At The Mack Center, we know the eyes are often the first to show signs of aging. Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, focuses on the upper and lower eyelids but enhances the appearance of the entire face. This transformative procedure helps with sagging skin, puffiness, or even vision issues caused by drooping eyelids. Blepharoplasty rejuvenates your look and can significantly improve your quality of life.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that lifts and rejuvenates drooping eyelids by removing excess skin, fat, and tissue from the upper and lower lids. As skin loses elasticity and muscles weaken with age, puffiness, eye bags, and sagging eyelids can develop — sometimes even obstructing vision. By addressing these concerns, blepharoplasty creates a more youthful, refreshed appearance. It can be performed on either the upper or lower lids, or both at once, for more dramatic yet natural-looking results.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty focuses on correcting sagging skin and puffiness in the upper lids. Aging and genetics contribute to excess skin that folds over the eyelid crease, sometimes impairing vision.
During the procedure, an incision is made along the natural crease of the upper eyelid. Excess skin and fat are removed, and surrounding muscles are tightened if necessary. The incision is closed with sutures that blend into the natural fold, minimizing visible scarring. This surgery enhances the eyes’ appearance and can improve vision, reducing heaviness in the lids.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty addresses under-eye bags, puffiness, and sagging skin that cause a tired, aged look. It’s ideal for those with excess fat or loose skin under the eyes. The incision is usually made just below the lash line or inside the lower lid, depending on the patient’s needs.
Through this incision, the surgeon removes or repositions fat and skin, smoothing out the area and reducing puffiness. In some cases, fat fillers may be used to restore lost volume and eliminate hollow under-eye areas.
When performed with upper eyelid surgery, the combination can deliver a comprehensive rejuvenation of the eye area.
The Blepharoplasty Procedure
Blepharoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with sedation, though general anesthesia may be used for more extensive surgeries. The surgery usually takes one to three hours, depending on whether both upper and lower eyelids are treated.
Consultation
The process begins with a consultation, during which your surgeon assesses your eyelids and discusses your aesthetic goals. This ensures the best treatment plan is tailored to you.
Incision
For upper eyelid surgery, the incision is placed along the natural crease. For lower eyelid surgery, it’s made just below the lashes or inside the lower lid, ensuring minimal visible scarring.
Surgery
Excess skin and fat are removed or repositioned, and muscles are tightened if needed. The incisions are closed with fine sutures.
Post-Operative Care
Detailed care instructions are provided to ensure smooth healing. Patients can expect swelling and bruising for one to two weeks, with full recovery in a few months.
Ideal Candidates for Blepharoplasty
Ideal candidates for blepharoplasty include people in good overall health with realistic expectations. You may benefit from the procedure if you:
- Have drooping or sagging eyelids that make you look tired or older than you feel
- Struggle with puffiness or bags under the eyes
- Experience vision impairment due to excess skin
- Are non-smokers and do not have serious eye conditions
Candidates should also be committed to following pre- and post-operative care guidelines to achieve the best results.
Why Do People Choose Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is chosen for various reasons. For many, it’s a desire to rejuvenate their appearance and reduce visible signs of aging around the eyes. Others opt for the surgery to address functional issues, such as impaired vision caused by drooping eyelids.
Whether for aesthetic or functional reasons, blepharoplasty offers long-lasting improvement, helping you feel more confident, refreshed, and youthful. Combining upper and lower eyelid surgeries can provide even more dramatic, yet natural, results.
Realistic Expectations
While blepharoplasty delivers remarkable results, it’s important to maintain realistic expectations. It’s highly effective for addressing excess skin, fat, and sagging, but it won’t correct dark circles, crow’s feet, or sagging brows. For comprehensive rejuvenation, some people combine blepharoplasty with other procedures, such as a brow lift or laser skin resurfacing.
Results can last for many years, though natural aging will continue. Many patients are satisfied with their appearance for a decade or more before considering further treatment.
Recovery and Downtime
Recovery is relatively straightforward. Most patients experience mild swelling, bruising, and temporary discomfort, all of which can be managed with cold compresses and prescribed medications. Stitches are usually removed within a week, and many people feel comfortable returning to work and social activities after 10 to 14 days.
As swelling subsides, results become more noticeable, and the final effects are typically visible within a few months. Proper post-operative care and a good skin care regimen can help maintain the results for years to come.
Contact The Mack Center Today
If you’re ready to achieve a more refreshed and youthful appearance, The Mack Center is here to help. Our experienced team will guide you through every step of your blepharoplasty journey, from consultation to recovery. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover how eyelid surgery can enhance your natural beauty. Let us help you look and feel your best!
