What's the Best Age for an Eyelid Lift?

Some surgeries we associate with advancing age: tummy tucks, breast lifts, and hair transplants, to name a few. But is there a right and wrong time to undergo eyelid surgery? 

Here, Frederick H. Watkins, MD, weighs in on how your age may influence your decision to get blepharoplasty to lift your sagging eyelids. 

Are you old enough for an eyelid lift?

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, has been one of the top cosmetic surgeries for years. Although rhinoplasty (nose jobs) still takes the number one spot, eyelids come in a close second. This may be because nothing ages your face faster than drooping eyelids.

Statistically, most people who get blepharoplasty are over 50, but we have many patients much younger than that asking about eyelid surgery these days.

The trend may be due to the “Zoom effect” during the COVID pandemic. Suddenly, people realized they weren’t ready to be on camera and began searching for ways to improve their appearance, including plastic surgery.

Getting an eyelid lift in your 20s or 30s may also delay the inevitable problems on the horizon. In this sense, blepharoplasty can act as a preventive, anti-aging measure. A minor procedure to fix small problems when you’re young can eliminate the need for more complex procedures in the future.

Another reason blepharoplasty patients skew younger these days is that there’s no longer a stigma attached to plastic surgery. Celebrities are more open about the procedures they’ve had done, and social media has made it more acceptable. 

If you’re at least 18 years old, you may be old enough for eyelid surgery, but that doesn’t mean we recommend it. Less invasive treatments are available that can address mild sagging and wrinkles. Talk to Dr. Watkins about Botox® and injectable fillers. 

Are you young enough for an eyelid lift?

Blepharoplasty is appropriate for people within a wide range of ages, but there is an upper age limit. It differs for everyone, but the cut-off line is when your health stands in the way.

Since blepharoplasty is surgery, you must be healthy enough to undergo the procedure and heal well afterward. As long as you’re physically and mentally up for it, you can get an eyelid lift. 

Are you a good candidate for eyelid surgery?

Regardless of age, you need to meet a few criteria before being considered a good candidate for eyelid surgery. Dr. Watkins describes the ideal eyelid surgery patient as:

• Healthy
• Nonsmoker
• No eye health conditions present
• No healing issues
• Realistic expectations

During your consultation, Dr. Watkins walks you through what to expect during the procedure. In some cases, he only needs to remove a little excess skin; in others, he removes skin and fat and reattaches lax muscles. 

Whatever your age, droopy eyelids can make you look even older. Schedule an appointment with Frederick H. Watkins, MD, in McLean, Virginia, or Rockville, Maryland, and find out if blepharoplasty can open your eyes and restore your youthful look. Call our office most convenient to you or book online today.