If your eyes make you appear tired, older, or less alert than you truly feel, you’re not alone—and eyelid surgery may offer the improvement you’ve been seeking. Whether it’s upper blepharoplasty to address heavy, drooping eyelids or lower blepharoplasty to reduce puffiness and under-eye bags, each procedure can significantly enhance your overall appearance.
This guide explains the differences between the two treatments, what they can achieve, and how to determine whether one—or a combination of both—may help you look brighter, refreshed, and more confident.
Blepharoplasty is the medical term for eyelid surgery—a widely performed procedure designed to refresh the eye area by addressing sagging upper lids or puffy under-eye bags. There are two main types: upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty.
Upper blepharoplasty treats the upper eyelids. If loose or drooping skin makes your eyes look tired or feels heavy, this procedure removes excess tissue to create a more open, lifted, and alert appearance.
Lower blepharoplasty focuses on the under-eye region. It helps minimise puffiness and bags by repositioning or removing fat and tightening the skin for a smoother, more youthful look.
Because every pair of eyes is unique, blepharoplasty is always tailored to the individual. A thorough consultation ensures the approach is personalised, helping you feel informed, confident, and fully prepared for your treatment.
Upper and lower blepharoplasty can both rejuvenate the eye area, but each focuses on different concerns. One opens and lifts the eyes, while the other smooths and brightens the under-eye region. Here’s how each procedure transforms your appearance:
Upper blepharoplasty targets excess or sagging skin on the upper lids. This heaviness can make you look tired, older, or less alert. By removing and reshaping the tissue, the eyes appear more open and refreshed.
Common improvements include:
In some cases, adjusting the position of the brow enhances the overall lift, creating a naturally revitalised expression.
Lower blepharoplasty focuses on reducing puffiness and smoothing the area beneath the eyes—often the main culprit behind a tired or stressed appearance.
Common improvements include:
The procedure typically involves repositioning or removing fat and tightening the skin for a more even, youthful contour.
By addressing the upper and lower eyelids individually—or in combination—you can achieve a fresher, more balanced appearance that reflects how you truly feel.
Blepharoplasty isn’t only about rejuvenating your appearance—upper eyelid surgery, in particular, can also help improve your field of vision when excess skin begins to interfere with sight. Here’s how upper and lower eyelid procedures differ when it comes to visual benefits.
Upper blepharoplasty can offer functional benefits when sagging skin starts to droop over the lash line and restrict your vision. By removing and tightening the excess tissue, the eyes feel lighter and vision becomes clearer.
It can help improve:
Many people notice a significant difference afterward—often realising just how much their heavy eyelids had been affecting their daily life.
Lower blepharoplasty mainly targets aesthetic concerns such as puffiness or under-eye bags. It isn’t designed to improve vision, but it's understandable to wonder whether it affects eyesight.
Key points to know:
While lower blepharoplasty doesn’t enhance vision, it also shouldn’t negatively impact it when performed by an experienced surgeon.
Together or individually, these procedures can refresh your appearance—and in the case of upper blepharoplasty, may even help you see the world more clearly.
Blepharoplasty is generally a safe and effective procedure, especially when performed by an experienced surgeon. Still, like any surgery, it can come with temporary side effects and a few rare risks. Understanding these helps you feel prepared and know what is normal during recovery.
Upper blepharoplasty focuses on the skin above the eyes and typically heals quickly. After the procedure, you may notice:
Common, short-term effects:
Less common effects:
These issues usually settle as the tissue heals and swelling reduces.
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Lower blepharoplasty treats puffiness or bags beneath the eyes, an area where skin is thinner and more sensitive. Because of this, recovery may take a little longer.
Common, temporary effects:
Less common effects:
Most of these side effects improve naturally over time. A qualified surgeon will explain all potential risks and guide you through a smooth, safe recovery.
The impact of eyelid surgery depends on what concerns you want to address. Both procedures can create noticeable improvements—but in different ways. Here’s how each one enhances your appearance:
If heavy or drooping upper lids make you look tired or older, upper eyelid surgery can offer a dramatic refresh.
Benefits you may notice:
If puffiness, bags, or loose skin under your eyes are the main issue, lower eyelid surgery can create smoother, more youthful under-eye contours.
Benefits you may notice:
Both procedures can make a significant difference—choosing the right one depends on whether your concern is above or below the eyes (or both).