Many patients want their eyes to appear larger, more open, or more youthful. Several surgical options can achieve this, each targeting a different anatomical structure. The right procedure depends on whether drooping, hooding, a small palpebral aperture, or excess skin is the primary concern.
Upper Blepharoplasty (Upper Eyelid Surgery)
Upper blepharoplasty is the most commonly performed eyelid procedure. It removes excess skin and sometimes fat from the upper eyelid that creates a hooded, heavy appearance that makes the eye look smaller and more tired.
- Incision is hidden within the natural eyelid crease
- Minimal visible scarring after healing
- Recovery: 7–14 days of swelling/bruising; most presentable by day 10
- Results: A more open, refreshed eye with visible improvement in the upper field of vision
Ptosis Correction (Eyelid Lift)
Ptosis is a condition in which the upper eyelid droops over the pupil due to a weakened levator muscle. Ptosis correction surgically tightens or repositions the levator muscle to raise the eyelid margin, dramatically opening the eye.
- Addresses functional drooping, not just cosmetic heaviness
- May be covered by insurance when vision is affected
- Performed through the eyelid crease with well-hidden incisions
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower eyelid surgery addresses bags, puffiness, and excess skin under the eyes. By removing or repositioning under-eye fat and tightening lax skin, the eye appears more open and refreshed from below.
Epicanthoplasty
Epicanthoplasty modifies the inner corner of the eye (epicanthal fold) to widen the horizontal opening of the eye. It is particularly popular among East Asian patients seeking a more open inner corner without altering the overall eye shape. When combined with double eyelid surgery (Asian blepharoplasty), results can significantly enlarge the apparent eye size.
Choosing the Right Procedure
The procedure most appropriate for you depends on your anatomy:
- Heavy or hooded upper eyelids, upper blepharoplasty
- Drooping eyelid that covers the pupil, ptosis correction
- Under-eye bags and puffiness, lower blepharoplasty
- Narrow inner corner, epicanthoplasty
- Combination of concerns, multiple procedures can be performed simultaneously
Schedule a consultation at Svelta Plastic Surgery for a personalized assessment of which eyelid surgery is most appropriate for your goals.