Understanding Upper vs. Lower Blepharoplasty: Which Eyelid Surgery Do You Need?

The eyes are often the first area of the face to show signs of aging. Drooping upper eyelids, under-eye bags, and excess skin can make you appear tired, older, or less vibrant than you feel. 

Here at Dr. Brandon Plastic Surgery, we offer blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, to help restore your naturally refreshed and youthful appearance.

Eyelid surgery isn’t just one singular procedure. You may undergo upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or a combination of both. 

Understanding the differences can help you determine which procedure may better address your concerns.

What is blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the eyelids by removing or repositioning excess skin, fat, and tissue. Dr. Brandon Elnekaveh can perform the surgery on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on your goals.

Whether your concern is drooping upper eyelids, under-eye bags, or both, blepharoplasty can help restore a refreshed appearance that better reflects how you feel. 

What is upper blepharoplasty?

As the name suggests, upper blepharoplasty focuses on the upper eyelids. As you age, skin loses elasticity and may begin to sag, creating a hooded appearance over the eyes.

You may choose upper blepharoplasty if you have:

• Excess upper eyelid skin
• Hooded eyelids
• A heavy or tired appearance
• Impaired vision caused by drooping skin

During the procedure, Dr. Brandon removes and repositions excess skin and fat to create smoother, more open looking eyelids.

You’ll appear much brighter and more awake after upper blepharoplasty. In some cases, the procedure may also improve your peripheral vision when excess skin interferes with sight.

What is lower blepharoplasty?

Lower blepharoplasty targets the area beneath the eyes, where aging often causes puffiness, under-eye bags, and loose skin.

This procedure may address:

• Under-eye bags
• Puffy lower eyelids
• Loose or crepey skin
• A tired or aged appearance

During lower eyelid surgery Dr. Brandon typically removes or repositions fat deposits while tightening and smoothing the surrounding tissue. Rather than creating a dramatic change, the goal is to reduce puffiness and restore a more rested appearance.

You may choose lower blepharoplasty because you’re tired of looking fatigued even when you’re well-rested.

Which procedure is better for me?

The answer depends on where your concerns are located.

You may be a candidate for upper blepharoplasty if you notice:

• Excess skin hanging over the upper eyelids
• Difficulty applying eye makeup due to hooding
• A heavy sensation in the upper eyelids
• Reduced visibility from drooping skin

You may benefit from lower blepharoplasty if you notice:

• Persistent under-eye bags
• Puffiness beneath the eyes
• Loose lower eyelid skin
• A tired appearance despite adequate sleep

If you have concerns in both areas, Dr. Brandon may recommend a combined upper and lower blepharoplasty procedure.

Refresh your look

One of the biggest advantages of blepharoplasty is that the results often look subtle yet impactful. Friends and family may notice that you look more rested, energized, and youthful without immediately assuming you had a “procedure” done.

Call Dr. Brandon Plastic Surgery today, or use the online tool to book your appointment. We can help you determine whether upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or a combination of the two is right for your goals.