How Long Does Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery Last? (photo)

Question

I had mine done nine years ago. Now lower eyes are saggy and wrinkly when smiling. Should I have it done again?

A.J. Amadi, MD · Answer

These photos definitely help, but a hands on examination consultation is invaluable. You may benefit from laser resurfacing rather than direct excision of skin. 

	If you decide to explore this further, I would recommend consultation with an ASOPRS trained Oculoplastics surgeon. You can find one close to you on the ASOPRS dot org website.

Cameron Chesnut, MD, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

This is a really great question that comes up often in cosmetic consultations: What is the duration and durability of a cosmetic surgery?
Most of that answer depends on your own, inherent physiology and anatomy. For example, an older patient will often get less durability out of the surgery as their tissues just do not respond as well as a younger person. Your genetic predisposition to agent will also play significant role.
I always tell patients that we can turn back the hands of time, but we cannot stop them from taking forwards. Basically, you will always be aging from a new point, as you continue to age after your surgery, you will always have that Headstart having begun that process from a better starting point, so you always look better than had you not had the surgery.
The type of surgery is also important; an eyelid surgery does not tend to have as much tension placed on it as say a facelift, so inherent genetic changes can play more of a role with duration there. Treatments like Botox or Dysport can definitely be preventative and prolong the need for surgery by helping to take tension off of the tissue. I always encourage my post operative patients to preserve their results with Botox or Dysport, just as we encourage young patients to start early and preserve what they already have!
To ensure you are receiving the highest level of care, seek out a modernly trained, new-school dermatologic surgeon, oculoplastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon who is board certified and fellowship trained in one of these “core four” cosmetic specialties. Membership in organizations like the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery help to identify a highly trained surgeon.
Cameron Chesnut
#realself500 Physician

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Revision blepharoplasty can be done with removal of the excess skin, removal of excess fat along with repositioning of the fat in your eyelid hollows.

Alexander Ovchinsky, MD · Answer

You appear to have skin excess of the lower eyelids, hard to comment on the upper eyelids based on your picture.  The skin excess can be removed concervatively; it does not seem to be any fat excess that needs to be addressed. You also have a so-called "tear trough" deformity (grooves under the eyes), which may be improved with fillers. The exact treatment plan needs to be decided upon during your consultation, but there are definitely some options.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

As you demonstrate in the picture, you appear to have lax skin in the lower lid that may need to conservatively removed. It is best to go for a consultation. Good luck!

How Long Does Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery Last? (photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Wrinkling 9 years after blepharoplasty

Answer: Wrinkling 9 years after blepharoplasty

Answer: Eye surgery and long term results

Answer: Eye surgery and long term results

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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How Long Does Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery Last? (photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Wrinkling 9 years after blepharoplasty

Answer: Wrinkling 9 years after blepharoplasty

Answer: Eye surgery and long term results

Answer: Eye surgery and long term results

Browse related questions

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.