Blepharoplasty FAQs

Blepharoplasty is an “eyelid lift” surgery that involves tightening and sculpting the upper and sometimes lower eyelids in order. It can be purely cosmetic, to restore a youthful appearance to the eyes. Or it can be medically motivated to improve vision, when sagging upper eyelids obstruct the ability to see.

Blepharoplasty surgery on the upper eyelid can prevent it from drooping. Blepharoplasty surgery on the lower eyelid is generally performed to reduce swelling and puffiness. Whether performed to improve one’s vision or for purely cosmetic purposes, blepharoplasty generally results in the patient looking considerably younger and more well-rested than before their procedure.

In this article Birmingham, MI board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali answers patients most frequently asked questions about blepharoplasty eyelid lift surgery.

Who is a candidate for blepharoplasty?

In most cases sagging upper eyelid skin is the result of loss of skin tone due to aging. Many people also experience very prominent under eye bags as part of the aging process.

However, “drooping” eyelids can be hereditary. For example, some ethnicities have a flatter facial structure that can leave patients with eyes that they feel do not look sufficiently open. Drooping eyelids can also, in rare case, be the result of certain medical conditions.

Individuals with loose skin or bulges of fat in their upper eyelid are perfect candidates for upper blepharoplasty. Other good candidates for upper blepharoplasty are people who experience feelings of heaviness in their eyelids, as well as people whose eyelids sag to the point of creating obstruction of their upper field of vision.

Candidates for lower blepharoplasty surgery are people with bags or bulges beneath their eyes. And, many patient undergo a complete eye rejuvenation and have an upper and lower blepharoplasty performed at the same time. Eyelid lift surgery is also often done in conjunction with facelift surgery for a total facial rejuvenation. While the facelift can tighten or remove sagging skin from the lower face and neck, an eyelid lift can brighten and “de-age” the eye area.

What is the best age to have blepharoplasty?

Being a candidate for blepharoplasty has less to do with age and more to do with cosmetic or vision necessity. Anyone at almost any age who is experiencing sagging, laxity, or bulging of the eyelids can be a candidate for blepharoplasty – as long as they are in reasonably good health.

At AMAE Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, MI some of our blepharoplasty patients have undergone an eyelid lift as young as in their 30s. These younger eyelid lift patients are typically women or men who have eyelids they dislike resulting from heredity or ethnicity. Age related eyelid drooping, however, typically begins in a man or woman’s 40s or 50s. Dr. Ali has treated the greatest number of patients with blepharoplasty surgery in their 50s and 60s. However, even patients in their 70s or older can safely undergo eyelid lift surgery – since it is a safe, routine, and minimally invasive surgery that only requires local anesthetic.

Where are the incisions in blepharoplasty?

During upper blepharoplasty, the incisions are hidden in the eyelids’ upper crease, where they are virtually invisible. Occasionally, they will extend into the eyelid’s “crow’s feet” crease, but this is typically not necessary.

During lower blepharoplasty, fat is removed by making an incision on the inside of the lower eyelid (the medical name for which is transconjunctival blepharoplasty). In cases of lower blepharoplasty calling for the removal of skin, a small incision is made in the area directly below the eyelashes of the lower eyelid. This also conceals any minor scarring that may occur.

Does blepharoplasty leave scars?

While there is always a scar after any surgery, the eyelid typically heals better than skin on other parts of the body. Eyelid scars are carefully hidden in the crease on the upper eyelid, and along the last line on the lower eyelid – so they are almost undetectable.

In most cases, upper blepharoplasty scars can only be seen – very faintly – when the eyes are closed. When a person’s eyes are open, only someone who knew precisely what they were looking for would be able to notice a blepharoplasty scar. If you are concerned, normal eye makeup typically conceals any blepharoplasty scars on the upper eyelid.

And the position of lower blepharoplasty scars are directly below the eyelashes making them practically invisible.

What’s the difference between blepharoplasty and a brow lift?

Both blepharoplasty and a brow lift are excellent procedures for patients who want to eliminate signs of aging on the upper half of the face. But each procedure is designed to target different concerns. Many patients only need one or the other, while some of our Birmingham, MI patients choose to have both done, for optimal anti-aging!

Anyone with sagging lids whose brow has a desirable arch that is located directly about the eye socket will generally only require an eyelift.

However, a patient experiencing “hooding” that extends beyond the eyelid’s corner may require a brow lift in addition to blepharoplasty. Or, if one can push their brows up to a desired, more youthful height with their fingers, they may also require a brow lift.

Can I have other procedures done with my blepharoplasty?

Since blepharoplasty is performed relatively quickly, it is frequently performed in conjunction with other procedures. Undergoing blepharoplasty with other procedures generally only adds less than an hour to the total procedure time. Common procedures performed with blepharoplasty are facelifts, rhinoplasty (nose job), brow lifts, neck liposuction, or chin implants – all of which can be performed by Birmingham, MI board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali.

Top Blepharoplasty Surgeon – Birmingham, MI

If you’re in the Birmingham, MI or greater Detroit area and are considering blepharoplasty, contact Dr. Ali today for a consultation. Birmingham, MI board-certified plastic surgeon and blepharoplasty expert Dr. Ali will gladly answer any questions you have about how your vision or cosmetic goals can be met through eyelid lift surgery, and other surgical or non-surgical procedures.

What You Should Know About Blepharoplasty (eyelid lifts)