Sagging, drooping eyelids are one of the first signs of aging. But did you know that candidates for an upper blepharoplasty aren’t always in their 40s or 50s? In addition to aging, droopy eyelids can result from genetics, sun exposure, and certain lifestyle habits. With this in mind, let’s explore the best age for blepharoplasty—or, more fittingly, when is the right time to have eyelid surgery.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) removes excess skin and fat and tightens the muscles in the upper or lower eyelids to reduce sagging and drooping. An upper eyelid blepharoplasty can also help patients improve their field of vision if it is obstructed by sagging eyelids.
Patients who are good candidates for a blepharoplasty usually share these common symptoms:
Upper eyelid puffiness or sagging
Lower eyelid bags
Loose skin around the eyelids
Fat around the eyelids
Bunching around the eyelids
Desire to rejuvenate the face, often performed as part of a customized Reflection Lift facelift
Aging and Your Eyelids
Your skin changes as you age, and the eyelids are one of the first places to show signs of aging because the skin is so thin and fragile. As eyelid skin gradually loses elasticity, it begins to wrinkle and droop. Weakening eyelid muscles and shifting fat deposits contribute to upper eyelid puffiness and unsightly bags under the eyes. Your delicate eyelid skin is also highly susceptible to damage caused by years of sun exposure—we often forget to apply sunscreen to the upper and lower eyelids even though this skin requires vigilant protection.
Eyelid Surgery for Younger Patients
While most eyelid surgeries are performed to improve the appearance of aging eyelids in patients over the age of 55,some younger patients can also benefit from blepharoplasty—even in their 20s or 30s. Here are some reasons younger patients seek blepharoplasty:
Hooded eyelids or eyelid bags (usually due to genetics)
A condition such as ptosis (drooping) that impairs vision
Lack of crease in the upper eyelid
Difficulty applying eye makeup
Unhappy or self-conscious about eyelid appearance
Younger patients with better skin elasticity typically respond and recover well from blepharoplasty compared to older patients. However, because younger patients have less loose, excess eyelid skin, we are conservative about retaining fat around their eyes.
When Should I Consider Blepharoplasty?
Ultimately, there is no exact age or answer to when you should get an eyelid lift. While the average age for blepharoplasty is over 55, younger patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their eyelids may also benefit from surgery.
A blepharoplasty can also be viewed as preventative to correct early signs of aging. It is a minimally invasive procedure performed using a local anesthetic, and most people find the recovery relatively simple. So, if you have drooping eyelids in your 30s, there’s no reason to wait a few decades to address it.
Take the Next Step
Are you self-conscious about the appearance of your eyelids due to aging or other concerns? Regardless of your age, a blepharoplasty may be an excellent treatment option. We encourage you to request a consultation online or call us at(615) 942-8016 to request an appointment.
Ultimately, there is no exact age or answer to when you should get an eyelid lift. While the average age for blepharoplasty is over 55, younger patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their eyelids may also benefit from surgery.
What Is the Ideal Age for Blepharoplasty? Droopy eyelids appear when you get beyond 30. This is the ideal age for blepharoplasty, though younger people can also go through it. However, most plastic surgeons recommend one to be at least 18 to undergo the procedure.
Blepharoplasty is a very satisfying surgery. The results are permanent, although your eyes will continue to age. The consensus is that eyelid surgery can take 10 years off a person's facial age.
Individuals within this age group might consider blepharoplasty primarily for congenital or early-developed concerns, such as notably heavy eyelids or substantial under-eye bags.
A blepharoplasty can improve the appearance of the eyes, but it's not able to address the eyebrows. Alternatively, a brow lift will reposition the eyebrows while simultaneously improving the appearance of the upper eyelids without directly removing any skin or fat from these areas.
However, most patients say their eyes look normal and better than before after one to three months. However, people usually feel okay going in public and returning to work after 10 to 14 days. This depends on your job and whether you feel ok about others knowing you had surgery.
Tightness after blepharoplasty surgery is typically most pronounced in the initial days after treatment, often manifesting as discomfort when raising the eyelid.
Although the surgery is typically painless, you may have some swelling and bruising. Most people feel comfortable going out in public after 10 to 14 days. But it can take a few months to heal completely. During your blepharoplasty recovery, you can use cold compresses and antibiotic ointment to ease any swelling.
The vast majority of people who have had a blepharoplasty are fully satisfied with their results. Eyelid surgery can make you look years younger after a single procedure, boosting your self-esteem. While we can't fully reverse the effects of aging, blepharoplasty can immediately transform your face.
Eyelid surgery offers many benefits, including that it: Helps your eyes look younger and less tired: Your eyes are one of the first places to show signs of aging. And aging eyelids can cause a tired, angry, or sad appearance.
Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, can correct those issues to restore a more rested and youthful appearance. It can also help make the eyes look "larger" by removing encroaching soft tissue from the corners. However, the actual shape of a person's eye is not changed with this procedure.
Age is only a number. When it comes to eyelid surgery, what really matters is appearance. Some patients are ready for eyelid surgery in their 30s, while others won't need it for a few decades more. There is no upper age window for blepharoplasty.
It's winter, and while you're hunkering down for months of cold and rain, your local cosmetic eyelid surgeon is getting ready to work. Winter may not be their busiest season, but most plastic surgeons agree that it is actually the ideal time to have any procedure done.
Eyelid surgery may not be right for you if you have thyroid problems, dry eye, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, detached retina or glaucoma. Prior to the procedure, your plastic surgeon will evaluate your medical history and may advise you to see an eye doctor for an evaluation, as well.
People who are not ideal candidates for eyelid surgery are those who suffer from chronic dry-eye, hypertension, circulation disorders, thyroid disorders, diabetes or heart disease. Individuals who have glaucoma are advised to speak with their doctor before considering the surgery to find out if it is safe for them.
Yes, hooded eyes get worse with age. The skin around the eyes is one of the first areas to age due to skin laxity and reduced collagen production. The constant use of our eyelids combined with natural aging causes the skin to sag from the forehead and eyebrow, leading to hooded eyelids.
Introduction: My name is Tish Haag, I am a excited, delightful, curious, beautiful, agreeable, enchanting, fancy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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