As people age, the muscles, fat, and skin around the eye grow lax, which leads to sagging and bulging. This excess and drooping tissue is called dermatochalasis and can be caused by age or genetics. Eyelid lifts benefit those whose eyelids make them look older than they are or perpetually exhausted or sad. Drooping upper eyelids can even interfere with vision.
To address these issues on the upper or lower eyelid, an eyelid lift, also called blepharoplasty, our facial practice surgery practice helps men and women look more youthful and more alert. In this blog post, we compare upper vs. lower eyelid lifts to help you determine which procedure (or both) may be best for you.
What’s involved in an upper eyelid lift?
Unwanted fat and skin in the upper eyelids make a person look older and more tired than they are and can even affect their vision. A common concern among female patients is that it can make applying makeup to the eyes more difficult. Learn more about the signs it may be time for an upper eyelid lift in our related blog post.
Upper eyelid lifts are popular with both men and women—especially those suffering from vision obstruction. This functional blepharoplasty to correct vision-related issues is often covered by insurance. Upper blepharoplasty surgery is performed with incisions along the natural creases of the eyelid, making any scars unnoticeable.
An upper eyelid blepharoplasty can also be done in conjunction with a brow lift, which gives an even more alert and youthful appearance to the face. Blepharoplasties (both upper and lower) are popularly combined with a facelift as well.
How is lower eyelid surgery done?
In addition to drooping in the lower eyelids, under-eye bags and puffiness are two cosmetic issues that frequently prompt patients to pursue a lower blepharoplasty. Removing unwanted tissue and tightening up the skin and muscle around the lower eyelid removes these bags and improves the look of the lower eyelid.
The lower blepharoplasty incision placement will vary depending on your specific needs. If fat removal is all that is needed it can be performed through an incision on the inside of the lower eyelid. Or if skin and muscle excision are needed, Dr. Boggess will create an incision on the outside of the eyelid, just below the lashline.
Either procedure is typically performed using local anesthesia with or without light sedation, and requires approximately 30 to 45 minutes of in-office procedure time. As with most surgeries, patients will see some bruising and swelling in the eye area for 1 to 2 weeks. Most people can return to normal activities within 1 week. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons offers more details about the surgical procedure, including a combined lower and upper blepharoplasty.
Do you have any questions?
We’re here to help! Schedule a free consultation to learn more about which eyelid lift is right for you. You can request a consultation using our online form, or you can call us at (615) 942-8016 to schedule an appointment.
