Key Takeaways
- Your eyelids may have loose skin and fat behind the droopy eyelid or the under-eye bag.
- Upper and lower eyelids are examined separately.
- Deep ptosis or correctable ptosis requires a different approach.
- Pricing is based on the number of treatments.
The upper lid begins to sag over the lash line, or the skin under the eye looks swollen, even after eight hours of sleep. Most of us will notice it first in photographs. Blepharoplasty can rectify either, as long as the reason is excess skin, fat, or looseness of the tissue that occurs with age. It’s an operation on the eyelids; the upper and lower lids are addressed for different reasons. Dr Debraj Shome begins every eyelid consultation by trying to determine what exactly the patient has.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
In other words, it is eyelid surgery. Excess skin and fat are removed or redistributed to improve the eyelid and make the eyelids look more youthful. Surgery of the top eyelid is called blepharoplasty. Surgery of the lower eyelid is performed on the lower eyelid. Because the eyelid of each person is different from each other, the plan for eyelid surgery is tailored; however, in some cases, eyelid surgery is not necessary.
Can Blepharoplasty Improve Droopy Eyelids?
The droopy eyelid is below the normal position and causes the eye to appear heavy. If the problem is due to excess skin on the upper eyelid, the outcome of blepharoplasty is usually successful.
The problem is that all three conditions are the same. These conditions are:
- You have excess skin on the top eyelid
- Your brow is sagging because it has gradually pulled down on the lid
- You have true ptosis, where the muscle that raises the lid is weak
Only the first condition will improve dramatically with a blepharoplasty; sometimes you’ll need a different procedure, sometimes in conjunction with it. Our note on whether blepharoplasty is right for you explains how to differentiate between the three.
Can Blepharoplasty Reduce Under-Eye Bags?
Bags are the result of fat pushing forward, creating a bulge in the under-eye region that provides a cushion for the eye. This is often caused by a breakdown of the supporting tissue beneath the eyes with ageing. The skin may also sag.
Dark circles, pigmentation, and tear troughs are unrelated to under-eye bags. Dark or hollow under-eyes may not improve after surgery. A good surgeon will explain this before the procedure.
Upper vs Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
| UPPER | LOWER |
| Excess upper-eyelid skin | Under-eye bags |
| Hooded appearance | Protruding lower-eyelid fat |
| Sagging upper eyelid | Lower-eyelid skin laxity |
| May affect the visual field | Mainly changes lower-eye contour |
Some patients need just the upper lids, while some others need only the lower. Many have both done in the same sitting, and a choice comes out of the examination.
Can Droopy Eyelids Be Fixed Without Surgery?
Many search for how to correct sagging eyelids without surgery. While good skin care and some non-surgical treatments can rejuvenate the area, none can eliminate skin or move fat. Only surgery can eliminate a true fold of excess skin.
Who May Be a Candidate?
Healthy adults with hooded eyelids, excess skin and bags are candidates for a consultation with the surgeon. The surgeon will examine the anatomy of the lids, the position of the brow, and the health and condition of the eye and skin. Your medical history and eye condition will be reviewed. A consultation will determine if you are a candidate for blepharoplasty.
What is the cost of Blepharoplasty in India?
Blepharoplasty does not have a fixed cost. Blepharoplasty cost in India depends on a number of factors – number of eyelids to be operated on, technique being used, surgeon’s experience, hospital, anaesthesia and individual case. The cost of upper eyelid surgery in India follows the same pattern. For blepharoplasty in Mumbai, a written estimate provided after the consultation is the most reliable way to determine the cost. More information about the procedure is available in our blepharoplasty surgery in India article.
What to Expect After Blepharoplasty
Swelling and bruising will take time to resolve. The recovery time period varies from person to person and depends on how many surgeries have been performed. Postoperative visits and instructions on wound care, eye care, and rest will be provided. The shape of the upper eyelid and the under-eye bag will develop gradually as the swelling recedes.
Conclusion
Blepharoplasty can improve certain droopy eyelids and under-eye bags, mostly where skin or fat is the main cause. Upper and lower lids have different problems, and surgery is not for everybody. An honest assessment comes first, and you can book a consultation whenever you are ready.
FAQs
Is blepharoplasty effective for sagging eyelids?
Yes, blepharoplasty takes away excess eyelid skin and fat and can help create a more youthful, awakened appearance to a droopy lid.
Does blepharoplasty remove under-eye bags permanently?
Results of blepharoplasty under-eye bags can last a very long time; however, as you age, the eye bags may become more evident over time.
What’s the difference between blepharoplasty and ptosis surgery?
Blepharoplasty involves the removal of excess skin or fat, and the ptosis operation tightens the eyelid muscle which lifts the eyelid.
Which is more common, upper or lower eyelid blepharoplasty?
This depends on where your concerns lie. Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin of the eyelids; lower blepharoplasty is for under-eye bags.
How long does a blepharoplasty operation last?
Treatment time for blepharoplasty is usually 45 minutes to two hours, in general, depending on the extent of the areas being treated.
Can blepharoplasty improve vision affected by droopy eyelids?
Is it possible to get peripheral vision back if I have sagging upper eyelids? Yes, the removal of extra eyelid skin can restore peripheral vision due to sagging.
What is the average price of blepharoplasty in India?
The cost of Blepharoplasty in India is between 50,000 – 1,50,000 depending on the complexity of the operation, experience of the surgeon and the hospital standards.
When should I see a surgeon for droopy eyelids?
If vision, comfort or appearance are compromised by drooping, see Dr. Debraj Shome, a facial plastic surgeon who performs eyelid surgery.








