What's the Best Age for Blepharoplasty?

The vast number of products available to treat the eye area makes it clear that this delicate skin requires special care. However, even quality skincare products cannot address issues such as droopy eyelids or undereye bags. Blepharoplasty, also known as an eyelid lift or eyelid surgery, restores your bright, youthful eyes, letting you look refreshed and alert. This procedure can significantly improve the appearance of the delicate eye area.

What is Blepharoplasty or an Eyelid Lift?

The thin skin of your eyelids can show signs of aging sooner than you might expect. Issues like loose or wrinkled upper eyelids or puffy bags under your eyes can make you look older or tired. Some people are born with a genetic predisposition to issues like undereye bags or heavy, drooping upper lids. Blepharoplasty or an eyelid lift addresses these issues to provide a bright, rejuvenated appearance. It can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids or both.

What’s the Best Age For Blepharoplasty?

While you may think of aesthetic surgery like blepharoplasty as correcting signs of aging, this procedure can be beneficial at almost any age. Sagging upper eyelids that make your eyes look hooded or tired-looking undereye bags can bother you at any age. As a result, there is no “best age” for blepharoplasty.

Individuals considering this procedure should be at least 18 years old and in good health. The most common age for people to seek this procedure is in their late 30s or early 40s, but you can benefit at almost any age as long as you are healthy enough. Individuals are seeking eyelid lifts at a younger age than in the past, making it one of the most popular aesthetic surgery procedures.

We recommend a consultation so we can assess your concerns and determine whether you are at an appropriate age for eyelid surgery based on your needs and goals.

How Does an Eyelid Lift Work?

Your eyelid lift may take place under general anesthesia, sedation, or local anesthesia, depending on the procedure. Your comfort and safety are always our goal. Blepharoplasty typically takes one to two hours, depending on whether your surgeon treats your upper lids, lower lids, or both.

Upper Blepharoplasty

During your upper blepharoplasty, your surgeon makes a small incision hidden in the crease of your eyelid. They will remove excess skin for a tighter, smoother appearance and remove or reposition fat pads to make your eyes more visible and less droopy-looking. The incision is closed with sutures that your body will absorb in a few days.

Lower Blepharoplasty

The incision for a lower blepharoplasty may be made inside the eyelid or beneath the eyelash line. Your surgeon will lift and tighten the undereye area while removing or relocating fat pads to reduce the appearance of eye bags and dark shadows. As a result, your undereye area looks smoother and more refreshed.

What is Recovery Like After Blepharoplasty?

Eyelid surgery uses small incisions to minimize your recovery time. You can expect some bruising, swelling, and minor discomfort immediately after your procedure. Cold compresses and sleeping with your head elevated will reduce swelling, and most people can return to work and light activities after a week. You should avoid strenuous activities for two to three weeks, depending on your surgeon’s instructions.

How Long Do Blepharoplasty Results Last?

Eyelid lift results are long-lasting but not permanent. Most people are happy with their results for ten to fifteen years. The aging process continues after your procedure, so you will eventually notice some drooping or other effects. You may choose to have a revision procedure after this time to maintain your results.

People who have their procedure at an earlier age are more likely to need a touch-up procedure in the future as their eyes will have more time to age. However, results differ, and some people may be happy with their results for a lifetime or prefer a revision sooner.

Am I a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

Most healthy adults can safely have eyelid surgery. Good candidates have reasonable expectations and want to address concerns such as droopy eyelids or eye bags. Candidates should understand the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.

You may not be a good candidate for blepharoplasty if you have certain medical conditions, have an infection or skin condition in the eye area, or are pregnant. Your surgeon may also determine that you may benefit more from a different procedure, such as a brow lift. This procedure can also be combined with an eyelid lift for maximum results.

Take the Next Step – Request a Consultation

Want to learn more about blepharoplasty? Schedule your consultation online or by calling Specialty Aesthetic Surgery at (212) 737-8700. We look forward to working with you!

Specialty Aesthetic Surgery serves the greater NYC metro area.

About Our Surgeons

Bruce Moskowitz is an experienced and board-certified oculoplastic surgeon. His practice encompasses all areas of oculoplastic cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He has a well-known reputation for revision surgery, and a large portion of his practice comes from other colleagues to revise sub-optimal outcomes.

Grigoriy Mashkevich is an experienced and double-board certified facial plastic surgeon. He belongs to a highly select group of surgeons with a focused specialization in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the nose, face, and neck.

Dr. Anna Frants is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who is experienced in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Her areas of expertise include surgery of the face, neck, nose, eyelids, eyebrows, and ears.

*Individual results may vary