Complete Guide to Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery
Hello, this is Hyundai Aesthetic Surgery. As we reach middle age, the skin elasticity of the eyelids decreases and under-eye fat begins to protrude, creating a tired and older-looking impression. That is why upper and lower eyelid surgery is rapidly increasing among people in their 40s to 60s.
It is important to understand the exact difference between upper and lower eyelid surgery
Many people are unsure about the difference between these two procedures. Upper eyelid surgery corrects drooping upper eyelids that block vision or make the eyes look sleepy. By removing or tightening sagging skin and muscle, it aims for a clearer eye shape. Lower eyelid surgery, on the other hand, improves protruding fat, wrinkles, and sagging of the lower eyelids, focusing on refining the under-eye area so it looks brighter and softer. In other words, upper eyelid surgery is closer to an “upper eyelid lift,” while lower eyelid surgery is closer to “under-eye fat repositioning.”
When both surgeries are performed together, an improvement in the overall aged appearance of the eyes can be expected, but depending on skin thickness and recovery speed, they may also be performed in stages.
Why is upper and lower eyelid surgery needed in middle age?
After the 40s, collagen and elastin around the eyes decrease rapidly, causing the eyelids to droop and the under-eye fat to protrude or hollow out. These changes can also narrow the field of vision or cause eye fatigue.
In particular, middle-aged people who are active socially may often hear comments such as “You look tired,” which can lower confidence. At this point, upper and lower eyelid surgery can help improve a tired-looking impression.
Scars and the recovery process
The incision lines for upper and lower eyelid surgery are placed along the double-eyelid crease or just below the eyelashes. So over time they mostly fade and become less noticeable, though the degree varies from person to person. Stitches are usually removed after 5 to 7 days, swelling improves in about 2 weeks, and by about a month the eye shape has often settled into place. Combining cold and warm compresses, drinking enough water, and maintaining good sleep can help with recovery. For middle-aged patients, rest and nutritional care are especially important because skin regeneration is slower.
How to minimize side effects
As with any surgery, there are precautions to keep in mind for upper and lower eyelid surgery. Asymmetry, overcorrection, where the eyes open too widely, and dry eyes are representative side effects. However, choosing a clinic with experienced medical staff and a systematic surgical system can help reduce these risks. After surgery, it is essential to avoid rubbing the eyes strongly, refrain from alcohol and smoking, rest sufficiently, and manage the area with cold compresses. Also, if you have a history of ptosis or dry eye syndrome, you must mention it during the preoperative consultation.
Duration of results and combined procedures
How long the effects of upper and lower eyelid surgery last varies from person to person. Of course, aging continues, but combining skin elasticity care or lifting procedures after surgery can help the results last longer. If under-eye hollowness is severe, fat grafting, fillers, or laser lifting to improve fine wrinkles may be combined. Afterward, continuing elasticity care once or twice a year can also help.
How Hyundai Aesthetic Surgery provides care
The chief director, who has long-standing expertise and clinical experience in eye and nose plastic surgery, provides consultations directly, and all medical staff also have extensive clinical experience.
-Experienced medical staff are always on site -Sincere consultants who recommend only the procedures you truly need -A safe anesthesia system and sufficient recovery beds -1:1 consultation and customized design system -Easy access, just 1 minute from Exit 1 of Sinsa Station -A follow-up care system that helps maintain results
Especially in the field of middle-aged eye rejuvenation, the clinic follows the principle of “personalized design rather than excessive surgery,” and aims for natural, long-lasting results by providing consistent postoperative care programs.
If drooping eyelids and under-eye fat make you look tired, consider upper and lower eyelid surgery.
Consider a consultation at Hyundai Aesthetic Surgery, which has expertise and a follow-up care system, about the surgical method that suits your eyes.
Customer Consultation Center: 02-546-4545 / 02-546-4546 KakaoTalk: @Hyundai Aesthetic Surgery Suil Building 2F, 6F, 114 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Hyundai Aesthetic Surgery Clinic *Weekdays: 10:00 AM ~ 07:00 PM *Saturday: 10:00 AM ~ 04:00 PM *Closed on Sundays and public holidays.