Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure designed to rejuvenate the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both by addressing excess skin, prominent or displaced fat, and age-related changes around the eyes.

At Connecticut Surgical Arts in Norwich, CT, eyelid surgery is carefully tailored to each patient’s anatomy. The goal is not to change the character or shape of your eyes, but to help you look more rested, refreshed, and youthful while preserving your natural facial expression.

What Is Blepharoplasty?

As we age, the skin around the eyes becomes thinner and less elastic. The tissues supporting the eyelids can also change, while fat around the eyes may become more prominent or shift position.

These changes may result in:

• Excess or loose upper eyelid skin
• Hooding of the upper eyelids
• A tired or heavy appearance
• Bags or puffiness beneath the eyes
• Lower eyelid skin laxity
• Prominent lower eyelid fat
• Changes in the transition between the eyelid and cheek

Blepharoplasty is customized to address the specific structures contributing to these concerns.

Upper Blepharoplasty

Upper blepharoplasty focuses on excess skin and tissue affecting the upper eyelids.

During surgery, incisions are typically placed within the natural crease of the upper eyelid. Excess skin is conservatively removed, and underlying fat or tissue may be addressed when appropriate.

Upper eyelid surgery may improve:

• Hooded upper eyelids
• Excess upper eyelid skin
• A heavy or tired appearance
• Loss of upper eyelid crease definition
• Certain types of eyelid asymmetry

Not every patient requires fat or muscle removal. Treatment is individualized based on your anatomy.

Lower Blepharoplasty

Lower blepharoplasty addresses aging and contour changes beneath the eyes, including prominent fat, skin laxity, fine lines, loss of volume, and changes in lower eyelid support.

Rather than simply removing under-eye bags, modern lower eyelid surgery focuses on creating a smoother transition between the eyelid and cheek.

Depending on your needs, treatment may involve repositioning or selectively removing fat, addressing excess skin, or supporting the lower eyelid.

Transconjunctival Lower Blepharoplasty

For selected patients, lower eyelid fat may be treated through an incision placed inside the eyelid. This is known as a transconjunctival approach and avoids an external lower eyelid skin incision.

This technique may be appropriate for patients whose primary concern is prominent lower eyelid fat without significant excess skin.

Can Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty Be Combined?

Yes. Patients with aging changes affecting both the upper and lower eyelids may benefit from combined surgery.

Your treatment plan will depend on factors such as:

• Upper eyelid skin excess
• Lower eyelid fat
• Skin quality
• Lower eyelid support and laxity
• Brow position
• Facial proportions
• Your aesthetic goals

Treating both areas can create a more comprehensive rejuvenation while maintaining facial balance.

Who Is a Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

You may be a candidate for eyelid surgery if you are bothered by excess upper eyelid skin, hooding, under-eye bags, puffiness, lower eyelid laxity, or an overall tired appearance.

Good candidates are generally in good overall health and have realistic expectations regarding what surgery can achieve.

There is no single “right age” for blepharoplasty. Treatment is based on your anatomy and the concerns you would like to address rather than age alone.

Schedule Your Blepharoplasty Consultation

During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your upper and lower eyelids, skin quality, eyebrow position, lower eyelid support, facial proportions, medical history, and aesthetic goals.

We will discuss whether upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or combined eyelid surgery is most appropriate for you, along with expected results, recovery, potential risks, benefits, and alternatives.

If you are considering blepharoplasty in Norwich, CT, Connecticut Surgical Arts can help you explore your options for achieving a refreshed, natural-looking appearance.