Should I Consider Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty at the Same Time?

Blepharoplasty can treat sagging and drooping skin that interferes with your field of vision. It can also remove and tighten excess skin around the eye, for a younger, fresher appearance. That’s why upper and lower eyelid surgery have become so popular to rejuvenate the face.

At Ventura Eye Institute in Camarillo, California, our eye health specialists can determine if a blepharoplasty is medically indicated, usually if the upper eyelid obscures your vision. They can also let you know your options for upper and lower eyelid surgery for cosmetic reasons. 

Upper and lower lid surgical considerations 

Blepharoplasty changes the shape of your eyelids. Your surgeon corrects small flaws and complications around your eyes, such as under-eye bags, droopy lids, and deep skin folds. This minor eyelid procedure can improve your aesthetic appearance, and even improve your vision if drooping upper eyelids have been hanging into your field of view.

Preparing for blepharoplasty is fairly routine, comparable to other minor facial surgeries. You’ll hand off your medical records and a list of all medications, herbal supplements, and allergies. Your surgeon will meet with you to define the areas to be worked on, and decide what excess skin and subcutaneous fat can be removed.

We do our best to give you a realistic expectation of your final results and how your recovery will go. This can help you decide how many surgeries you want to tackle at once.

Recovering from blepharoplasty

If you need both upper and lower blepharoplasty on your eyes, you can have both lids done at once. You may opt to have both procedures done on one eye first, heal, and then have the other eye done purely for practical reasons. 

Regardless, you will need a ride home following eyelid surgery, and you should plan at least two weeks of downtime. Refrain from driving until your vision is clear. Expect mild bruising, itching, and inflammation. Your doctor will prescribe eye drops to prevent infection. Don’t touch, itch, or press on your eyes during healing, and sleep face up if possible.

If you don’t have someone living with you to help you, think twice about having both eyes completely done at the same time, because you may have reduced vision for up to two weeks. If you do have substantial support, you can have all the procedures done at once and spend recovery being taken care of.

To learn more about blepharoplasty options, schedule a consultation with the team at Ventura Eye Institute to discuss whether upper and lower eyelid surgery is right for you. Just call the location closest to you or book an appointment online.