Eyelid Rejuvenation: What to Know About Blepharoplasty

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations and treatment.

Overview

Blepharoplasty, commonly called eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure aimed at rejuvenating the upper and/or lower eyelids by excising surplus skin, fat, or muscle. Patients often pursue this operation to correct sagging upper lids that can impair vision, to reduce under-eye puffiness, or to restore a more refreshed, alert appearance. Understanding the procedure, candidate criteria, recovery expectations, and possible complications will help you make an informed decision.

How blepharoplasty affects the eyes

Although the primary goal of blepharoplasty is cosmetic improvement, preserving or enhancing eyelid function is equally important. In upper lid surgery, a measured amount of skin and sometimes fat is removed to lift drooping lids that may obstruct peripheral vision. Lower lid procedures typically focus on addressing fat protrusions and loose skin that contribute to a tired look. Incisions are usually placed along natural creases or within the eyelid to keep scars discreet. When properly planned and executed, blepharoplasty can brighten the eye area while maintaining normal eyelid closure, tear flow, and ocular surface health.

Prior to surgery, a detailed eye assessment—often performed by an ophthalmologist or an oculoplastic surgeon—evaluates lid position, tear production, and the surface of the eye to ensure the procedure is safe and appropriate. Functional blepharoplasty is intended not only to improve appearance but also to relieve any vision impairment caused by excess eyelid tissue.

What happens during eyelid surgery

Blepharoplasty is commonly performed under local anesthesia with sedation, though general anesthesia may be chosen for more extensive cases or at the patient’s preference. For upper eyelids, the surgeon marks the natural crease and removes a predetermined strip of skin and, when indicated, pockets of fat. For the lower lids, surgeons may use an external incision just beneath the lash line or a transconjunctival approach (an incision inside the eyelid) to remove or reposition fat without leaving a visible scar.

The operation usually lasts between one and three hours, depending on whether both lids are treated and if procedures like a brow lift or skin resurfacing are combined. Your care team should provide a clear plan beforehand, including the anesthesia choice, incision locations, estimated duration, and immediate aftercare instructions.

Who is a candidate for cosmetic blepharoplasty?

Good candidates are adults in generally good health with realistic expectations. Typical reasons to consider blepharoplasty include drooping upper eyelids, persistent under-eye bags or puffiness that do not respond to lifestyle measures, and eyelid skin that impairs vision. Patients with active eye infections, uncontrolled systemic illness, or untreated severe dry eye are usually not suitable until such conditions are managed.

Evaluation for candidacy involves a review of your medical history, a medication check (including blood thinners and herbal supplements that can raise bleeding risk), and a targeted eye exam. Surgeons commonly advise stopping smoking before and after surgery to improve healing. Discuss your aesthetic goals with a board-certified oculoplastic or facial plastic surgeon to determine whether eyelid surgery alone or in combination with other facial procedures is the best approach.

Recovery: what to expect after eyelid surgery

Early recovery typically includes swelling, bruising, mild discomfort, and sensitivity to light for several days. Applying cold compresses and keeping the head elevated can help reduce swelling. Sutures are frequently removed within 3–7 days for upper lids; lower lid sutures may be removed a little later depending on technique. Most people can resume normal daily activities within 1–2 weeks, but final results and complete resolution of swelling may take several weeks to a few months.

Follow-up visits are essential to monitor healing, confirm appropriate eyelid positioning, and detect any early complications. During recovery you should avoid heavy lifting, contact sports, and strenuous activities that strain the eyes until your surgeon clears you. Using prescribed ointments, eye drops, and sun protection on incision sites supports healing and minimizes visible scarring.

Risks and how surgeons protect your eyelid health

When performed by an experienced, qualified surgeon, blepharoplasty is generally safe, but complications can occur. Potential risks include infection, noticeable scarring, dry eyes, asymmetry, temporary or rarely permanent changes in eyelid position, and, in lower lid surgeries, ectropion (an outward turning of the eyelid) if excessive skin is removed.

Surgeons reduce these risks through careful preoperative evaluation, conservative tissue removal, meticulous surgical technique, and individualized planning. Choosing a board-certified specialist with expertise in eyelid anatomy and function significantly lowers the chance of adverse outcomes. Full disclosure about medications, prior eye surgeries, and medical conditions helps the surgical team anticipate and manage challenges. Prompt postoperative monitoring and early intervention for concerning signs further protect vision and eyelid health.

Alternatives and long-term expectations

Blepharoplasty can deliver durable, natural-looking enhancement when expectations are realistic. Some patients may prefer or benefit from non-surgical options—such as dermal fillers, injectable neuromodulators, or laser skin resurfacing—for minor volume loss or skin texture improvement. In some cases, additional touch-up procedures may be desirable over time to maintain results.

Conclusion

Eyelid surgery is a commonly performed procedure that removes excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle to refresh the eye area and, when needed, improve function. Understanding candidacy criteria, the surgical steps, recovery timeline, and potential complications will help you decide whether blepharoplasty fits your goals. The next essential step is a consultation with an experienced, qualified surgeon for a tailored assessment and safe, individualized plan.