Your eyes are often the first feature people notice — and one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Droopy lids, puffiness, or under-eye bags can make you look tired even when you feel refreshed. Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is one of the most effective procedures to rejuvenate your eyes and restore a youthful, alert appearance. But what’s the difference between upper and lower blepharoplasty, and how do you know which one is right for you? At VIVE Plastic Surgery, we’re here to help you understand both options.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes or repositions excess skin, fat, and tissue around the eyes. It can treat sagging upper eyelids, puffy under-eye bags, and wrinkles around the eyes. Depending on your concerns, your surgeon may recommend upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or a combination of both for full rejuvenation. The goal is to create a refreshed look — not a different one — that complements your natural features.
Upper Blepharoplasty: For Droopy or Heavy Eyelids
Upper blepharoplasty targets the upper eyelids, where skin can stretch and droop over time. This excess skin may even interfere with your vision or make you look tired. During surgery, the surgeon removes extra skin and fat through a fine incision hidden in the natural eyelid crease. The result is a smoother, lifted appearance that opens the eyes and restores a youthful, alert expression.
You may be a good candidate for upper blepharoplasty if you:
- Have sagging or hooded upper eyelids
- Notice your eyelids feel heavy or block your vision
- Want your eyes to appear brighter and more open
- Are in good overall health and have realistic expectations
Lower Blepharoplasty: For Puffiness and Under-Eye Bags
Lower blepharoplasty focuses on the area beneath the eyes, where fat can accumulate or shift, creating puffiness and dark shadows. The surgeon makes a small incision either just below the lash line or inside the lower lid to remove or reposition fat and tighten the skin. This technique smooths the transition between the lower eyelid and cheek, eliminating the tired or swollen look.
You may benefit from lower blepharoplasty if you:
- Have persistent under-eye bags or puffiness
- Notice dark circles or hollowness under your eyes
- See loose or wrinkled skin beneath the eyes
- Want a smoother, refreshed under-eye contour
Key Differences Between Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty
While both surgeries rejuvenate the eye area, they address different concerns:
- Upper blepharoplasty: Lifts droopy or heavy eyelids and removes excess skin.
- Lower blepharoplasty: Reduces puffiness, bags, and wrinkles under the eyes.
- Upper surgery: Often improves vision when sagging skin interferes.
- Lower surgery: Focuses on smoothness and youthfulness in the lower eye area.
- Combined procedure: Treats both for a fully rejuvenated look.
Your surgeon will recommend one or both based on your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Recovery and Results
Recovery from blepharoplasty is typically smooth and comfortable. Most patients return to normal activities within one to two weeks. Mild swelling or bruising is common but fades quickly. The scars are minimal and well-hidden in natural creases. At VIVE Plastic Surgery, our surgeons use meticulous techniques to ensure natural, balanced results that enhance your appearance without changing your expression.
Results from eyelid surgery can last for many years, helping you look well-rested, youthful, and confident.
Why Choose VIVE Plastic Surgery
At VIVE Plastic Surgery, our board-certified surgeons combine precision, artistry, and advanced technology to deliver beautiful, natural results. Each blepharoplasty procedure is fully customized — whether you want subtle refinement or a complete rejuvenation. We focus on maintaining your unique expressions while restoring a brighter, more youthful look to your eyes.
The Bottom Line
The difference between upper and lower blepharoplasty lies in what each targets — sagging lids versus under-eye puffiness. Both can dramatically improve how you look and feel by restoring balance and vitality to your eyes. At VIVE Plastic Surgery, we help you choose the right approach for your goals and create results that enhance your natural beauty. Book your consultation today and see how eyelid surgery can refresh your entire face.
