Upper blepharoplasty treats heavy, hooded upper lids by removing excess skin, while lower blepharoplasty treats under-eye bags and puffiness. Both fall under eyelid surgery, but they solve different problems, use different incisions, and are often combined only when both areas need attention.
What upper blepharoplasty treats
Upper blepharoplasty addresses excess skin, and sometimes a small amount of fat, in the upper eyelid. The incision is hidden in the natural crease of the lid, so the scar is typically very discreet once healed.
- Hooded or heavy upper lids that make you look tired or older
- Skin that rests on the lashes or interferes with makeup
- In some cases, drooping skin that partly blocks the upper field of vision
What lower blepharoplasty treats
Lower blepharoplasty focuses on the area under the eye, where puffiness usually comes from fat pads that bulge forward with age or genetics. Depending on the case, the incision is placed just beneath the lashes or on the inside of the lid, which leaves no visible scar.
- Under-eye bags and puffiness that don’t improve with rest
- Loose or wrinkled skin under the eyes
- A hollow or tired look where fat can be repositioned to smooth the transition to the cheek
- Heavy or hooded upper lids? Upper blepharoplasty
- Bags or puffiness under the eyes? Lower blepharoplasty
- Both areas affected? The two can be combined in one session
- Low or heavy brows? A brow evaluation comes first, since brow position can mimic hooded lids
How to tell which one you need
The easiest rule of thumb is to ask where the concern sits: above the eye, or below it. In practice, though, many patients are unsure, because a low brow can create the look of heavy upper lids, and under-eye hollows can look like bags. That’s why an in-person assessment of the brow, lids, skin quality, and tear production matters before deciding on a plan.
Recovery differences
Recovery is broadly similar for both. Swelling and bruising are most noticeable in the first week, stitches are usually removed within about a week, and most patients feel comfortable in public after one to two weeks. Lower eyelid surgery can leave the area feeling tight or slightly dry for a little longer, and final refinement of both areas continues over several weeks to a few months.
FAQ
What is the difference between upper and lower blepharoplasty?
Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin from the upper lid to fix a hooded or heavy look, while lower blepharoplasty addresses under-eye bags, puffiness, and loose skin below the eye.
Can upper and lower blepharoplasty be done at the same time?
Yes. Patients with concerns in both areas often have both lids treated in a single session, which means one recovery period instead of two.
Will I have visible scars after eyelid surgery?
Scars are usually very discreet. Upper lid incisions sit in the natural crease, and lower lid incisions are placed under the lashes or inside the lid, where they are hard to see once healed.
How long is recovery after blepharoplasty?
Most patients feel comfortable in public after one to two weeks, with stitches removed within about a week and final refinement continuing over several weeks to a few months.
Related: Eyelid Surgery · Facelift
Dr. Saad Dibo will assess your lids, brows, and under-eye area together to recommend whether upper, lower, or combined eyelid surgery is the right fit.
