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What is a Good Age for Eyelid Surgery?

Posted February 25, 2022 in Eyelid Surgery

While many people ask this question, the truth is there is no definitive “ideal age” for eyelid surgery. In practice, this surgery is most commonly performed on people who are in their 40s or older; however, some people may benefit from getting an eyelid lift in their 30s or 20s. Here we will discuss how age plays a role in eyelid surgery and what factors should influence your decision for when to undergo eyelid surgery.

But first: what could eyelid surgery do for you?

About Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, also called an “eyelid lift” or “blepharoplasty”, is a surgical procedure that corrects excess skin, fat, or muscle tissue in the area immediately around the eyes. Depending on the individual’s needs, surgery may be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both the upper and lower eyelids together. This procedure is commonly used to correct drooping eyelids, puffy under-eye bags, dark circles around the eyes, and wrinkles around the eyes. Undergoing blepharoplasty can have aesthetic benefits and may help you look younger. It can also have functional benefits and improve your visual field by correcting drooping eyelids that obstruct vision.

The Most Common Age for Blepharoplasty

Most often, blepharoplasty is performed on patients who are in their 40s or 50s. This is because many issues corrected by eyelid surgery are primarily caused by aging. The naturally thin, sensitive skin around the eyes begins to sag and becomes gradually thinner as we age. This can lead to noticeable wrinkles, sagging soft tissue, and pockets of fat displacement, all of which can create bulges, depressions, and lines around the eyes.

Eyelid Surgery for Younger Individuals

While the most common candidates for blepharoplasty are over age 40, there are no specific age requirements for this surgery. In fact, some younger patients are also good candidates for eyelid surgery. If you are in your 20s or 30s and are considering getting an eyelid lift, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First, blepharoplasty is not just a cosmetic procedure. While blepharoplasty can dramatically rejuvenate your appearance, it also has functional benefits and can improve visual sightlines by lifting droopy upper eyelids. Younger individuals with sagging upper eyelids who are not seeking facial rejuvenation as their primary motivation for surgery can greatly benefit from the functional benefits of an eyelid lift. Second, it is important to remember that the results of your surgery, while long-lasting, will not stop the aging process. You may need to consider additional procedures as you get older. Finally, blepharoplasty is a major surgery, and the choice to undergo this procedure should be weighed carefully. Make sure you discuss all of the potential risks and benefits with your surgeon before making a decision.

Eyelid Surgery for Middle Aged and Older Individuals

As mentioned above, most individuals who are good candidates for eyelid surgery are in their 40s or older. If you are age 40+ and considering blepharoplasty, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First, blepharoplasty can go a long way toward rejuvenating the appearance. Many individuals at this stage of life are concerned that they look older than they feel, and eyelid surgery could dramatically revitalize your facial features and help you look younger. Second, blepharoplasty is not performed for rejuvenation purposes alone. If your drooping upper eyelids have been obstructing your sightlines, this surgery can correct the problem and restore your full visual field. Third, blepharoplasty can reduce many signs of aging (such as fine lines and wrinkles) around the eyes, but it will not stop the aging process. You may need to consider additional procedures as you continue to age. Finally, blepharoplasty is a major surgery, and the choice to undergo this procedure should be weighed carefully. Make sure you discuss all of the potential risks and benefits with your surgeon before making a decision.

Signs That You May Need an Eyelid Lift

No matter your age, there are some telltale signs that an eyelid lift could benefit you. These include:

  • Excess upper eyelid skin
  • Hooding upper eyelids that droop over the eyes, obscuring your vision
  • Fat or skin folds that obscure the upper lids
  • Sagging and/or bulging around the eyes, which give you a tired, older appearance
  • A puffy appearance around the eyes (puffy upper or lower eyelids)
  • Dark circles under the eyes, which may be caused by displaced fat or shadows left by overhanging lids
  • Bags under the eyes due to displaced fat and/or sagging skin
  • Wrinkles around the upper and/or lower eyelids

If any of these describe you, it may be time to talk to your doctor about whether blepharoplasty could help you. You may also want to consider an eyelid lift if you want to look more rested, refreshed, and youthful. This procedure could be exactly what you may need to rejuvenate your appearance.

If you are considering blepharoplasty, schedule your personal consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Andres Taleisnik. He will be able to assess your individual situation and recommend whether eyelid surgery or another procedure could help you. To book your appointment, call (657) 294-8375 or complete our online contact form today.

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