What Is Upper vs Lower Blepharoplasty?
Eyelid surgery can be performed on the upper lids, lower lids, or both. Here is the difference.
Upper and lower blepharoplasty address different concerns and involve different techniques.
Upper blepharoplasty:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incision | In the natural crease of the upper lid |
| Scar | Hidden in the lid crease |
| Removes | Excess skin, some fat, sometimes muscle |
| Anesthesia | Local with sedation or general |
| Recovery | 7β10 days to look presentable |
| Vision improvement | Can improve peripheral vision |
Lower blepharoplasty:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incision | Below the lash line or inside the lid |
| Scar | External (below lashes) or none (internal) |
| Removes | Fat pockets, may tighten skin |
| Anesthesia | Local with sedation or general |
| Recovery | 7β14 days; bruising lasts longer |
| Vision improvement | Cosmetic only |
Which one do you need?
| Concern | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Droopy upper lids covering the crease | Upper blepharoplasty |
| Puffy fat pockets under the eyes | Lower blepharoplasty |
| Both concerns | Combined (upper + lower) |
| Under-eye hollows (not bags) | Fat grafting (not blepharoplasty) |
Combined Procedure
Many patients benefit from both upper and lower blepharoplasty in the same surgery. This is called "double blepharoplasty." Recovery is coordinated, and the result is comprehensive eye rejuvenation.
Clinical Guidance
Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin from the upper eyelids; lower blepharoplasty removes or repositions fat pockets from under the eyes. They are often performed together for complete eye rejuvenation.