Am I a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Blepharoplasty can be life-changing, but not everyone is a good candidate. Here is how to know.
Good candidates for eyelid surgery have specific concerns about their eyelids and are in good health.
- You may be a good candidate if:
- You have excess skin on your upper eyelids that hangs over the crease
- You have puffiness or bags under your eyes that do not improve with sleep
- The skin of your upper eyelids feels heavy
- Your eyelid crease has disappeared or is less visible
- Your upper eyelid skin touches your eyelashes
- You have been told your eyelids affect your field of vision
- Health criteria:
- You are in good general health
- You do not have active eye infections or severe dry eye syndrome
- You have realistic expectations
- You are a non-smoker
- Who may not be a good candidate:
- Patients with severe dry eye syndrome
- Patients with uncontrolled thyroid disease (Graves' disease)
- Patients with glaucoma or retinal disease (should be stable)
- Those with unrealistic expectations
Medical Evaluation
- Your surgeon or ophthalmologist will evaluate:
- The amount of excess skin and fat
- Your eyelid position and function
- Tear production (dry eye test)
- Visual field test (if upper lids affect vision)
Clinical Guidance
Good blepharoplasty candidates have excess upper eyelid skin, under-eye bags, or both, and are in good health. A thorough eye examination before surgery is essential to ensure you are a safe candidate.