Upper vs. Lower Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid lift surgery is a relatively simple procedure that can take years off the appearance of the face. Upper eyelid surgery may benefit those patients whose upper lids have sagged low enough to reduce their field of vision. Lower eyelid lift surgery can be a very beneficial procedure for patients who wish to correct saggy or puffy lower eyelids. The eyelid surgery procedures involve the removal of excess tissue and fat to produce a more refreshed, youthful facial aesthetic. Some patients may undergo upper and lower eyelid surgery under local anesthesia, though general anesthesia may be used if requested.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

While upper eyelid surgery primarily involves the removal of sagging skin, lower eyelid surgery also involves the removal of fat deposits, which are more prevalent under the eye. Removing these deposits in conjunction with the sagging skin leaves a smooth, firm, younger-looking surface above the cheek. In addition, lower eyelid surgery allows the surgeon to transfer fat or dermal fillers to hollowed areas under the eye, leading to plump, healthy-looking skin where the face may have previously looked sunken in.

To perform lower eyelid surgery, the surgeon first makes an incision below the lower eyelashes; the incision is made carefully in a discreet place hidden from plain view. Excess fat, skin, and muscle are removed as the surgeon sees fit. Sometimes, the fat is redistributed in order to minimize puffiness and uneven swelling. If muscle laxity is an existing problem, this will also be corrected during surgery. The incision made to perform eyelid lift surgery heals quickly among the eyelid's surrounding natural creases.

Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty

For patients who have less pronounced under-eye bags, transconjunctival lower eyelid surgery may be an effective procedure. In these cases, simply removing pockets of fat without removing any skin is all that's required. Since this can be accomplished through several tiny incisions inside the lower eyelid, no visible scarring from the blepharoplasty procedure results.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Upper eyelid lift surgery allows the surgeon to remove excess skin and fatty tissue that create the appearance of droopy, inflated eyelids. While the fat deposits, loose skin, and drooping of the eyelids typically occur because of age, this wonderful procedure can reverse the effects of time to restore a youthful, refreshed appearance.

During upper eyelid surgery, incision lines are made in the natural creases of the upper lids so any resulting scarring is hidden. The surgeon trims away any excess skin that is obstructing vision or contributing to a droopy or tired appearance. In some cases, the muscles are repositioned as well. The remaining skin is lifted and reattached for a more youthful look. The incisions are then closed with fine sutures. The goal of upper eyelid surgery is to leave the patient looking refreshed, and most experienced surgeons are able to avoid the unnatural "wide awake" look that comes from overcorrection.

Surgical Results

Visit the DocShop gallery to view more eyelid surgery before and after photos.

Photo credit: Vincent R. DiGregorio, MD

Alternative Treatments

Many patients incorporate eyelid surgery with other facial procedures, such as a brow lift or face lift, to fully rejuvenate the face.

Locate a Blepharoplasty Surgeon

By consulting with a surgeon, you can have your concerns and questions addressed so that you are educated and comfortable with your decision to undergo eyelid surgery. If you are interested in undergoing eyelid lift surgery, use DocShop to find a blepharoplasty surgeon in your area.