The eyes are the focal point of the face. They’re the first thing you notice in other people — and often where your own gaze lands in the mirror.
Because of that, we want our eyes to express emotion clearly, appear open and inviting to others, and allow us to see the world without obstruction.
That’s exactly what eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, aims to help with. Whether due to age or genetics, some people experience heavy or sagging eyelids, which can lead them to consider surgery.
Read on to find out who is considered a good candidate, whether it’s worth it for signs of aging, and what to expect from the procedure itself.
What makes someone a good candidate?
There isn’t really a “too young” or “too old” for eyelid surgery, but most patients who get it done are looking to refresh their appearance and look younger.
To be a good candidate, you’ll usually need to have signs like significant lines or wrinkles around the eyes, drooping tissue, or excess skin that can even start to block your vision. Some people also struggle to fully emote through their eyes, which can make them look tired, upset, or less approachable — even when they don’t feel that way.
It’s also important to be in generally good health, not have serious eye conditions, and have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve.
What can blepharoplasty do to make you look younger?
One of the biggest ways eyelid surgery can make you look younger is by tightening up the skin around your eyes.
As we age, it’s normal for the skin in that area to loosen, which can cause drooping, puffiness, or just a tired look — even when you feel wide awake.
During an eyelid surgery, a surgeon removes extra skin and fat deposits, and smoothes out wrinkles around the eyes, helping create a fresher, more alert appearance.
For some people, it even helps correct vision problems caused by sagging lids getting in the way.
Everyone’s aging process looks a little different, so results aren’t going to look the same from person to person. A good surgeon will take the time to understand exactly what you want and make a plan that feels right for you.
Here’s what the procedure involves
Since heavy or sagging eyelids vary in shape from person to person, surgery also differs based on the patient’s needs.
Generally, it involves making a small incision along the natural creases of the eye and removing any unwanted excess skin. Some patients may need work on both the upper and lower eyelids, while others only require one or the other.
In some cases, fat or muscle may also be repositioned or removed during the procedure to improve contour and reduce puffiness.
The procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis and involves general anesthesia, although some surgeons may use local anesthesia instead. Surgery usually lasts between one and a half to three hours, and most patients are able to go home the same day.
As far as recovery goes, most of the time it’s pretty minimal. Most patients can cover up any bruising with makeup after about a week. You can usually get back to your normal day-to-day activities around then too, but it’s a good idea to wait another two or three weeks before jumping back into anything more intense, like exercise.
Conclusion
While blepharoplasty is an efficient surgery with a high success rate, it’s not something that looks exactly the same for everyone. How much extra skin you have, how your body heals, and what kind of results you’re after all play a role in what you can expect.
As far as results go, eyelid surgery can definitely make a difference in how young you appear. By tightening the skin and opening up the eyes, it can make you look fresher and more awake — which naturally makes you look younger, too.
If you’re thinking about taking that next step, Dr. Mark Bosbous in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, offers a personal, professional approach. He’ll walk you through everything, make sure you know what to expect, and work with you to create a plan that actually fits what you’re looking for.
Book a consultation with us today to get started.