Eyelid surgery has become increasingly popular in recent years for a variety of reasons. It addresses both cosmetic and functional issues. Both upper and lower eyelid surgery treat different areas and concerns. Some patients choose to combine upper and lower eyelid surgery. This offers comprehensive results if both areas require treatment. However, many patients opt for just upper or lower eyelid surgery. You may wonder: How often do patients treat only the upper or lower eyelids? Below is helpful information to help you choose the right treatment.

How Often Do Patients Only Treat Upper or Lower Eyelids?

Depending on the specific patient, treatment may include upper eyelid surgery in Chicago, lower eyelid surgery, or both. While patients may combine procedures to maximize results, it is not always necessary. Some patients may only notice issues in the upper or lower eyelids. Patients often notice sagging skin only on the upper eyelid. Similarly, others may develop puffiness or laxity that affects only the lower eyelid. A thorough evaluation by an oculofacial plastic surgeon is necessary to determine the right treatment option for you.

Why Some Patients Only Need Upper Eyelid Surgery

Several concerns affect only the upper eyelids. If you experience the following issues, upper eyelid surgery may be the best option for you.

Excess Skin

The upper eyelids tend to show the signs of aging first. Excess skin is one of the most common concerns. It results from reduced natural production of collagen and elastin. Poor lifestyle habits can worsen this. Upper eyelid surgery removes the excess skin from the upper eyelid. This can cause both cosmetic and functional concerns. Excess eyelid skin makes you look tired and much older than you are. When the skin droops over the lash line, it can impact your vision. This can make daily tasks much more difficult. Upper eyelid surgery can effectively address both cosmetic and functional issues.

Puffiness

As you age, your upper eyelids can become puffier. Puffiness often makes you look older than you are. It can also make you look tired. Puffiness is often due to excess fat and tissue in the upper eyelids. Upper eyelid surgery removes excess skin, as well as excess tissue and fat, from the upper eyelids. This reveals a smoother and more youthful-looking upper eye contour.

Why Some Patients Only Need Lower Eyelid Surgery

Several issues affect only the lower eyelids. If you experience the following issues, lower eyelid surgery may be the best option for you.

Under-Eye Bags and Puffiness

The fat pads beneath the eyes can shift forward as you age. This can create a puffy, tired-looking appearance. Lower eyelid surgery corrects this by removing or repositioning the fat in the lower eyelids. This smooths the under-eye area. It also creates a seamless transition between the upper cheek and lower eyelid. Many patients report a boost in their confidence, as it can take years off their look.

Excess Skin

Similar to the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids can develop excess, sagging skin. The aging skin under the eyes is often loose or crepey. This is often due to unprotected sun exposure, genetics, and natural aging. Lower eyelid surgery removes excess skin from the lower eyelid. This reveals a smoother, more contoured under-eye area.

Hollowness

One common under-eye concern is hollowness. As you get older, the fat pads under the eyes shift downward. This is due to gravity, natural aging, and poor lifestyle habits. Lower eyelid surgery repositions the fat pads under the eyes. It pulls them into a more natural position, which addresses hollowness. This creates a smooth transition between the upper cheek and lower eyelid. Many patients notice that they look more rested.

When to Get Eyelid Surgery?

The signs of aging can impact the upper or lower eyelids much sooner than the rest of the face. If you don’t like how it has affected your appearance, it is time to schedule a consultation with an oculofacial plastic surgeon. They can evaluate your eye structure and skin quality. From there, they can create a customized treatment plan to address your aesthetic and functional concerns.

Top Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon

The eyes are often the first place signs of aging show up. If you want to refresh your look, contact the team at Chicago Oculofacial Consultants today to schedule your consultation!