Upper eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty) is often OK for young adults

Marc Cohen, MD answers: Is 18 years old too young for eyelid surgery?

My baby sister is turning 18 in a week and for the past year, she has been saving her money for an upper eyelid surgery. Her upper eyes are and have always been slightly droopy and she constantly looks tired or mad (even when she is not). The skin hits her eyelashes, which sometimes causes a rash on the skin. She is very unhappy. I’m just a little worried and I want to know if 18 years old is too young to have upper eyelid surgery. Also, what are the complications for someone this young? Will it look worse as she ages or will this be good for her? Thank you!


Marc Cohen, MD
2 months ago

Upper eyelid cosmetic surgery (Blepharoplasty) is not a problem for an 18 year old.  However, just like every other patient, it is important that problem be correctly identified and the proper procedure is performed.

For most 18 year olds droopy eyelids can mean:

  1. That there is two much fullness off the upper eyelid
  2. That the muscle that lifts the eyelid is not working properly so the edge of the eyelid itself is too low

In some patients both of these problems are present.  If the problem is with the muscle should be corrected at the time of surgery.  If the problem is upper eyelid fullness than the answer will probably be removal of skin and fat.  However that should be done in a very conservative manner.  As we age upper eyelids can become more hollow.  When a young person has surgery that possibility should be taken into account.

Hope this is helpful.

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