Would I be a better candidate for unilateral blepharoplasty of my upper right eyelid or bilateral blepharoplasty? (Photo)

Question

Hi, I’m 35, and notice a slight amount of extra skin on my upper right eyelid.

Theresa M. Jarmuz, MD · Answer

Even though you notice the right eyelid more than left you should have bilateral blepharoplasty. Your surgeon will just remove more skin from the right eyelid than the left giving more symmetry and a maximum result.
Good luck!

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Everyone has some degree of asymmetry regarding their upper eyelids. The degree of asymmetry is  quite variable.  Both eyelids should be performed with a differential amount of skin removal to make them look more symmetrical. For many examples, please see the link and the video below

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question and the detailed photographs witht he different positions - was that a very steady hand or someone helping you with the photos !!The main question is does your right eye bother you? If it doesnt then a unilateral bleph is possible. You would have a scar on one side compared to the other. The eyes would be more symmetrical in their appearance but no one could guarantee getting them completely symmetrical as it is a couple of mm difference currently which would then need to heal with scarring. It is easier to do a bilateral as both eyes would then have scarring and behave in a similar way. But either way is possible and to answer your question, yes you would be a candidate for a unilateral blepharoplastyI hope this is helpful for youKR

William Numa, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Sometimes a unilateral blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) can be carried out in some cases of mature patients where a degree of ptosis (drooping) is impairing the visual field in one eye, sometimes these patients require a bilateral blepharoplasty, and almost always this type of procedure is covered under insurance. However, when a younger patient has concerns of excess skin and fullness that fall more inline with a cosmetic concern and not affecting vision, then it is usually advisable to perform a bilateral cosmetic blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) to maintain a balanced and homogenous look overall.Undergoing any surgical procedure requires careful attention to detail and consideration for different options.  Consider obtaining several opinions before moving forward with any given procedure.
Trust your face to a board-certified facial plastic surgeon or a board-certified plastic surgeon with very extensive blepharoplasty experience.

Sanjay "Jay" Keni, MD · Answer

Hi Anon50912,
Excellent question.  I find, in most cases, there is still a slight excess on the opposite side that you will wish you had treated, if you only have a unilateral procedure.  
For this issue, you definitely need to see a trusted facial plastic or oculoplastic surgeon to evaluate whether you would benefit from only a unilateral procedure.
Best wishes,
Dr. Jay

J. Timothy Heffernan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and submitted photographs. That is a fine line whether you would be a better candidate for a unilateral blepharoplasty or bilateral bleph at the same time. I would consult with a oculofacial plastic surgeon to discuss your options in person. Best of luck, Dr. Heffernan

Would I be a better candidate for unilateral blepharoplasty of my upper right eyelid or bilateral blepharoplasty? (Photo)

Answers (6)

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