Upper Eyelid Surgery vs. Lower Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a common cosmetic surgery procedure for improving the appearance of the eyes for a more youthful look. While blepharoplasty procedures can involve the entire eye area, some patients may choose to only have upper eyelid surgery or lower eyelid surgery, depending on their needs. But what is involved in each individual eyelid surgery procedure? Knowing the difference can help you make a more informed decision regarding the changes you would like to see and the appropriate path toward making them happen. Houston plastic surgeon Azita Madjidi explains the benefits of the upper and lower eyelid surgery procedure.
Understanding Upper Eyelid Surgery
Upper eyelid surgery is a procedure where, as the name suggests, the upper eyelid is reshaped to widen the eyes for a more awake and alert appearance. Upper eyelid surgery can remove fatty deposits that lead to puffy eyes, or trim away extra skin that may droop and hang over the eye with age and create a look of tiredness. The term “eye lift” primarily references the benefits that can come from upper eyelid surgery.
Upper eyelid surgery can also be performed to remove loose, overhanging skin of the upper lid that obscures vision. When surgery is performed for this reason, upper eyelid surgery may be partially or fully covered by health insurance. In these cases, patients should have their primary care physician, optometrist or ophthalmologist, and plastic surgeon submit the necessary paperwork to their insurance company to see if the cost of surgery will be covered.
Another popular type of upper eyelid surgery is “East Asian blepharoplasty,” also referred to as “double eyelid surgery.” Unlike standard upper eyelid plastic surgery, double eyelid blepharoplasty does not often address concerns involving the appearance of aging. Rather, this is a procedure that involves making an incision in the upper eyelid to create a crease or “double eyelid” in patients with a pronounced epicanthic fold or single eyelid.
Understanding Lower Eyelid Surgery
While upper eyelid surgery can rejuvenate the upper lids, lower eyelid surgery also serves an important purpose. A skilled plastic surgeon can perform lower eyelid surgery to reduce puffiness by removing or redistributing fat deposits under the eye, and tighten the skin to remove the appearance of bags under the eye, thereby producing a more youthful look.
While lower eyelid surgery can dramatically improve the appearance of the lower lids, there are some things that the procedure cannot change. Lower eyelid surgery cannot reduce the appearance of dark circles, for example, or reduce wrinkles and crow’s feet at the sides of the eye. If you are concerned with the appearance of wrinkles, talk to your plastic surgeon about BOTOX® Cosmetic injections, which can complement an eyelid procedure.
Contact Your Plastic Surgeon Today
We understand that every patient is an individual, and only you know which procedures are right for you. But whether you’re interested in lower or upper eyelid surgery - or even both - Dr. Azita Madjidi has helped hundreds of patients like you achieve the rejuvenated look they desire. A younger and brighter you is within your reach: contact our Houston plastic surgery practice and discuss your options today.
