If sagging upper eyelids, puffy under-eye bags, or dark circles make you look older or more tired than your years, you may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) at our Charlotte, NC, practice.
Read on to learn whether you qualify for eyelid surgery, what the procedure and recovery entail, and if upper or lower eyelid surgery or a combined approach is right for you.
Upper Vs. Lower Blepharoplasty: What’s the Difference?
An upper eyelid lift addresses drooping upper eyelids, while a lower eyelid lift targets puffy bags and dark circles underneath the eyes.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
During upper eyelid lift surgery, we make small incisions in the eyelid’s crease to remove excess skin and fat that causes sagging, drooping, and bunching. The remaining skin is lifted and tightened to make you look more youthful and alert. Results can last 5 to 7 years
In addition to its aesthetic benefits, upper eyelid surgery can also improve your field of vision if it has been impacted by drooping.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
For lower eyelid surgery, we make incisions along the lower eyelash to remove and redistribute pockets of fat that have accumulated under the eye. Lower blepharoplasty results can last indefinitely—especially if you wear sunglasses and proactively protect your eyes from the elements
During your consultation, we will assess the condition of your eyelids to determine if you need an upper or lower eyelid lift—or perhaps both.
Do You Qualify For Eyelid Surgery?
You may be a good candidate for eyelid lift surgery if:
- You have drooping or sagging eyelid skin that may also impair your vision
- You have puffiness, bags, or dark circles under your eyes
- Your eyes show signs of aging
- You have drooping eyelids as a result of hereditary traits
- You are a nonsmoker and in overall good health
- You have realistic expectations about your recovery and results
You may not be a good candidate for eyelid lift surgery if:
- You are primarily concerned about crow’s feet and wrinkles rather than sagging and drooping
- You have a chronic eye condition, such as dry eye
- You smoke and are not in good health
- You cannot allow a few weeks for post-surgery rest and recovery
During your blepharoplasty consultation, we will assess the condition of your eyelid skin and discuss your goals to determine the best surgical approach. Depending on your desired results, we may also recommend combining your eyelid surgery with a brow lift.
Functional vs. Cosmetic Reasons for Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery may be performed for functional, cosmetic, or combined reasons.
Functional reasons for eyelid surgery: Excess upper eyelid skin can weigh down the eyelids and, in some cases, interfere with vision or cause eye strain and brow fatigue.
Cosmetic reasons for eyelid surgery: Patients often seek eyelid surgery to address heaviness, puffiness, or a tired appearance around the eyes.
Many people experience both functional and cosmetic concerns. A consultation can help determine whether eyelid surgery is appropriate based on your anatomy, symptoms, and personal goals.
Is There an Ideal Age for Eyelid Surgery?
There is no single “ideal” age for eyelid surgery. Candidacy is based on eyelid anatomy, skin laxity, and functional concerns, not a specific number. Some younger patients develop drooping upper eyelids or under-eye puffiness due to hereditary factors, while others notice age-related changes later in life as skin elasticity and tissue support decline.
In general, eyelid surgery is most appropriate when nonsurgical treatments cannot adequately address the following eyelid concerns:
- Excess skin
- Muscle laxity
- Fat deposits
Preparing Yourself For Eyelid Surgery
Preparing for your procedure is an integral part of the process. The healthier you are heading into your surgery, the smoother your recovery will likely be. Here are more recommendations to help you prepare for successful eyelid surgery:
- Stop smoking and limit alcohol in the weeks leading up to your procedure
- Adjust or modify current medications, including aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs
- Be extra vigilant about applying SPF 30 or higher (this goes for after surgery as well)
- Stock your house with groceries and arrange for caregivers before surgery so that you can focus solely on rest and recovery once you get home
Being prepared for the recovery after surgery is equally important. Review our detailed eyelid surgery recovery timeline to help plan for your postoperative period.
Next Steps: Exploring Eyelid Surgery With an Experienced Specialist
Dr. Andrea Garcia and Dr. Josh Surowitz are board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeons with years of experience performing upper and lower blepharoplasty procedures. We encourage you to visit our gallery of eyelid surgery before-and-after photos featuring actual patients.
If you have more questions about blepharoplasty—or if you’re ready to move forward—it’s time to take the next step. Please contact our office to request a consultation or call us at (980) 949-6544 to schedule an appointment.
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