How To Know if It’s Time for Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Woman touching face and smiling after eyelid surgery in scottsdale, az

Most of the eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) patients we see at our Scottsdale, AZ, practice want to address age-related changes that affect their appearance. But there are other reasons to consider eyelid surgery, even for patients in their 20s and 30s.

Some women and men pursue nonsurgical treatments, such as dermal fillers or BOTOX® injections, to address the concerns they have about their eyelids. But those procedures don’t provide the long-lasting results offered by eyelid surgery. So, how do you know when it’s time to schedule either upper or lower blepharoplasty—or, in some cases, both? That’s what we’ll explain in this blog post.

Signs You’re Ready for Eyelid Surgery

The upper and lower eyelid skin is particularly delicate and tends to reveal signs of aging earlier than other facial features. Using over-the-counter skincare products or nonsurgical med spa treatments such as laser skin resurfacing can keep the skin looking youthful for a few years or so, but at some point, surgery is necessary.

It’s time to consider surgery if you:

Look tired even when you’ve had plenty of sleep and feel rested: You may notice this yourself while looking in the mirror or during a video conference call, or you might be asked often if you’re tired. Puffy, saggy, and heavier eyelids can make it appear you’re always tired or sad. Blepharoplasty makes your eyes appear wider and helps you look more alert, rested, and content.

Have under-eye bags: Puffiness under the eyes can be caused by everything from lack of sleep and dehydration to genetics or aging. If you have bags under your eyes consistently, regardless of how much sleep you get, lower eyelid surgery can help.

Notice your side vision is impaired by sagging upper eyelids: Peripheral vision—being aware of things happening to the sides without turning to look directly at them—is important. Hooded upper eyelids can interfere with your line of sight, which can be both annoying and pose safety concerns.

How Does Eyelid Surgery Help?

Upper eyelid surgery trims excess skin and, if needed, removes fat to create a more alert appearance. The surgeon makes an incision within the natural eyelid crease, so the scar is imperceptible. The procedure typically takes no more than 30 minutes.

The incisions for lower eyelid surgery may be made just below the lash line on the exterior or on the inside of the lid if the procedure is limited to fat removal. During lower blepharoplasty, a surgeon may remove excess skin, muscle, and protruding fat from the lower eyelids. The surgery takes about 45 minutes.

Some patients opt to combine upper and lower eyelid surgery during a single operation.

Should You Get Eyelid Surgery?

The best candidates for blepharoplasty are in good overall health, have realistic expectations about the results, and have time to recover. The best way for patients to know if they are ready for a blepharoplasty surgery is to seek the professional opinion of a plastic surgeon who performs this type of surgery. 

You can request a consultation to discuss blepharoplasty at our Scottsdale practice using the online form or calling us at (480) 214-9955 to schedule an appointment.

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