How Is Upper Blepharoplasty Performed?

 

Dr. Boeckmann places the incision within the natural upper eyelid crease. Through this incision, excess skin and, when appropriate, muscle or fat can be carefully addressed.

Positioning the incision within the existing eyelid crease helps conceal it as the area heals.

Male upper blepharoplasty is planned conservatively. Rather than attempting to remove every trace of eyelid fullness, the surgical plan considers the natural brow and eyelid relationship to maintain an appropriate, balanced result.

What Can Lower Eyelid Surgery Correct?

Lower eyelid aging often appears as puffiness, prominent bags or loose skin underneath the eyes. These changes can create a chronically tired appearance even when a man is healthy and well rested.

Lower eyelid surgery and eye bag correction may improve:

• Under-eye bags.

• Lower eyelid puffiness.

• Bulging eyelid fat.

• Excess lower eyelid skin.

• Lower eyelid wrinkles.

• Shadows created by prominent eye bags or an uneven transition between the eyelid and cheek.

How Is Lower Blepharoplasty Performed?

 

Lower eyelid surgery can be performed through an incision inside the eyelid, known as a transconjunctival approach, or through a carefully positioned external incision when excess skin also needs to be addressed.

Fat beneath the eye may be removed or repositioned depending on the patient's anatomy and the cause of the under-eye fullness.

The lower eyelid is a delicate area, making careful assessment and surgical planning particularly important when the goal is a natural result.

What Can Lower Eyelid Surgery Correct?

Lower eyelid aging often appears as puffiness, prominent bags or loose skin underneath the eyes. These changes can create a chronically tired appearance even when a man is healthy and well rested.

Lower eyelid surgery and eye bag correction may improve:

• Under-eye bags.

• Lower eyelid puffiness.

• Bulging eyelid fat.

• Excess lower eyelid skin.

• Lower eyelid wrinkles.

• Shadows created by prominent eye bags or an uneven transition between the eyelid and cheek.

 

How Is Lower Blepharoplasty Performed?

 

Lower eyelid surgery can be performed through an incision inside the eyelid, known as a transconjunctival approach, or through a carefully positioned external incision when excess skin also needs to be addressed.

Fat beneath the eye may be removed or repositioned depending on the patient's anatomy and the cause of the under-eye fullness.

The lower eyelid is a delicate area, making careful assessment and surgical planning particularly important when the goal is a natural result.

 

Can Upper & Lower Eyelid Surgery Be Combined?

Yes. Men who have both heavy upper eyelids and prominent under-eye bags may benefit from upper and lower blepharoplasty during the same surgical plan.

Combining the procedures allows the upper and lower eye area to be treated together so the result remains balanced.

Not everyone requires both procedures. Some men only need upper eyelid correction, while others are primarily concerned with lower eyelid bags. Dr. Boeckmann determines which approach is appropriate after evaluating the eyelids and surrounding facial anatomy.

Am I a Candidate for Male Eyelid Surgery?

You may be a candidate if you are bothered by aging changes around your eyes and want an improvement that still looks natural.

Good candidates generally:

• Are in good overall health.

• Do not smoke or are willing to stop around surgery.

• Have realistic expectations.

• Have excess upper eyelid skin, lower eyelid bags or related concerns.

• Do not have serious untreated eye conditions.

• Are able to follow pre-operative and post-operative instructions.

 

Certain conditions may affect whether blepharoplasty is appropriate, including significant dry eye, thyroid eye disease, uncontrolled hypertension, recent eye surgery or medical issues that affect healing.

A drooping eyebrow can also create the appearance of excess upper eyelid skin. Similarly, true eyelid ptosis involves the muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid and may require a different treatment.

This is why an in-person examination is important before recommending surgery. The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery also notes that blepharoplasty may sometimes be combined with other facial procedures depending on the underlying cause of the patient's concerns.

 

What Is Recovery Like After Eyelid Surgery?

Bruising and swelling are expected after blepharoplasty, although the amount varies depending on whether the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both are treated.

During the first several days, patients are generally instructed to keep their head elevated and use cool compresses as directed. Mild tightness, dryness or irritation may occur during the early healing period.

Many upper blepharoplasty patients are comfortable returning to work and normal social activities in approximately one week as the initial bruising and swelling improve. Lower eyelid surgery may involve somewhat more swelling and can require additional time before the area completely settles.

Strenuous exercise is typically restricted during the initial recovery period. Dr. Boeckmann provides specific instructions according to the procedure performed and how the patient is healing.

 

Will Male Blepharoplasty Look Natural?

A natural result is one of the primary goals of male eyelid surgery.

Successful blepharoplasty should not make the eyes appear dramatically larger or give the face an obviously operated appearance. Instead, friends or coworkers may simply notice that you look more rested or refreshed.

Preserving appropriate upper eyelid fullness, respecting the natural eyelid crease and evaluating the position of the brow are particularly important when planning surgery for men.

You can view actual results in our before and after gallery for men's eyelid surgery.

 

Can Eyelid Surgery Be Combined With Other Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures?

Yes. Eyelid aging does not always occur in isolation.

Some men also experience sagging along the jawline or neck, changes in skin quality or brow descent. Depending on your concerns, Dr. Boeckmann may discuss eyelid surgery alone or as part of a broader facial rejuvenation plan.

Men interested in addressing the lower face and neck can learn more about male neck lift surgery. Patients interested in maintaining skin quality before or after surgery can also explore preventative skincare for men.

Treatment recommendations are based on your anatomy and goals rather than automatically combining procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eyelid Surgery for Men

 

Will People Be Able to Tell I Had Eyelid Surgery?

The goal is for the result to look natural rather than surgically altered. Once initial bruising and swelling have resolved, the eyes should gradually look more rested while retaining their familiar shape and character.

 

Will Eyelid Surgery Change the Shape of My Eyes?

Blepharoplasty is generally designed to rejuvenate the surrounding eyelid tissues without fundamentally changing the natural shape of the eyes. Surgical planning is particularly important in men because overly aggressive skin or fat removal can alter the character of the eye area.

 

Will I Have Visible Scars?

Upper blepharoplasty incisions are placed within the natural eyelid crease. Lower blepharoplasty may be performed through an incision inside the eyelid or through an external incision positioned close to the lash line when skin removal is necessary.

Scars generally become less noticeable as healing progresses.

 

How Long Before I Can Return to Work?

Many men return to office work and normal social activities within approximately one to two weeks, although recovery varies. Lower eyelid surgery or combined upper and lower blepharoplasty may require additional time for swelling and bruising to improve.

 

When Can I Exercise Again?

Exercise is restricted during the early stages of recovery. Many patients gradually resume more strenuous activity after approximately two to three weeks, but Dr. Boeckmann will provide instructions based on the procedure performed and your individual healing.

 

Will Blepharoplasty Remove Dark Circles?

It depends on what is causing them. Lower eyelid surgery can improve shadows associated with prominent fat bags or an uneven eyelid-to-cheek transition. However, dark circles caused primarily by pigmentation, thin skin or visible blood vessels may require another treatment.

 

How Long Do Male Blepharoplasty Results Last?

Blepharoplasty produces long-lasting improvement, although it cannot stop the natural aging process. The tissues around the eyes will continue to change gradually with age.

Sun protection, healthy skin habits and avoiding smoking can help support the appearance of the eye area over time.

 

Is Eyelid Surgery Only Cosmetic?

No. Many men choose blepharoplasty for cosmetic reasons, but excessive upper eyelid skin can sometimes interfere with peripheral vision. An examination can help determine whether your concern is cosmetic, functional or a combination of both.

 

Expert Eyelid Surgery for Men in Orange County

Dr. Jacob Boeckmann is a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon whose practice focuses exclusively on surgical and non-surgical procedures of the face.

For men considering blepharoplasty, surgical planning is customized to the individual rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. The goal is to reduce unwanted eyelid aging while maintaining natural facial proportions and a result that does not look overdone.

Pacific Coast Facial Plastic Surgery is located in Laguna Niguel and serves patients throughout Orange County, including Newport Beach and surrounding South Orange County communities.

If you are considering eyelid surgery for men in Orange County, schedule a private consultation with Dr. Boeckmann to discuss whether upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty or a combination of procedures is appropriate for you.

You can also view Pacific Coast Facial Plastic Surgery on Google, read our patient reviews, or contact our Laguna Niguel office to request an appointment.