Our upper and lower eyelids are both essential to our vision and play a significant part in defining our beauty. However, over time the aging process, environment, genetics, and life take their collective toll. This results in changes to the tone, texture, and elasticity of the skin and, in some cases, to the muscles of the eyelid. Show
What are the differences between the aging changes that happen to upper vs lower eyelids? Are there medical differences in what can happen to upper and lower eyelids? Eyelid surgery is one of the most common cosmetic surgical procedures performed in the United States today. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the eyelids. Surgery on Upper and Lower EyelidsCorrective surgery can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both at the same time. The skin around our eyes is delicate and is typically the first thing to visibly show signs of aging. Just like the lower eyelids, the upper eyelids can be considered a cosmetic procedure to help correct some of the first signs of aging when the appearance of the skin is thin, wrinkled, or looser in laxity. Since the skin around the eyes is delicate and is more susceptible to breaking down, this can also lead to problems with our vision. If the eyelid skin begins to droop, it can easily impact your peripheral vision. At this point, the upper eyelid procedure would be considered functional and may even be covered by your insurance! Deciding to have surgery on the upper or lower eyelids or both, can be a big decision and can differ patient to patient depending on cost, recovery, and goals after surgery! Cost differences:In some cases, the upper eyelids may impair your vision or peripheral vision. In these cases, the upper eyelid procedure may be covered by your medical insurance. For reasons pertaining to the look or appearance of the upper or lower lids, the procedure would be considered cosmetic and would be billed at a self-pay rate. Time differences:The procedure typically takes 45 minutes to 1 hour for upper blepharoplasty and 90 minutes for lower blepharoplasty. Up to 2.5 hours for a combined procedure. These procedures may be combined with other functional or cosmetic procedures which may extend the surgical duration. Surgery differences:Preparation for surgery remains the same whether you choose to have surgery on one or both eye areas. The main difference in the procedure types is where the incisions will be made. During the upper eyelid procedure, incisions are made in the natural crease where excess skin or fat will be removed to help give off a more well-rested and youthful appearance. For the lower eyelid procedure, an oculoplastic surgeon will make an incision below the lower eyelash line to help remove or redistribute any excess fat or skin within that area. Patients who may benefit from lower eyelid surgery make be experiencing puffiness, dark bags or circles below their eyes. Both procedures will help give off a more youthful look and will hide any incisions or scars with natural creases of the eye. Recovery differences:Whether you decide to have one or both procedures done at the same time, the time it takes to recover will remain the same. During your recovery, antibiotic ointment and cool compresses may be applied to help limit potential swelling and bruising. You will be provided with specific instructions to care for your eyelids, medications to apply or take orally, and potential limitations on physical activity. Initial healing may include swelling, bruising, foreign body sensation, dry eyes, itchiness and little to no pain. Symptoms are often managed with oral/topical medications and cool compresses. Bruising tends to resolve in 7 to 10 days and swelling continues to improve. Most patients are able to return to full activity in 2 to 3 weeks; however, it may take several months to achieve a final result. How long will the results of blepharoplasty last? Is blepharoplasty a major surgery? How long will it take to recover? These are all common questions asked by patients considering a blepharoplasty procedure, also known as eyelid surgery. It seems almost every part of the body is subject to the signs of aging, even our eyelids. Women and men turn to this procedure for cosmetic reasons, but in some cases, it can be a medical need. Besides making you look older, droopy eyelids can reduce a person’s side (peripheral) vision. Blepharoplasty can eliminate those vision problems and help patients look years younger in the process. Even in some cases, a patient’s health insurance may cover upper and lower eyelid surgery when deemed a medical necessity. If you’re considering upper or lower eyelid surgery in Scottsdale, AZ, you should know more about the procedure and who should perform it. Dr. Sidney Starkman is a board-certified surgeon and founder of Starkman Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery. Along with his skilled team, Dr. Starkman has helped countless patients tackle their reasons for having this surgical procedure. While a lower eyelid procedure reduces puffiness, upper eyelid surgery removes excess skin that weighs down a person’s eyelids. Whether you need only one or a combination of both, Dr. Starkman can help. Here is a look at what to expect with upper and lower eyelid surgery before scheduling your consultation appointment. Is blepharoplasty a major surgery?Eyelid surgery can be performed on the top and bottom eyelids. Double eyelid surgery is when Dr. Starkman performs the procedure in both areas at the same time. Undergoing any surgery, whether medical or elective, should be performed by a qualified, experienced surgeon. Even though it is an outpatient procedure, patients usually have concerns about the surgical process and recovery. During your private consultation, Dr. Starkman will assess what you need, create a surgical plan, and explain in detail what it will entail so you are better informed prior to the procedure. How is upper eyelid surgery performed?There are two different types of eyelid surgery that can be performed either together or separately. The most common among Scottsdale patients is an upper blepharoplasty. Upper eyelid surgery focuses on the removal of excess skin and fat that falls over the natural crease of the eye, creating a hooded appearance. A common issue that older men and women struggle with as their facial skin loses elasticity. Aesthetically, upper eyelid surgery can improve the presence of the eye, leaving a more rounded look. As a medical need, it can restore the function of the eyelid by removing excess skin that is impeding a person’s vision.
How is lower eyelid surgery performed?Lower blepharoplasty is performed to reduce puffiness under the eyes. Lower eyelid surgery improves the contour of the eyelid underneath to eliminate droopy tissue and undereye bags. This procedure can be performed in conjunction with upper eyelid surgery when needed. Patients can have one surgery and one recovery period at home when both procedures are done at the same time.
How long does it take to recover from blepharoplasty?For women and men in Scottsdale, this outpatient procedure typically takes 45 minutes but can last up to 2 hours if other cosmetic procedures are done simultaneously. It is a surgical procedure that does require general anesthesia. Patients will need someone to drive them home after surgery and stay with them for at least 24 hours. After the procedure, it is normal to have some eye redness and slight bruising or swelling. Patients can expect to experience these post-op symptoms for the first couple of weeks, and over-the-counter pain medication can help ease any side effects. Patients in general see instant results with their eyelid surgery and can expect to love their rejuvenated look for several years. Contact Dr. StarkmanWith upper and lower eyelid surgery, patients usually get to enjoy their results for ten years or longer. A blepharoplasty is a transforming procedure that repairs droopy eyelids and eliminates puffiness. As a result, patients not only feel better but look years younger. Though we can’t stop the aging process, patients can further benefit their blepharoplasty results with nonsurgical anti-aging treatments like laser skin resurfacing or photofacials with Starkman Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery. Dr. Sidney Starkman is a board-certified surgeon who will guide you every step of the way on your facial rejuvenation journey. Whether you want to look refreshed or your vision is impaired, our team at Starkman Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery can help. If you are interested in upper or lower eyelid surgery, then we invite you to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Starkman in Scottsdale, AZ today. Should upper and lower eyelid surgery be done at the same time?Lower eyelid surgery improves the contour of the eyelid underneath to eliminate droopy tissue and undereye bags. This procedure can be performed in conjunction with upper eyelid surgery when needed. Patients can have one surgery and one recovery period at home when both procedures are done at the same time.
How long does it take to heal from an upper and lower blepharoplasty?Patients who have undergone upper lid surgery will usually be able to go back after 7-10 days. The recovery time is a little longer for lower lid surgery, with time off work increasing to 10-14 days.
How long does upper and lower eyelid surgery last?The results of blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) are generally long lasting. It's not uncommon for the longevity of results to vary slightly between patients, but you can expect the results of upper eyelid surgery to last about 5 to 7 years, and lower eyelid surgery results are essentially permanent.
What can I expect after upper and lower eyelid surgery?Your eyelids will probably look puffy after surgery. The incisions will probably look red, too. The swelling and bruising involved with blepharoplasty recovery tend to resemble a black eye. That is all normal.
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Before and after upper and lower eyelid surgery
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