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Upper vs. Lower Blepharoplasty

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Blepharoplasty, or an eyelid lift, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin, fat, and muscle from around the eyes and create a more youthful, awake appearance. (1) Many patients look older than their years due to visible signs of facial aging, such as drooping upper eyelids that create a stern expression and undereye bags that portray fatigue. To counter these conditions, upper and lower blepharoplasty can effectively turn back the clock, offering natural-looking and long-lasting rejuvenation.

The experienced surgeons at Aeris in Miami specialize in procedures designed to refresh your appearance while still maintaining your unique character and inner beauty. We tailor every blepharoplasty to the unique needs of each patient, with the goal of helping you look and feel your best while aging with grace.

To learn more about upper and lower blepharoplasty and request a consultation with the Aeris surgical team, call (305) 446-7700 or submit our online contact form.

About Blepharoplasty

More than any other feature, the eyes are where we express ourselves and communicate, so it can be frustrating when their appearance does not match how we feel on the inside. Unfortunately, the skin around the eyes is significantly thinner and more delicate than elsewhere on the face, making it one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Over time, factors such as sun exposure, genetics, and the natural loss of collagen and elastin cause the skin to lose its elasticity.

In the upper eyelids, this relaxation leads to skin hooding, where excess tissue droops over the lid, sometimes obscuring the natural crease or even encroaching on your field of vision. In the lower eyelids, the structures that hold back fat can weaken, causing fat to bulge outward and create the appearance of bags or dark, hollow circles.

Blepharoplasty addresses these structural changes at their source. Rather than relying on temporary, surface-level treatments, this surgery removes the redundant tissue and repositions fat, providing a more enduring solution for a brighter, more vibrant look.

Upper Blepharoplasty

Upper blepharoplasty focuses specifically on the upper eyelid. During this procedure, our surgeons address the hooded look caused by drooping skin. By removing the excess strip of skin and sometimes a small amount of muscle, we can recreate the natural, youthful crease of the eyelid. (2) This results in an open-eyed appearance that feels lighter and more alert. Many patients find that this subtle change can significantly improve their overall facial harmony, taking years off their appearance and encouraging them to feel more energetic.

Lower Blepharoplasty

Lower blepharoplasty is the benchmark procedure for addressing the tired look caused by undereye puffiness. Whether your primary concern is persistent bags, bulging fat pads, or loose, crepey skin, this procedure offers a solution. Our surgeons may perform your lower blepharoplasty through an incision hidden just below the lash line or, in appropriate cases, through an incision on the inside of the eyelid (a transconjunctival approach) to ensure no visible scarring. (3) This technique removes or repositions bulging fat to smooth the transition between the eyelid and the cheek, creating a seamless, refreshed contour.

Benefits

Choosing blepharoplasty is a decision to prioritize your self-confidence and your quality of life. Beyond aesthetic improvements, benefits include:

  • Restoration of Vision: For many patients, the primary benefit of blepharoplasty is functional. When upper eyelid skin hangs over the lash line, it can physically block your peripheral vision. Removing this excess skin can improve your field of sight, making daily activities like reading or driving more comfortable.
  • A More Alert Expression: Have people said you look tired even after you have had a full, restful night’s sleep? Blepharoplasty eliminates that perpetually drowsy or weary look, helping your exterior match the energy you feel internally.
  • Minimal, Hidden Scarring: Our surgeons are masters of precision. By placing incisions in natural skin folds or inside the eyelid, the resulting scars are virtually invisible once they have fully healed.
  • Longevity: While we cannot stop the natural aging process, the results of a blepharoplasty are designed to last. Most patients enjoy the effects for a decade or more, making it a high-value investment in your appearance.
  • Subtle, Natural-Looking Results: Our aesthetic philosophy at Aeris is to enhance, not overhaul. We strive for a result that makes you look like a more refreshed version of yourself, not someone else entirely.

Candidates

Potential candidates for blepharoplasty should be in overall good health, non-smokers (or willing to quit nicotine for an extended period), and hold realistic expectations about what surgery can help them achieve. During your consultation, we will evaluate your candidacy for either upper or lower blepharoplasty (or both) based on:

  • Skin Laxity: You have noticeable, sagging skin on the upper and/or lower eyelids.
  • Functional Concerns: You are experiencing vision obstruction due to drooping upper lids.
  • Aesthetic Goals: You are bothered by persistent puffiness, bags, or a tired appearance around the eyes.
  • Overall Health: You do not have severe dry eye, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or other serious eye conditions that might complicate recovery.

Personal Consultation

The surgeons at Aeris are dedicated to guiding each patient through a personalized experience, which starts at the consultation. Here, we don’t just look at your eyelids, we evaluate your facial structure, skin quality, and your unique anatomy. We will walk you through the entire procedure, showing you how we plan to address your specific concerns. We encourage you to ask questions, and we take the time to ensure that you understand every aspect of your personalized treatment plan and feel confident to move ahead.

To start planning your blepharoplasty with the surgical team at Aeris, call our Miami office at (305) 446-7700 or contact us online.

Preparation

Proper preparation lays the foundation for a safe procedure and smooth recovery. Your Aeris surgical team will provide you with more personalized information, but some general guidelines before surgery include:

  • Avoid certain blood-thinning medications and supplements.
  • Stop using all nicotine products six weeks before and after surgery.
  • Fill all prescriptions and prepare a comfortable, well-stocked recovery space.
  • Arrange for personal transportation and assistance on procedure day and for the first 24-48 hours of early recovery.

Procedure

Our Aeris surgeons perform blepharoplasty on an outpatient basis, meaning that you will return home to recover on the same day as your procedure. Depending on whether you are having an upper, lower, or combination blepharoplasty, the surgery usually takes one to two hours. You will receive local anesthesia with sedation to keep you comfortable for the duration.

We take meticulous care to make precise incisions that follow your natural anatomy. After removing excess skin and repositioning fat as needed, your surgeon closes the incisions with fine sutures. We perform your surgery with extreme care to minimize tissue trauma and expedite your recovery.

Recovery

You may experience some bruising, swelling, and feelings of tightness in your eye area for a few days directly after surgery. You can manage these symptoms with prescribed medications, intermittent cold compresses, and keeping your head elevated. After the first week, most patients feel comfortable returning to light activities and non-strenuous work. Your sutures will likely be removed at this time, though some residual swelling may linger.

Under the guidance of the Aeris team, you will likely be able to comfortably return to normal activities after two to three weeks, feeling recovered and ready to enjoy your refreshed look.

Results

The ultimate reward of blepharoplasty is a revitalized, youthful appearance. As the initial swelling subsides, you will notice your eyes appear brighter and more open. If you had an upper blepharoplasty, the hooding that previously obscured your top lids will be gone. If you had a lower blepharoplasty, the persistent bags that made you look perpetually tired will be smoothed away. These results are long-lasting. While the face continues to change with age, you can enjoy the structural improvements achieved through the procedure for many years.

Cost of Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty in Miami

The cost of your procedure is as unique as your anatomy. It depends on the complexity of your surgery, whether you are having an upper or lower procedure, and whether you choose to combine the surgery with other treatments. During your personal consultation, we provide a transparent, comprehensive price quote so you know exactly what to expect. We also offer financing options to qualified patients.

To start exploring your options for upper and lower blepharoplasty, call our Miami office at (305) 446-7700 or contact the Aeris team online.

FAQ

Will my blepharoplasty scars be visible?

For upper blepharoplasty, the incision is placed precisely in the natural crease of the eyelid; once healed, the scar is typically hidden whenever your eyes are open. For lower blepharoplasty, the incision is either tucked just beneath the lash line or placed entirely inside the eyelid, leaving no visible external scar.

How soon will I see results from my blepharoplasty?

While you will notice an immediate improvement in the shape and openness of your eyes, the final refreshed look will emerge as swelling resolves, typically over a few months.

Are there non-surgical alternatives for eye bags or hooding?

While neuromodulators (like Botox) or fillers can provide subtle improvements or treat wrinkles, they cannot remove redundant skin or address fat pads. Blepharoplasty remains the only effective way to physically remove the skin and fat that causes significant hooding and bags.

Does blepharoplasty hurt?

During the procedure, you are sedated, so you feel nothing. In the days following, you may experience some tightness or mild discomfort, which is easily controlled with the medication and care instructions we provide.

Will my blepharoplasty results look natural?

Aeris surgeons have a deep understanding of facial anatomy and aesthetic proportions. Our goal is to make you look like you, just well-rested and refreshed.

References

  1. Rebowe RE, Runyan C. Blepharoplasty. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482381/
  2. Patel BC, Malhotra R. Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537078/
  3. Patel BC, Malhotra R. Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty. StatPearls Publishing; 2020. Accessed July 29, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538152/