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!

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15 answers to “Is 18 years old too young for eyelid...”

A: Upper eyelid surgery for young patients

William Portuese, MD

 It sounds as though from the description, that when the eyelid skin is touching the eyelashes and irritating the eye that indeed, there is an indication to perform upper blepharoplasty. Sometimes on certain ethnic eyelids there is excess fat in the upper lid that herniates over the eyelid, which can be... more

A: Upper lid blepharoplasty in an 18 year old

Steven Wallach, MD

It is extremely , extremely rare to have to need upper eyelid rejuventation in such a young person unless they have some sort of underlying skin disease or facial abnormality. Without examining this person, I would not be able to offer any suggestions.

A: Upper lid surgery may be more necessary than cosmetic

David A. Dreyfuss, MD

While 18 does seem way too young for a cosmetic upper eyelid procedure, it may be the right thing to do. Some people do develop upper eyelid laxity or "droop" at an early age. It can be related to the muscle or nerve function of the eyelid. It must be appropriately evaluated. If it is asymmetric, or... more

A: Upper eyelid surgery at age 18

Farhad Rafizadeh, MD

She does seem too young to have upper Blepharoplasty. But there are individuals with abnormal early laxity of their skin. in these cases upper Blepharoplasty could be successful. The possibility of a visible scar should be discussed with the plastic surgeon, as this would be more noticeable in a young person.

A: 18 years old for upper eyelid surgery

Christopher L. Hess, MD

It sounds like the issue is not cosmetic per se but congenital.  The "tired" or "mad" look is indicative of congenital ptosis.  So you're sister is not looking at cosmetic surgery.  She needs to see an oculoplastic surgeon who specializes in congenital ptosis.  Surgical... more

A: Upper eyelid surgery in a young patient is seldom indicated

Scott Trimas, MD

Upper eyelid surgery in a young patient is seldom indicated unless they have congenital excess skin which is rare. The other indication for a droopy eyelid surgery might be from a condition called ptosis where the upper eyelid hangs close to the pupil where normally in caucasian eyelids it should rest 1-2mm... more

A: She may have a true upper eyelid ptosis

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

 Hi Alexa She may or may not be too young to make this decision. Certainly she should make this decision with the help and support of her parents. She may very well have a functional issue. If the droopiness of the upper eyelid is due to the eyelid margin (where the eyelashes are) resting low on the eye,... more

A: Upper Eyelid Surgery for 18 year old

Farbod Esmailian, MD

It really depends what we are talking about.  If she really has excess skin that can be improved by removing it, then so be it.  But she would need to be examined to determine the proper diagnosis and then the treatment plan would be based on the problem at hand. Age does not always play a role. Good... more

A: Upper Blepharoplasty in an 18-year-old

Amir M. Karam, MD

Age 18 is not too young for upper eyelid blepharoplasty so long as there is an appropriate anatomic condition to correct. Most young patients may have a genetic propensity to excess upper lid skin. Usually a family member or two have a similar condition. The treatment is removal of the excess skin.... more

A: 18 is too young for upper blepharoplasty

Tanveer Janjua, MD

18 is too young for upper eyelid surgery unless it is for creating a double lid in an asian eye. Your baby sitter might be looking angry and tired because of wrinkles between eyebrows, crows feet or forehead. She might benefit from Botox. Have her consider other options before getting into upper eyelid surgery... more

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