Recovery After Upper Blepharoplasty: What to Expect
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a popular procedure to refresh the appearance of the eyes by removing excess skin, fat, or both from the upper or lower eyelids.
Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin from the upper eyelid, which can become hooded or heavy with age. This opens up the eyes, making them look brighter and more youthful.
Lower blepharoplasty targets bags and excess skin under the eyes, smoothing out the area for a more rested, natural look.
Many patients wonder how long the results last and what they can do to maintain their refreshed look. Let’s break it down in simple terms.
How Long Do Blepharoplasty Results Last?
Upper Blepharoplasty
This varies from person to person because aging is influenced by a person’s genetics and lifestyle. However, on average, upper blepharoplasty results last around 12 to 15 years. In some cases, results can last even longer, even up to 20 years, if the eyelids and brow area remain
relatively stable.
One key factor is the condition of your brow area. If your brows are heavy or starting to droop, that can shorten the lifespan of your upper blepharoplasty results. No surgery can stop gravity, and over time, a descending brow can lead to a return of a hooded appearance. If this is a concern, a brow lift may be recommended in addition to blepharoplasty to achieve longer-lasting results.
When you come in for a consultation, our surgeons will take a big-picture approach. Instead of just looking at your eyelids in isolation, they will assess how your brows, forehead, and entire eye area contribute to your appearance. If you’re someone with a heavy brow, they may suggest combining blepharoplasty with a brow lift to provide the best long-term results. It is often easier to address both issues at the same time rather than waiting for additional procedures down the road.
A few lifestyle habits can help extend the effects of your surgery:
Avoiding sun exposure is a big one. Wearing sunscreen and a hat outdoors can prevent premature skin aging. Using a good moisturizer and eye cream can also help keep the skin around your eyes healthy.
Finally, there are some non-invasive treatments, such as microneedling, that can help maintain skin quality and can make your results last longer.
Lower Blepharoplasty
The results of lower blepharoplasty are generally long-lasting. Since under-eye bags are often genetic, once they are surgically removed, they usually don’t return. That said, surgery won’t stop the aging process, and some patients may see subtle changes 10 to 15 years later. Of course, this can also depend on the age that they were when they had the surgery. In some cases, a minor touch-up procedure may be needed to remove any small amount of fat that reappears over time.
What Is the Best Age for Blepharoplasty?
Most patients seeking blepharoplasty are in their 40s or 50s, as this is when signs of aging around the eyes become more noticeable. However, there’s no strict rule about when you can have the procedure.
Some patients in their 30s choose lower blepharoplasty because they have genetic under-eye bags that don’t improve with skincare or lifestyle changes. If under-eye puffiness or hooded eyelids run in your family, surgery can be an effective solution.
Blepharoplasty at Interplast Clinic
Blepharoplasty is a long-lasting solution for a refreshed, youthful look. While no procedure can completely stop aging, the results can endure for well over a decade and beyond. With the right approach to skincare and sun protection, you can enjoy your results for as long as possible. If you’re considering eyelid surgery, get in touch with our expert team to schedule an appointment. Our surgeons will evaluate your eye area to recommend the best treatment plan for your unique needs.
Contact our expert team today for more information.