There’s a reason blepharoplasty has quietly become the number one requested facial procedure in the world—it works. This delicate eyelid surgery can remove years from the face, brighten a tired gaze and correct drooping or puffiness in ways that no topical can match.
“Eyelid surgery isn’t just about removing skin or fat, it’s about reshaping the eyes in a way that looks natural and not surgical,” says Boca Raton, FL oculoplastic surgeon Steven Fagien, MD. “The key to great results is finesse and understanding the complex anatomy of the eyelid area.”
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Upper blepharoplasty targets sagging or hooded upper eyelids, which can sometimes impair vision or make the eyes look smaller. Lower blepharoplasty addresses puffiness or “bags” under the eyes caused by fat pads or skin laxity. In some cases, both are performed together for a full eye rejuvenation.
“In upper eyelid surgery, removing too much skin or fat can make someone look hollow or surprised,” says Dr. Fagien. “With lower lids, the risk is pulling the lid down or creating a hollow appearance. You need to maintain support and harmony with the rest of the face.”
Scottsdale, AZ facial plastic surgeon Kelly Bomer, MD, says the procedure is also advancing. “Blepharoplasty has been a main focus of mine for years, and pairing the surgery with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has greatly improved the healing process. The result is often an almost invisible scar and a much faster recovery.”
Who Is Getting Blepharoplasty?
“We’re seeing a significant rise in blepharoplasty patients, especially men who want to stay in the workforce longer and look more youthful and less tired,” says Woodbury, NY oculoplastic surgeon David Schlessinger, MD. “There’s also been a jump in younger patients coming in who don’t like the appearance of hooded eyes or under-eye bags. More people are viewing it as a prejuvenation procedure—they want to maintain a youthful appearance before aging really sets in.”
What Is Recovery Like?
Most patients experience mild swelling and bruising for a few days. Stitches come out within a week, and makeup can usually be worn shortly after. Downtime typically lasts about 7–10 days, and final results continue to refine over several weeks.