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.
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