I am trying to decide whether to have upper and lower eyelid surgery at one time or should I have them done separately?

Question

I am 78 and in good health. Will the two surgeries together extend my recovery with more swelling, bruising-down time? Will there be more risk with the two surgeries completed at one time. I would have the upper eye surgery done first if done separately and still have the eye bags. Not sure when I would complete the second surgery. I go to an oculoplastic surgeon.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

Most patients elect to have both upper and lower eyelids done at once since they need to go the surgery process once rather than twice.

David S. Felder, MD · Answer

It would be unusual to separate upper and lower eyelid surgery, unless that is your desire. Having both done concomitantly saves anesthesia, cost and two recovery periods. It is ultimately your decision, but it is not the norm to separate them.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  For patients who are in good health, I recommend having upper and lower eyelid surgery performed together if you are an appropriate candidate for each.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Mark Beaty, MD · Answer

If you need both upper and lower eyelids done I recommend doing all four lids together.  This will result in only one recovery period, one anesthetic and does not add any risk.  You also benefit from having the full result enhancement in one procedure.

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

Most people do this surgery together to combine the recovery time. I would not be concerned about the combination.

I am trying to decide whether to have upper and lower eyelid surgery at one time or should I have them done separately?

Answers (10)

Answer: Timing of upper and lower eyelid surgery

Answer: Timing of upper and lower eyelid surgery

Answer: Together

Answer: Together

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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I am trying to decide whether to have upper and lower eyelid surgery at one time or should I have them done separately?

Answers (10)

Answer: Timing of upper and lower eyelid surgery

Answer: Timing of upper and lower eyelid surgery

Answer: Together

Answer: Together

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.