Who Is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

Table of contents

What Is Blepharoplasty?

Candidates for Blepharoplasty

Upper vs. Lower Blepharoplasty: Candidate Differences

Who Should Avoid Blepharoplasty?

Consultation and Next Steps

Benefits of Eyelid Surgery

Rediscover Your Radiance: Facial Plastic Surgery with Dr. Jayaram

Conclusion: Top Signs You’re a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery

A good candidate for blepharoplasty is an adult in overall good health who is concerned about sagging upper eyelids, puffy lower lids, or under-eye bags and seeks a refreshed, more youthful appearance. If you have realistic expectations and no serious eye or medical conditions, you may be an ideal candidate for this procedure. The following sections will help you better understand who is a good candidate for blepharoplasty and whether eyelid surgery is the right choice for you.

What Is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure designed to improve the appearance of the upper and/or lower eyelids. This surgery addresses excess skin, drooping eyelids, puffiness, and under-eye bags, resulting in a more alert and rejuvenated look. Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on your individual needs and aesthetic goals.

Candidates for Blepharoplasty

Understanding who is a good candidate for blepharoplasty involves looking at both aesthetic concerns and health factors.

Common Concerns Addressed by Eyelid Surgery

You may be an excellent candidate if you experience one or more of the following:

Droopy or sagging upper eyelids that make you look tired or interfere with vision.
Puffy upper eyelids due to fatty deposits.
Excess skin or fine wrinkles on the lower eyelids.
Bags or dark circles under the eyes.
Difficulty applying makeup because of loose, hanging skin.
A consistently tired or aged appearance that doesn’t match how you feel.

Physical and Medical Criteria

The healthiest and most satisfied patients tend to meet the following criteria:

Good overall health: Free from severe medical conditions that could impair healing.
No significant eye diseases: Candidates should not have untreated glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, or retinal disorders.
Stable medical conditions: Diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid disorders should be well-controlled.
Healthy skin elasticity: Sufficient skin elasticity helps ensure optimal healing and results.

Age Considerations

There is no strict age requirement, but eyelid surgery is most commonly performed on adults aged 35 and older. This is typically when signs of aging—such as drooping lids or under-eye bags—become more pronounced. However, younger adults with genetic predispositions to eyelid concerns can also benefit.

It’s important to note that age alone does not determine who is a good candidate for blepharoplasty; overall health, skin condition, and personal goals are equally vital factors.

Upper vs. Lower Blepharoplasty: Candidate Differences

Blepharoplasty can target either the upper or lower eyelids, and the ideal candidate profile varies between the two.

Who Should Consider Upper Blepharoplasty?

Upper eyelid surgery is suited for individuals with:

Excess, drooping skin on the upper eyelids
Vision obstruction due to sagging upper lids
Difficulty keeping eyes open
Fatty deposits that create a puffy appearance

Who Should Consider Lower Eyelid Surgery?

Lower eyelid surgery is ideal for those who have:

Bags or puffiness below the eyes
Loose or wrinkled skin on the lower eyelids
Dark circles that are accentuated by excess fat or skin
A tired or aged appearance despite feeling well-rested

Who Should Avoid Blepharoplasty?

While many people are interested in eyelid surgery, not everyone is a good candidate for blepharoplasty. Certain conditions and expectations may make the procedure unsuitable.

Medical Conditions and Contraindications

You may need to avoid blepharoplasty or seek further medical evaluation if you have:

Uncontrolled chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or hypertension
Active infections or untreated medical conditions
Serious eye disorders (e.g., glaucoma, severe dry eye, retinal disease)
Bleeding or clotting disorders

Discussing your complete medical history with Dr. Ann Jayaram is essential to ensure your safety and optimize surgical outcomes.

Unrealistic Expectations

Blepharoplasty can dramatically improve the appearance of your eyes, but it will not change fundamental facial features or stop the aging process. Those who expect perfection or believe surgery will solve unrelated concerns may not be satisfied.
A healthy outlook, clear goals, and realistic expectations are crucial for a positive experience.

Consultation and Next Steps

The only way to determine if you are a good candidate for blepharoplasty is through a personalized consultation with Dr. Ann Jayaram. During this meeting, your medical history, eye health, facial structure, and unique concerns will be evaluated.

During your consultation, you can expect:

Comprehensive evaluation: Dr. Jayaram will assess your eyelids, skin quality, and facial anatomy.
Discussion of goals: You’ll talk about your reasons for seeking eyelid surgery and your desired results.
Medical review: Your health history and any conditions that may impact your recovery will be carefully considered.
Customized recommendations: Based on your unique features and goals, Dr. Jayaram will suggest the best approach for you.

Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities, and your consultation is the ideal opportunity to ask questions and learn about complementary treatments, if applicable.

Benefits of Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery offers many benefits for those who are good candidates:

Lifting of Droopy Eyelids

Lifting of droopy eyelids can dramatically improve the look of both the upper and lower eyelids. Many people struggle with sagging skin or drooping lower eyelids that create a constantly tired appearance, even when they are well rested. By addressing these concerns, eyelid surgery restores a more natural, alert look that enhances facial balance.

Reduced Under-Eye Bags

One of the most noticeable benefits of eyelid surgery is the reduction of under-eye bags. This surgical procedure carefully targets excess fat deposits beneath the eyes, creating a smoother contour. Through precise fat removal, patients gain a more rejuvenated appearance and relief from the heaviness that under-eye bags can cause.

No Sagging Skin

Sagging or loose skin is another common concern, and eyelid surgery ensures no sagging skin remains to weigh down the eyes. Dr. Jayaram will remove excess skin around the lids, which can significantly enhance both appearance and comfort.

Improved Vision

For individuals whose drooping eyelids begin to impair vision, an eyelid lift can also restore clearer sight and even expand peripheral vision.

Long-Lasting Results

Another advantage is the durability of the improvement. Many patients are pleased to discover that their eyelid surgery results last for over 10 years, maintaining a youthful and refreshed appearance over time. Unlike temporary cosmetic treatments, this procedure provides lasting benefits that do not require frequent maintenance.

Boosted Confidence

There is also a powerful psychological benefit in the form of boosted confidence. By undergoing eyelid surgery, individuals not only improve their eye area but also their self-image. Since most patients notice a more youthful and refreshed appearance, they often feel more comfortable in social and professional settings, which can positively influence many aspects of their lives.

Rediscover Your Radiance: Facial Plastic Surgery with Dr. Jayaram

With more than 7,000 eyelid and ocular procedures performed, Dr. Jayaram is an experienced surgeon who offers a personalized approach to achieving natural-looking results. During a blepharoplasty consultation, she carefully reviews each patient’s general health, history of circulatory disorders, and cosmetic goals to ensure the safest and most effective treatment plan. Whether addressing the upper and lower lids or combining surgery with non-surgical options, such as dermal fillers, her focus is on restoring balance and harmony to the natural folds of the eyes.

Blepharoplasty is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to rejuvenate the eye area with precision and care. Often performed under local anesthesia, eyelid surgery typically requires at least a week of downtime. The recovery period involves protecting delicate tissues, supporting the healing process, and avoiding strain from activities like wearing contact lenses too soon. Most patients find that the initial swelling resolves in about a week, especially when using cold compresses to minimize discomfort.

For optimal results, Dr. Jayaram recommends that patients wear sunglasses outdoors during recovery, protecting their eyes from sunlight and wind while the skin continues to heal. By following these careful steps, patients enjoy a smoother, more youthful eye contour and the confidence that comes with looking as vibrant as they feel.

Conclusion

So, who is a good candidate for blepharoplasty? Adults in good health with concerns about drooping eyelids, under-eye bags, or excess eyelid skin—who also have realistic expectations—are likely to benefit most from eyelid surgery. Through a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Ann Jayaram, you can receive a treatment plan tailored to your needs and achieve a refreshed, natural-looking result.

Before & After

Dr. Ann Jayaram

September 1, 2025