What is the Best Age to Have an Eyelid Lift?

You might be surprised by the potential benefits of an eyelid lift. Are you often told by friends or coworkers that you seem angry and tired? As you get older, your eyelids tend to droop more. This can make you seem irritated and exhausted, even when you’ve gotten plenty of sleep.

There are plenty of anti-aging creams that claim to reduce the appearance of aging around the eyes, but most won’t do much for sagging eyelids. An eyelid lift is a surgical way to correct the problem, restoring your face to its usual appearance.

Who is a Good Candidate for an Eyelid Lift?

Eyelid lifts are known medically as upper blepharoplasties. This procedure is done by removing a tiny portion of skin from the upper eyelid, which tightens the appearance and prevents sagging. Patients have a more cheerful and alert appearance afterward.

The eyelid most commonly starts sagging due to aging. Collagen is responsible for keeping your skin elastic, tight, and springy. As you age, your collagen starts to break down, and your skin begins to sag. The wrinkles and fine lines form because your skin is no longer snapping back into place.

This is also a time when the skin becomes thinner, since fat deposits can break down or move to other areas. You might notice that your cheeks appear gaunter and your eyes more sunken. The fat disappearance also contributes to sagging.

The effect is especially noticeable around the eyelids. Your eyelids may sag, and the skin around your eyes might appear more droopy and wrinkled. If you want to remove the sagging folds to restore your younger self, you’re likely a good candidate for a lift.

At What Age Should I Consider an Eyelid Lift?

About 91 percent of patients who have eyelid surgery are over the age of 40. More than half of those are over the age of 55. Some individuals with naturally hooded eyelids decide to have a blepharoplasty. You can have a blepharoplasty at any time. But if you’re seeking one due to aging, you’ll usually get the best results after age 40. People who are advanced in age should generally avoid the procedure because of the risks of surgical complications.

Do you think a blepharoplasty will improve your life? Then you’re the right age for one.

What Should I Expect from a Blepharoplasty?

This surgical procedure will typically be performed under general anesthesia. Afterward, you’ll need a week or two for recovery. Your eyes will be swollen and potentially bruised. The swelling and bruising should mostly subside within ten days. You can cover any remaining marks with makeup. After the swelling has fully subsided, the results will be apparent immediately. You will be able to notice the difference, but it will be subtle. Rather than looking like you’ve had surgery, you’ll probably get comments about how well you must be sleeping.

Schedule a Consultation

Dr. Howland is a plastic surgeon based in Draper, Utah, right outside of Salt Lake City. You can schedule a consultation today to talk about your eyelid lift options. Call our office or contact us online.