Blepharoplasty: Upper, Lower, or Both?

A mature couple outside in the snow drinking hot cider with friends near Denver, CO

Eyes that look alert and rested convey youthful energy. When eyelids droop or sag, people tend to look tired and older. That’s why eyelid surgery—also called blepharoplasty—is one of the most popular procedures performed in the U.S. Eyelid surgery patients at our Denver, CO, practice can look several years younger after the procedure. Many of our patients, however, want to know if they need to have both upper and lower blepharoplasty to achieve their goals.

Why Do People Get Eyelid Surgery?

Women and men choose to undergo blepharoplasty for a few reasons. Age-related changes cause upper eyelids to sag and lower eyelids to look puffy or droopy. Eyelid surgery usually involves removing excess skin, fat, and muscle surrounding the eye area.

But eyelid surgery isn’t limited to signs of aging. We’re seeing younger patients who inherit certain traits such as hooded upper eyelids or undereye bags. Other patients have asymmetrical eyelids, a condition that eyelid surgery can correct.

What Are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?

Upper blepharoplasty improves the appearance of the eyes and can actually improve a person’s field of vision, too, because sagging upper eyelids sometimes restrict a patient’s peripheral vision. During the procedure, a surgeon makes an incision in the lid’s natural crease and then removes excess skin and muscle to create a lifted appearance that looks natural. In some cases, fat is removed or repositioned.

Aging can also result in bags under the eyes becoming more pronounced. You may be on a video call and see yourself and not recognize the “old” person you’re seeing on the screen. Undereye bags are something that many women and men want to correct because they can project a weary appearance even when you feel rested and energetic. Lower eyelid surgery, also known as the eye bag treatment, reduces the bags’ prominence under your eyes.

Depending on the technique used by the plastic surgeon, lower eyelid surgery involves making incisions either along the lash line or inside the eyelid, called a transconjunctival incision. Using this hidden incision, a surgeon removes the portion of the under-eye fat pad that’s causing the puffy appearance. This technique hides incision scars, although even exterior incisions are well-concealed.

Can You Combine Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery?

Some men and women only need either upper or lower blepharoplasty, but combining the procedures is a safe and effective option when necessary. Choosing to have both procedures performed during the same operation reduces the time needed for recovery and doesn’t pose any additional risk for the patient.

Dr. Keith Ladner often combines eyelid surgery with other procedures, such as a facelift and neck lift, to produce an overall refreshed appearance for patients. Before-and-after photos featuring some of my actual patients show the results when combining eyelid surgery with other procedures.

Choosing a plastic surgeon who specializes in facial plastic surgery in Denver can help ensure you enjoy the best results possible. Dr. Ladner is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive training and experience. If you’d like to discuss your concerns with Dr. Ladner, contact us online to request a consultation or call us at (303) 253-7686 to schedule an appointment.

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