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How to Choose Between Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery?

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Introduction

You wake up, look in the mirror, and notice those tired, droopy eyelids or persistent under-eye bags staring back at you. Did you ever feel that no matter how much sleep you have gotten, or how many eye creams you have tried, your eye bags don’t go away? If so, you might be thinking whether eyelid surgery- upper or lower, or maybe both could be the solution to help you feel refreshed and youthful as you feel on the inside.

Yes, identifying the right type of eyelid surgery can feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to worry because you aren’t alone. When it comes to eye rejuvenation, many people grapple with the same question: which one is best for me? Don’t worry because today we will be diving into the complexities of upper and lower eyelid surgery, so you can make the most informed choice!

What is Eyelid Surgery?

Let’s start with the most basic question: what is eyelid surgery all about? The eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is a surgical process that’s done to remove excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle from the eyelids. The goal of this surgery is to remove the appearance of droopy or puffy eyes, so you get a more young and refreshed look. 

Typically, there are two main types of this surgery:

  • Upper Eyelid Surgery: The upper eyelid surgery focuses on removing or repositioning excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids. 
  • Lower Eyelid Surgery: This one targets the bags or puffiness under your eyes. 

Based on the concerns you have for your eyes, you can choose any of these, or even combine the two with a double eyelid surgery for more comprehensive results.

Everything You Need to Know About Upper Eyelid Surgery

The upper eyelid surgery is usually done to address sagging skin that hangs over the eyelashes line, which is otherwise known as the “hooded eyes.” Typically, this condition could be a result of aging, but yes, genetics play a massive role in creating hooded eyes too.  In fact, some people naturally have more skin in this area, and as the skin loses elasticity over time, it can sag, and make you look sad, tired, or older than you actually are. In more extreme cases, the droopy skin can even affect your vision, especially the peripheral vision.

Who Should Go for Upper Eyelid Surgery?

You can go for upper eyelid surgery, if:

  • Your upper eyelids sag, and they create a heavy, tired appeal, or they tend to block your vision. 
  • You have fine lines or wrinkles. While this may not be the primary reason for upper eyelid surgery, some people think that lifting the eyelid can also help to smooth out some of the finer lines in this area. 
  • You find it challenging to apply makeup because your eyelids are really droopy, and applying eyeliner or eye shadow isn’t an option.

What to Expect During Upper Eyelid Surgery?

The upper eyelid surgery is quite straightforward, and most surgeons even perform it under local anesthesia with sedation. So, you will be relaxed but awake, and the area will be completely numb. The surgeon will start by making a tiny incision along the natural crease of your upper eyelid. Why there? Because it hides any scar so well that no one will even notice you had surgery!

Once the incision is made, any excess skin (and sometimes fat) is carefully removed or repositioned to give your eyelids a smoother, more youthful appearance. Then, the incision is closed with fine stitches. Recovery is quicker than you might think. Most people are back to their normal routine in about one to two weeks, but there will be some swelling and bruising initially, which you need to go through for a more refreshed appeal. After all, no pain, no gain!

A Brief Overview of Lower Eyelid Surgery

Now, let’s shift gears and discuss lower eyelid surgery. If under-eye bags are the bane of your existence, you’re not alone! These pesky “bags” often develop as the muscles and tissues around our eyes weaken with age. Fat that was once in a smooth, supportive layer starts to push forward, creating puffiness and shadows that can make you look perpetually tired. Lower eyelid surgery is specifically designed to tackle these issues. Here’s how it works:

Who is Lower Eyelid Surgery Best For?

This procedure is ideal if you:
  • Struggle with under-eye bags or puffiness: If no amount of sleep or creams can fix the bags under your eyes, this surgery can help.
  • Have dark circles: Surgery may help reduce the appearance of dark circles caused by shadows from the under-eye bags.
Notice loose or wrinkled skin under your eyes: If you are dealing with sagging skin or fine lines, this procedure smooths and tightens the area for a rejuvenated look.

What to Expect During Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower eyelid surgery can also be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or, in some cases, general anesthesia. The surgeon usually makes the incision just below the lower lash line or inside the lower eyelid (this approach is called transconjunctival, and it leaves no visible scar). Once the incision is made, the surgeon will carefully remove or reposition fat and, if necessary, remove any excess skin. The result? A smoother, more rested appearance that makes you look like you’ve had the best sleep of your life- every night! Recovery time is pretty similar to upper eyelid surgery. Expect some swelling and bruising for about one to two weeks, after which your refreshed look will start to shine through.

Should You Combine Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery?

So now you are probably wondering, “If I’m dealing with both sagging upper eyelids and under-eye bags, should I just go for both?” Great question! Combining upper and lower eyelid surgery is actually a very popular choice.

Why? Because:

  • It creates balance: Both areas are addressed at the same time, giving your eyes a harmonious, youthful look.
  • It’s efficient: You only go through one surgery and recovery period, saving time and energy.

It’s cost-effective: Combining surgeries typically reduces overall costs since you only pay for anesthesia and surgical fees once.

Ready for the Next Step?

If you want to go for eyelid surgery without any second thoughts, book a consultation with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon, who specializes in the niche. Looking for someone who can help you with eye bag removal surgery? Consult the team of expert plastic surgeons at Tremp Plastic Surgery today!