Upper vs. Lower Blepharoplasty: What’s the Difference?

Upper and lower blepharoplasty procedure

Blepharoplasty is one of the most effective ways to restore a brighter, more rested appearance around your eyes. Depending on your concerns, your surgeon may recommend upper blepharoplasty to correct drooping eyelids, lower blepharoplasty to reduce under-eye bags, or a combination of both for more complete rejuvenation.

At Daniel Tresley MD in Northbrook, IL, board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Daniel Tresley is one of only a handful of oculofacial plastic surgeons in the Chicago area. He has performed more than 10,000 oculofacial procedures, bringing exceptional skill and experience to eyelid surgery.

What Is Upper Blepharoplasty?

Upper blepharoplasty, or upper eyelid surgery, removes excess skin and, when needed, small amounts of fat from the upper eyelids. It helps correct drooping or hooded eyelids, creating a more open, rested appearance. In some cases, it can also improve vision by removing skin that hangs over the eyes.

What Is Lower Blepharoplasty?

Lower blepharoplasty, or lower eyelid surgery, improves the area beneath the eyes by reducing under-eye bags, tightening loose skin, and smoothing wrinkles. Depending on your anatomy, fat may be removed or repositioned to create a smoother, more youthful contour between the lower eyelids and cheeks.

Which Procedure Is Right for You?

Upper and lower blepharoplasty treat different concerns, and some people benefit from having both procedures performed at the same time:

ConcernUpper BlepharoplastyLower Blepharoplasty
Primary concernCorrects drooping or hooded upper eyelidsReduces under-eye bags and puffiness
What it treatsExcess upper eyelid skin that can make your eyes look tired or affect visionLoose skin, under-eye fat, and wrinkles beneath the eyes
Main goalCreates a more open, rested appearanceSmooths and rejuvenates the lower eyelid area
Best candidateSomeone bothered by heavy upper eyelids or sagging skinSomeone concerned about under-eye bags or aging beneath the eyes
Can it be combined?Yes, for more complete eyelid rejuvenationYes, for more complete eyelid rejuvenation

Learn Which Blepharoplasty Is Right for You

Choosing between upper and lower blepharoplasty starts with understanding your unique concerns and facial anatomy. Dr. Daniel Tresley offers experienced oculofacial plastic surgery for patients in Northbrook, IL, using techniques that create natural-looking results. 

Call 847-291-6900 today to schedule your consultation and learn which procedure is right for you.

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“My ophthalmologist referred me to Dr. Tresley as I had a drooping eyelid which was causing me to really strain to see images, read etc.”

– Delfina Torres

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