Who Is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery is a popular facial rejuvenation procedure. Are you a good candidate? Contact MAE Plastic Surgery to find out if eyelid surgery is right for you.

What Can Eyelid Surgery Address?

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to address aging in the eyelids. This procedure removes extra skin and fat and tightens the eyelids and eyelid muscles. After blepharoplasty, patients look younger, rested, and refreshed.

Eyelid surgery can treat:

  • Fat deposits in the lower eyelids that cause puffiness or bags under the eyes
  • Folds, wrinkles, or creases in the upper or lower eyelids
  • Drooping or sagging eyelids that cover the eye and impair vision
  • Drooping lower eyelids that reveal the white of the eye underneath the iris
  • Loss of definition in the upper eyelids

Eyelid lift results are long-lasting. Most patients who have the procedure will enjoy permanent results without additional surgeries.

Do I Need Eyelid Surgery or Brow Surgery?

Saggy eyelids aren’t always due to loose skin around your eyes. Laxity in the brow area can contribute to the appearance of saggy eyelids. As the brow droops downward, the eyelids move too.

Some patients with eyelid sagging will achieve better results through brow surgery. Dr. Epstein can help you decide if you’re a better candidate for eyelid surgery, brow lift surgery, or a combination of both procedures.

What Age Is Right for Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery patients tend to be over 40. Patients between the ages of 55 and 69 account for 48% of blepharoplasty patients. Only 5% of eyelid surgery patients are under 30.

While eyelid surgery is most common in older patients, it can be beneficial for younger patients too, especially those with a family history of eyelid sagging. Whatever your age, consider surgery when eyelid sagging is impacting your appearance or eyesight.

I Am a Smoker. Can I Get Blepharoplasty?

Smoking and plastic surgery are a dangerous combination. We do not recommend eyelid surgery if you currently smoke.

  • Smoking slows healing. It constricts blood vessels and keeps oxygen from the healing tissues. As oxygen is necessary for wound healing, smoking increases the chances of infection and causes incisions to heal slowly.
  • Smoking makes surgery more dangerous. The effects of smoking on the lungs and the heart can lead to complications during and after surgery.

If you currently smoke, stop before you schedule plastic surgery. Let Dr. Epstein know that you are a former smoker so he can take the steps to protect you during surgery. It is always wisest to stop smoking around your eyelid surgery date.

Learn More About Eyelid Surgery

Dr. Epstein is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Chicago who specializes in facial rejuvenation, including blepharoplasty. If you’re considering eyelid surgery, come in for a consultation to learn more about this procedure. Dr. Epstein can help you decide if you’re a candidate for eyelid surgery.

Schedule a consultation by calling MAE Plastic Surgery at (847) 205-1680 or reach out to us online.