How long does a blepharoplasty last?

A blepharoplasty, also known as an eyelid lift or eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. It involves removing or repositioning excess fat, muscle, and skin from the eyelids to provide a more youthful and rejuvenated look.

What is a blepharoplasty?

During a blepharoplasty procedure, an incision is made in the natural crease of the upper eyelid, in the lash line of the lower eyelid, or possibly both. Through this incision, the surgeon removes excess fat, muscle, and loose skin. In some cases, fat may be redistributed or repositioned to fill hollow areas in the eyelids. The incisions are then closed with fine sutures.

There are a few different types of blepharoplasty procedures:

  • Upper blepharoplasty focuses on the upper eyelids.
  • Lower blepharoplasty focuses on the lower eyelids.
  • Double or bilateral blepharoplasty addresses both the upper and lower eyelids.

Blepharoplasty can treat conditions like:

  • Sagging or droopy upper eyelids that impair vision or give a tired appearance
  • Excess skin of the upper eyelids that hangs down over the eyelashes
  • Bags or puffiness under the eyes due to fat accumulation
  • Excess skin of the lower eyelids

It can produce visible signs of rejuvenation around the eyes by:

  • Tightening and smoothing loose upper eyelid skin
  • Removing puffy bags under the eyes
  • Reducing excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelids

How long do results last?

When performed by a skilled and experienced cosmetic surgeon, a blepharoplasty can produce long-lasting results. However, the procedure does not stop the normal aging process. The effects of gravity, sun damage, smoking, genetics, and other factors will continue to affect the area around the eyes.

Most patients can expect their blepharoplasty results to last:

  • 5-10 years for upper eyelid surgery
  • 3-5 years for lower eyelid surgery

Some plastic surgeons report that a small percentage of their patients have lasted up to 12 years or more before needing a touch-up procedure. However, 5-7 years is more typical.

Factors that affect duration of results

Several factors play a role in determining how long you can expect your blepharoplasty results to last:

  • Age at time of surgery – In general, younger patients tend to have longer lasting results from blepharoplasty. Eyelid skin continues to age after surgery.
  • Skin type – Patients with thicker eyelid skin and good skin elasticity are likely to have more lasting results.
  • Lifestyle habits – Things like smoking, excessive sun exposure, and facial expressions can contribute to recurrence of eyelid skin laxity or bags under the eyes. Living a healthy lifestyle helps prolong results.
  • Follow-up treatments – Some surgeons recommend follow-up treatments like laser resurfacing, Botox, or ultherapy to help maintain a youthful eyelid appearance.
  • Genetics – Your natural tendencies in terms of wrinkling, bagging, and sagging skin play a role.

Recovery after blepharoplasty

Immediately after blepharoplasty surgery, there will be some swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the eyes. Cool compresses can help reduce swelling. Pain medication is prescribed to alleviate discomfort during the initial recovery period.

Most patients take about 1-2 weeks off work or normal activities to allow the eyelid tissues to heal. Strenuous exercise and lifting should be avoided for 2-4 weeks. It may take several months for residual swelling to fully dissipate and for final results to become apparent.

Possible side effects like blurry vision, tearing, light sensitivity, or dry eyes generally improve within a few weeks but may persist longer in some cases. Lubricating eye drops can provide relief.

Can results be maintained longer?

While individual results may vary, the effects of blepharoplasty surgery are not permanent. The eyes will continue to age naturally over time. However, there are steps you can take to help optimize and maintain your results for longer:

  • Use sunscreen daily and wear sunglasses outdoors.
  • Don’t smoke, as this can contribute to skin changes.
  • Adopt skin care products like retinoids and vitamin C serums to help increase collagen production.
  • Consider non-invasive treatments like lasers, neurotoxins, or ultrasound skin tightening to target signs of aging as they arise.
  • Avoid dramatic weight fluctuations, as weight gain or loss can impact fat deposits around the eyes.
  • Schedule follow-up appointments with your surgeon to evaluate if touch-up procedures may be beneficial.

Can blepharoplasty be repeated?

Yes, it is certainly possible to have a repeat blepharoplasty if the effects of the initial surgery have faded with time. There is no specific limit on how many times blepharoplasty can be performed safely.

During a repeat procedure, the surgeon will evaluate the eyelids and remove any new excess skin, muscle, or fat deposits. This can help re-establish a more youthful eyelid appearance. As with the original surgery, recovery from a repeat blepharoplasty takes 1-2 weeks.

The risks and limitations are similar for revision blepharoplasty as for the initial procedure. Scarring may be slightly more visible. And if a significant amount of skin was removed during the first surgery, there may be inadequate eyelid skin remaining to remove more. This could limit the potential results.

Non-surgical options

For patients who want to avoid repeat surgery, there are some non-surgical options that can help maintain blepharoplasty results when performed at intervals over time. These include:

  • Neurotoxins like Botox or Dysport, which soften dynamic wrinkles in the forehead and around the eyes caused by facial expressions.
  • Laser skin resurfacing to improve skin tone, texture, and fine lines.
  • Chemical peels to remove the outer damaged layers of skin.
  • Ultrasound skin tightening using ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen.
  • Dermal fillers like Restylane or Juvederm can be used to plump hollows or depressions of the upper eyelids.

For issues like recurrent under eye bags or fat pockets, non-surgical options provide a more temporary outcome than repeat blepharoplasty surgery. But some patients prefer to reserve surgery for when they feel it is absolutely necessary.

Frequently asked questions

How can I make results last longer?

Protect your skin from sun damage, maintain a healthy lifestyle, use anti-aging skin care products, and consider non-surgical treatments to target early signs of aging around the eyes. Avoid dramatic weight fluctuations and facial expressions that can exacerbate issues like wrinkling or eye bags.

Can I ever stop worrying about my eyelids aging?

While a blepharoplasty provides rejuvenation, it cannot stop the normal aging process or guarantee permanent results. Some sagging, wrinkling, or change in fat deposits around the eyelids will occur gradually over time after surgery. But proper skin care and avoiding factors like smoking and sun damage can help you maintain a youthful appearance for longer.

Can I expect longer-lasting results if I’m younger?

Yes, generally younger patients achieve longer-lasting results from blepharoplasty. This is because their eyelid skin has aged less, and they have better skin elasticity to begin with. However, individual factors like sun damage, smoking, genetics, and follow-up skin care also play a role.

Will I need more surgery in 5 years?

It’s difficult to predict with certainty. The average duration of blepharoplasty results is 5-7 years, but some patients may go 10 years or longer before desiring repeat surgery. Follow-up treatments and proper skin care habits can help you maintain results for as long as possible before considering revision surgery.

Can I do anything to prolong my results?

Yes, the following can help extend the effects of your blepharoplasty:

  • Use sunscreen and protective eyewear when outdoors
  • Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke exposure
  • Manage your weight and avoid significant weight fluctuations
  • Use anti-aging skin care products and non-invasive treatments at the first signs of aging
  • Limit repetitive facial expressions and rubbing of the eyes

Conclusion

With proper surgical technique, blepharoplasty results often last 5 years or more. Maximize results by protecting your skin from sun damage, maintaining a stable weight, avoiding smoking, and using diligent skin care. Non-surgical treatments can also help augment and extend the rejuvenated appearance achieved through blepharoplasty surgery.

Revision blepharoplasty is certainly an option if the effects of the initial procedure diminish over time. But the same limitations apply in terms of producing permanent results. Aging of the eyelid area will continue regardless due to factors like skin loosening and gravity.

Discuss your goals thoroughly with an experienced cosmetic surgeon. Establish realistic expectations about the duration of improvement possible with blepharoplasty. And adopt lifestyle habits that help you optimize and maintain your rejuvenated eyelid appearance for as long as possible after surgery.

Leave a Comment