, and temporary discomfort are common and can be managed with cold compresses and prescribed pain medication. Sutures may be removed within a week. Most individuals can resume normal activities within 7 to 10 days, although complete healing may take several weeks.
6. Risks and Considerations: As with any surgical procedure, East Asian blepharoplasty carries potential risks and complications. These can include infection, bleeding, scarring, asymmetry, eyelid asymmetry, dissatisfaction with the crease appearance, and changes in eyelid sensation. It is crucial to discuss these risks with a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon before proceeding with the surgery.

If you are considering East Asian blepharoplasty, it is essential to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon who specializes in this procedure. They will assess your unique concerns, discuss your desired outcomes, and recommend the most suitable technique for achieving your goals while ensuring your safety and satisfaction.

Final Thoughts

Blepharoplasty, whether it’s upper, lower, bilateral, or specific to East Asian eyelids, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that can help improve the appearance of the eyelids and rejuvenate the eye area. It aims to address concerns such as excess skin, sagging, puffiness, under-eye bags, and lack of eyelid crease.

While blepharoplasty can provide significant aesthetic benefits, it’s important to approach the procedure with realistic expectations and a thorough understanding of the risks involved. Choosing a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon is crucial to ensure optimal results and minimize potential complications.

During the consultation process, your surgeon will evaluate your specific concerns, discuss your goals, and recommend the most appropriate technique for your individual needs. They will explain the procedure in detail, including the potential risks, recovery process, and expected outcomes.

Remember that each person’s anatomy and desired outcomes are unique, so the specifics of your blepharoplasty procedure may vary. Open communication with your surgeon, adherence to pre- and post-operative instructions, and following a healthy lifestyle can contribute to successful outcomes and long-lasting results.

It’s always recommended to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon who can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation. They will guide you through the decision-making process, address any concerns you may have, and help you make an informed choice about whether blepharoplasty is right for you.