Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) in the Philippines
Upper and Lower Eyelid Rejuvenation
The eyes are often the first facial feature to show signs of aging. Excess upper eyelid skin, droopy eyelids, under-eye bags, and loose lower eyelid skin can make a person appear tired, older, or constantly stressed.
Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a highly effective procedure that rejuvenates the eyes by removing excess skin, repositioning fat, and restoring a youthful, refreshed appearance. It can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both simultaneously. Blepharoplasty is one of the most commonly performed facial cosmetic procedures worldwide and can improve both appearance and, in selected patients, visual obstruction caused by excess upper eyelid skin.
Types of Blepharoplasty
1. Upper Blepharoplasty
Upper blepharoplasty addresses:
✅ Droopy upper eyelids
✅ Excess skin covering the eyelid crease
✅ Heavy eyelids causing a tired appearance
✅ Vision obstruction from redundant skin
✅ Puffy upper eyelid fat pockets
Procedure Overview
During surgery:
a. The natural eyelid crease is marked.
b. Excess skin is carefully removed.
c. Excess fat may be conservatively trimmed or repositioned.
d. Fine sutures close the incision within the eyelid crease.
The resulting scar is hidden within the natural fold of the eyelid and becomes barely noticeable after healing.
Ideal Candidates
Patients who have:
Excess upper eyelid skin
Hooded eyelids
Tired-looking eyes
Difficulty applying makeup due to skin folds
Partial visual obstruction from drooping skin
2. Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower blepharoplasty addresses:
✅ Eye bags
✅ Puffiness beneath the eyes
✅ Loose lower eyelid skin
✅ Wrinkles and crepey skin
✅ Hollow tear troughs (selected patients)
Procedure Options
A. Transconjunctival Lower Blepharoplasty
Best for younger patients with:
Prominent eye bags
Minimal skin excess
Incisions are hidden inside the eyelid.
Advantages:
✓ No visible scar
✓ Faster recovery
✓ Lower risk of eyelid retraction
B. Skin-Pinch Lower Blepharoplasty
Best for:
Mild to moderate loose lower eyelid skin
Fine wrinkles
Only excess skin is removed while preserving muscle and deeper tissues. This technique offers predictable healing with minimal distortion of the eyelid.
C. Traditional Lower Blepharoplasty
Best for:
Significant eye bags
Excess skin
Muscle laxity
Fat may be repositioned rather than removed to avoid a hollow appearance and maintain a natural result.
LOWER BLEPHAROPLASTY
Fat repositioning
Bag reduction
Skin tightening
Smoother contour
Benefits of Blepharoplasty
Cosmetic Benefits
✓ Brighter appearance
✓ More youthful eyes
✓ Reduced eye bags
✓ Better eyelid contour
✓ Improved facial harmony
✓ Enhanced confidence
Functional Benefits
✓ Improved peripheral vision
✓ Reduced heaviness of upper eyelids
✓ Easier makeup application
✓ Less forehead strain from constantly raising eyebrows
The Surgery
Anesthesia
Blepharoplasty may be performed under:
Local anesthesia
Local anesthesia with sedation
General anesthesia
The choice depends on the extent of surgery and patient preference.
Duration
Surgical Time
Upper Blepharoplasty
45–60 minutes
Lower Blepharoplasty
60–90 minutes
Upper + Lower
1.5–2.5 hours
Most patients go home the same day.
Recovery Timeline
Day 1–3
Expected:
✓ Swelling
✓ Bruising
✓ Mild tightness
✓ Tearing
Apply cold compresses frequently.
Day 4–7
✓ Swelling begins improving
✓ Bruising starts fading
✓ Sutures removed (upper eyelids)
Many patients feel comfortable appearing in public.
Week 2
✓ Most bruising resolved
✓ Makeup may be used
✓ Return to work for most patients
Month 1–3
✓ Scar maturation begins
✓ Eyelid contour softens
✓ Final results continue improving
Before Surgery Instructions
Two Weeks Before
Avoid:
❌ Smoking
❌ Vaping
❌ Aspirin
❌ Ibuprofen
❌ Herbal blood thinners
❌ Vitamin E supplements
Inform your surgeon about:
Diabetes
Hypertension
Thyroid disease
Dry eye syndrome
Previous eye surgery
These conditions may influence healing and surgical planning.
Aftercare Instructions
First Week
✓ Sleep with head elevated
✓ Use cold compresses
✓ Take prescribed medications
✓ Keep incisions clean
✓ Wear dark sunglasses outdoors
Avoid
❌ Heavy exercise
❌ Swimming
❌ Contact lenses
❌ Rubbing eyes
❌ Alcohol
❌ Smoking
Risks and Complications
Blepharoplasty is generally a safe procedure when performed by experienced surgeons. However, all surgery carries risks.
Possible complications include:
Bleeding
Infection
Dry eyes
Temporary blurred vision
Asymmetry
Visible scars
Difficulty closing eyes
Lower eyelid retraction
Need for revision surgery
Serious complications affecting vision are extremely rare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have visible scars?
Upper eyelid scars are hidden within the natural crease. Lower eyelid scars are usually hidden inside the eyelid or just beneath the eyelashes.
Is blepharoplasty painful?
Most patients report mild discomfort rather than pain. Tightness and swelling are more common than significant pain.
How long do results last?
Upper blepharoplasty often lasts 10–15 years or longer.
Lower blepharoplasty results are frequently long-lasting and may be permanent for eye bags.
Can upper and lower eyelids be done together?
Yes. Many patients undergo four-lid blepharoplasty during one surgery to achieve complete eye rejuvenation.
When can I return to work?
Most patients return to office work within:
Upper blepharoplasty: 5–7 days
Lower blepharoplasty: 7–14 days
Combined surgery: 10–14 days
Will blepharoplasty remove crow's feet?
Not completely. Blepharoplasty improves excess skin and eye bags but does not directly treat crow's feet. Botox, laser resurfacing, or skin tightening treatments may be recommended as complementary procedures.