Is Eyelid Surgery Right for You? Benefits, Risks & Ideal Candidates
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is one of the most widely performed cosmetic procedures worldwide, and for good reason. It can refresh your appearance, open your eyes, and even improve vision in cases where excess skin blocks your line of sight.
At Ford Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, we want you to feel fully informed before making any decisions. Although blepharoplasty is highly effective, it is still a surgical procedure with specific considerations and potential side effects. Understanding how the surgery works and what results you can expect will help you move forward with confidence.
What Is Blepharoplasty and How Can It Enhance Your Appearance?
Blepharoplasty is a surgery that reshapes your eyelids. During the procedure, the surgeons can remove extra skin, tighten muscles, and adjust small fat pockets around the eye.
The most common reason for getting blepharoplasty is cosmetic. Since the skin around the eyes is very thin, it's often the first place where you see aging signs. Blepharoplasty helps reduce puffiness and fights against under-eye bags. As a result, eyes look younger and "more awake."
The second most common reason is vision issues. Drooping eyelids can block vision and reduce a person's quality of life. Blepharoplasty minimizes drooping and offers long-lasting results.
Upper Bleph vs. Lower Bleph
There are two primary types of eyelid surgery: upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty. Upper eyelid surgery targets excess skin on the top lid, making it an excellent option if drooping lids are affecting your vision or giving your eyes a tired appearance.
Lower blepharoplasty addresses puffiness, under-eye bags, and loose skin beneath the eyes. During this procedure, fat is removed or repositioned, and the surrounding skin is tightened to create a smoother, more refreshed look.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
The best candidates are healthy adults who want to improve the look or function of their eyelids. Most patients choose surgery in their 40s to 70s. At this age, eyelid skin usually becomes looser. However, younger adults with inherited puffiness or droopy lids can also benefit from the procedure.
Factors surgeons consider include:
Health: No uncontrolled diabetes, severe dry eye, or bleeding disorders.
Lifestyle: Smoking increases healing problems, so many surgeons require stopping beforehand.
Eye conditions: Thyroid eye disease or glaucoma may require special planning.
Goals: Patients should expect improvement, not perfection.
Candidates include individuals whose upper eyelids are sufficiently low to interfere with vision, and candidates simply want the eye area to look smoother and less tired. Both reasons are valid, provided that the patient understands what surgery can and cannot do.
Overall, ideal candidates have good general health and realistic expectations.
Understanding the Risks of Eyelid Surgery
Most blepharoplasty side effects are mild, expected, and short-lived. Swelling, bruising, temporary dryness, irritation, and brief blurry vision are common during the first one to two weeks of healing. These symptoms typically resolve on their own as your body recovers.
Serious complications are uncommon. Infections, bleeding, difficulty fully closing the eyes, or changes in eyelid position can occur but are rare. Infrequent risks, such as eye injury, are typically associated with pre-existing health concerns or inexperienced surgical technique.
You can reduce risks by following the doctor's instructions carefully:
Use cold compresses to reduce swelling during the first 48 hours
Avoid rubbing your eyes
Stop smoking before and after surgery
Avoid blood-thinning medications unless approved
Keep follow-up appointments
The most important safety step is choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon or oculoplastic surgeon. Training and experience are significant factors in both avoiding complications and achieving natural results.
Schedule Your Consultation with Ford Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
At Ford Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons bring years of specialized blepharoplasty experience to every patient we serve. Your journey starts with a thoughtful, in-depth consultation where we listen to your goals, evaluate your needs, and offer tailored recommendations designed to achieve a natural, refreshed result. Contact us today to schedule your professional assessment and take the next step toward brighter, more confident eyes.
Image Credit: Tatiana Foxy / Shutterstock