You’ve caught yourself pulling up your eyelids in the mirror, wondering when they started to droop or why you always look tired—even when you’re not. The puffiness under your eyes or the fold of skin brushing your lashes doesn’t just affect your reflection; it chips away at how you feel day to day.
For many people in Seattle, eyelid concerns go beyond appearances. Sagging lids can cast shadows that make you look sad or worn out. Heavy upper eyelids can even interfere with your vision, while puffy lower lids add years you don’t feel.
Blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery, offers a precise way to lift, smooth, and reshape your upper or lower eyelids so your eyes look as vibrant and awake as you feel inside. This guide breaks down the causes of these changes, what to expect from upper and lower blepharoplasty, and how to plan your next steps with a trusted facial plastic surgeon.
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure performed on the upper and lower eyelids to remove or reposition excess skin and fat, tighten delicate skin, and restore smoother eyelid contours. The procedure can address cosmetic and functional issues, such as drooping eyelids that interfere with vision or puffiness that contributes to a tired appearance.
Upper blepharoplasty corrects sagging skin, excess fat, and drooping eyelids on the upper eyelid. The upper eyelid incisions are typically made within the natural crease, hiding scars while allowing precise removal of skin and fat.
Lower blepharoplasty treats puffy bags, dark circles, and sagging skin on the lower eyelids. Lower eyelid incisions can be made below the lash line or inside the eyelid (transconjunctival blepharoplasty) to minimize visible scarring.
The eyelids are framed by some of the body’s thinnest and most delicate skin, making them vulnerable to the aging process. Over time, the skin and fat around the eyes shift due to gravity, sun exposure, and the natural loss of collagen. The upper eyelids may start to fold over the lash line, creating hooded or drooping eyelids. The lower eyelids can develop bags from fat herniation, while extra skin can wrinkle and sag. These changes don’t just affect your facial appearance—they can lead to blurred vision, irritated eye sensations, and even excessive tearing.
Upper blepharoplasty, also known as an upper eyelid lift, is designed to remove excess skin and fat that causes a heavy or hooded appearance. In many patients, this sagging skin isn’t just an aesthetic concern, it can droop low enough to block part of the visual field.
During the blepharoplasty procedure, upper eyelid incisions are carefully placed in the natural crease to minimize visible scarring. Through these incisions, your surgeon removes or repositions skin and fat to lift the upper eyelid, creating a smoother, more open contour.
Most Seattle blepharoplasty patients find that an upper eyelid lift helps them look rested and alert. Others notice they no longer need to strain or raise their eyebrows to see clearly, reducing forehead lines and tension.
Lower blepharoplasty focuses on puffiness, dark circles, and sagging skin under the eyes. Fat deposits can create bulges, while extra skin and muscle laxity contribute to creasing and shadows.
Lower eyelid lift techniques include:
Lower blepharoplasty may include skin tightening or laser resurfacing to smooth fine lines. Some surgeons combine fat grafting or dermal fillers to restore volume in the upper cheeks, enhancing results.
Double eyelid surgery creates or enhances the upper eyelid crease in patients, often of Asian descent, who naturally lack a defined fold. It can make the eyes appear larger and more defined while preserving cultural identity. This specialized facial procedure requires a facial plastic surgeon experienced in ethnic blepharoplasty to ensure natural results tailored to individual anatomy.
You may be an ideal Blepharoplasty candidate if you:
Blepharoplasty is typically recommended for healthy adults without serious eye diseases. During your blepharoplasty consultation, your plastic surgeon will assess your facial anatomy, skin elasticity, eye muscles, and medical history.
Preparation helps minimize complications and ensures the best results. You’ll receive detailed instructions, but in general, you should:
Your surgeon may also recommend pre-operative lab tests to ensure your safety.
Eyelid surgery is typically performed with local anesthesia and sedation, but general anesthesia may be used for combined procedures or patient comfort.
Steps include:
Blepharoplasty surgery typically lasts one to two hours and is often performed on an outpatient basis.
Eyelid rejuvenation can be even more impactful when combined with complementary facial procedures:
Your blepharoplasty surgeon will help determine the best combination for your goals.
Blepharoplasty costs vary based on factors such as surgeon experience, facility fees, anesthesia, and whether you’re having upper, lower, or combined procedures. On average, blepharoplasty surgery in Seattle ranges from $4,000 to $8,000. Insurance may cover upper eyelid surgery if drooping eyelids obstruct your vision. Ask your surgeon’s team about financing options and detailed estimates.
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty can improve shadowing from fat, but pigmentation issues may need additional treatments.
Temporary blurred vision, dry eyes, asymmetry, or infection are rare but possible; choosing a qualified facial plastic surgeon helps reduce these risks.
When sagging upper eyelids impair vision, insurance may cover part of the procedure.
Yes. If sagging lower eyelids cause improper tear drainage, lower blepharoplasty can correct eyelid position, reducing excessive tearing and eye irritation.
A well-performed blepharoplasty should refresh your eyes without changing their natural shape. Choosing an experienced Seattle blepharoplasty surgeon is key to maintaining your unique look.
There’s no strict age limit. Most patients are 35 years or older, but younger individuals with inherited eyelid issues may also benefit. Good health matters more than age.
You can usually resume wearing contact lenses two to three weeks after surgery, once swelling subsides and your Seattle eyelid surgeon confirms it’s safe.
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