The eyes are often the first thing people notice, conveying emotion and vitality. However, factors like aging, genetics, and sun exposure can lead to sagging skin, puffiness, and dark circles around the eyes, making you appear tired or older than you feel. If you’re looking for a lasting solution to refresh your appearance, an upper and lower blepharoplasty could be the answer. This comprehensive procedure targets both the upper and lower eyelids to restore a more youthful, alert, and rested look.
What Is Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty?
An upper and lower blepharoplasty is a combined surgical procedure designed to address aesthetic concerns of the entire eye area. It’s also known as a combination eyelid surgery. The “upper” portion focuses on removing excess skin and sometimes a small amount of fat from the upper eyelids, correcting drooping or hooding that can even impair vision. The “lower” portion addresses puffiness, under-eye bags, and fine wrinkles by removing or repositioning excess fat and skin beneath the eyes.
By treating both areas in a single operation, a skilled surgeon can achieve a balanced and harmonious result. The goal of an upper and lower blepharoplasty is not to change your appearance drastically, but to rejuvenate it, helping you look as vibrant as you feel.
Key Benefits of a Combined Eyelid Procedure
Choosing to have an upper and lower blepharoplasty offers several distinct advantages over addressing each area separately.
- Comprehensive Rejuvenation: The most significant benefit is the holistic improvement. By correcting both droopy upper lids and puffy lower lids at the same time, the procedure creates a more natural and cohesive result.
- Improved Vision: For many, sagging upper eyelid skin can hang over the lash line and obstruct their field of vision. An upper blepharoplasty can directly correct this functional issue.
- A More Rested Appearance: Under-eye bags and dark circles can make you look chronically tired. A lower blepharoplasty smooths this area, creating a refreshed and more energetic look. The combination of upper and lower blepharoplasty amplifies this effect.
- Long-Lasting Results: While no cosmetic procedure can stop the aging process, the results of an upper and lower blepharoplasty are very durable. The improvements can last for many years, making it a worthwhile investment in your confidence.
- Single Recovery Period: Undergoing one combined surgery means you only have one period of downtime and recovery, which is more convenient and efficient than staging two separate procedures.
The Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty Procedure
Understanding the surgical process can help you feel more prepared and confident. An upper and lower blepharoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.
- Anesthesia: The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the surgeon’s recommendation and your comfort level.
- Upper Eyelid Incisions: For the upper lid, the surgeon makes a precise incision within the natural crease. This strategic placement ensures that the resulting scar is well-hidden once healed. Through this incision, excess skin is removed, and fat may be repositioned or removed.
- Lower Eyelid Incisions: For the lower lid, the incision can be made just below the lash line or on the inside of the eyelid (a transconjunctival incision). The choice depends on whether skin needs to be removed. The surgeon then removes or redistributes the fat causing the puffiness.
- Closing Incisions: The incisions are closed with fine, dissolvable, or removable sutures.
The entire upper and lower blepharoplasty surgery generally takes about two hours to complete.
Recovery and What to Expect
Proper post-operative care is crucial for a smooth recovery and optimal results. Immediately after the upper and lower blepharoplasty, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort around the eyes.
Your surgeon will provide specific aftercare instructions, which typically include:
- Applying cold compresses to reduce swelling.
- Keeping your head elevated, even while sleeping.
- Using prescribed eye drops or ointments to prevent infection.
- Avoiding strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending over for a few weeks.
Most swelling and bruising will subside significantly within 10 to 14 days. Many people feel comfortable returning to work and social activities at this point, often using makeup to conceal any remaining discoloration. While you will see improvements quickly, the final, refined results of your upper and lower blepharoplasty will become fully apparent over the next few months as everything settles.
Is Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty Right for You?
Ideal candidates for an upper and lower blepharoplasty are individuals in good general health with realistic expectations. You may be a good candidate if you experience:
- Droopy or hooded upper eyelids.
- Excess skin on the upper eyelids that interferes with your vision.
- Puffy “bags” under your eyes.
- Excess skin and fine wrinkles on your lower eyelids.
It is important to have a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. They will evaluate your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and confirm if an upper and lower blepharoplasty is the best approach to achieve the results you desire. This consultation is the perfect time to ask questions and ensure you feel confident moving forward with the procedure. This surgery delivers a refreshed, natural look that can boost your confidence for years to come.