What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a procedure designed to improve the appearance and function of the upper and/or lower eyelids. Depending on your individual anatomy and goals, surgery may involve removing or repositioning excess skin and fat, and, in some cases, tightening or repositioning the muscles and supporting tissues around the eyes.
Upper blepharoplasty addresses excess skin and tissue of the upper eyelids, which can create a heavy or tired appearance and, in some patients, interfere with peripheral vision.
Lower blepharoplasty addresses concerns such as under-eye bags, excess skin and changes in the fat compartments beneath the eyes. The goal is to create a smoother, more refreshed appearance while maintaining a natural look.
When Eyelid Surgery Can Help
You may be a candidate for upper or lower blepharoplasty if you experience one or more of the following:
Upper Eyelids
- Excess or drooping upper-eyelid skin
- A heavy or tired appearance around the eyes
- Difficulty applying makeup because of excess eyelid skin
- Skin resting on or near the eyelashes
- Reduced peripheral vision caused by excess upper-eyelid skin
- A desire to improve the appearance of hooded eyelids
Lower Eyelids
- Under-eye bags or fullness
- Bulging or prominent lower-eyelid fat
- Excess lower-eyelid skin
- Fine lines and wrinkles around the lower eyelids
- A tired or aged appearance despite adequate rest
- A transition or hollowing between the lower eyelid and cheek
Not every concern around the eyes requires surgery. Changes such as dark circles, hollowness, wrinkles or brow position may have different causes and may be better addressed with nonsurgical or alternative treatments.
Consultation for Blepharoplasty
Determining whether blepharoplasty is appropriate begins with a comprehensive consultation and examination. There is no single test that determines whether you “need” eyelid surgery.
During your evaluation, your surgeon may assess:
- The amount and position of excess eyelid skin
- Upper- and lower-eyelid fat distribution
- Eyelid muscle and tissue laxity
- Brow position and its effect on upper-eyelid appearance
- The position and shape of the eyelids
- The relationship between the eyelids and surrounding facial structures
- Your tear production and eye surface health
- Your visual field, when excess eyelid skin may be affecting vision
- Your medical history, medications, previous eye procedures and overall health
For patients with concerns about vision, visual-field testing or other eye examinations may be recommended to determine whether excess eyelid tissue is contributing to functional vision problems.
Your surgeon will also discuss your goals and expectations. In some cases, another procedure—such as a brow lift, treatment for eyelid position or a nonsurgical treatment—may be more appropriate than blepharoplasty alone.
A personalized examination is the best way to determine whether upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, a combination of both or an alternative treatment is right for you. Your surgeon can explain the expected benefits, limitations, risks, recovery and options based on your individual anatomy and goals.