If you suffer from chronically tired eyes and sagging skin, the expert-loved blepharoplasty may be for you. And you’re in luck, as the eyelid lift surges in popularity, this surgical fix has fast become a beloved standard in eye enhancement. Leading the way, Stanford, CA double-board certified facial plastic surgeon Sam P. Most, MD tells us what separates the good blepharoplasties from the great.
More Visible Than Ever
You may have seen more about the eyelid lift in recent years (pun intended).
“The popularity of blepharoplasty has always been high, but in the past few years, its visibility and appeal have surged,” Dr. Most explains. “Social media has increasingly highlighted the importance of beauty in the upper third of the face. Additionally, the growing discussion and promotion of cosmetic enhancements like Botox, fillers, brow lifts and blepharoplasty on these platforms have significantly increased public interest in these procedures.”
Part of the reason the appeal is so wide is because the blepharoplasty can address the upper eyelid, the lower eyelid, or both, depending on your needs.
“There are two main types of this procedure,” Dr. Most clarifies. “Upper lid blepharoplasty, which involves contouring the upper eyelid skin along with the brow, and lower eyelid blepharoplasty, which usually involves contouring the fat of the lower lid along with the cheek.”
When to Think About Blepharoplasty
According to Dr. Most, the average age for an eyelid lift is 35 and above.
“A good candidate for blepharoplasty is someone in good health without any eye conditions such as dry eye or glaucoma,” Dr. Most says. “The procedure is ideal for individuals with either excess skin on the upper eyelids or fat herniation (puffiness) in the lower lids that can be improved through surgery.”
But that excess skin and puffiness can appear in younger patients.
“We do see many patients younger than middle age considering blepharoplasty, particularly those dealing with issues of fat herniation in the lower lids (puffiness) that aren’t related to allergies or lack of sleep,” Dr. Most notes. “Addressing these concerns at an earlier age can help individuals maintain a more youthful appearance over time.”
What Separates Good from Great
With more blepharoplasties being performed, Dr. Most anticipates the trend will continue to rise in popularity.
“Yes, I believe blepharoplasty will continue to be popular and may even see a rise in popularity,” Dr. Most says. “As awareness increases and patients realize that fillers and other non-surgical options are not entirely risk-free, more individuals may opt for blepharoplasty as a solution that can offer more definitive and lasting results.”
And if you’re looking for an eyelid lift, you want the best possible outcome. When reviewing a plastic surgeon’s before and after cases, consider if the result looks like a natural refresh.
“A great blepharoplasty, when performed well, results in a natural rejuvenation of the eyes, one of the most expressive and noticeable areas of the face,” Dr. Most explains. “The skill of the surgeon is crucial in achieving an outcome that enhances the patient’s appearance without making them look overly ‘done.’ Correcting the early signs of aging in the eye area can be quite life-changing and provide a significant boost in confidence and self-perception.”
