Navigating Common Myths About Eyelid Surgery

The eyes are consistently one of the most in-demand areas for patients when it comes to cosmetic surgery. And eyelid surgery has an incredible ability to rejuvenate the area around the eyes and help people ward off premature signs of aging that can make someone look old before their time. However, it’s very important to me that my patients come into their consultation with a realistic idea of what eyelid surgery can help them achieve. This is why I thought it would be helpful to discuss a few common myths about eyelid surgery and explain what is true and what is false.

Eyelid Surgery is Less Common Than Facelift Surgery

This is false. In fact, year in and year out, eyelid surgery is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery for the face and one of the most popular cosmetic procedures of all. According to the most recent statistics collected by the Aesthetic Society, eyelid surgery was performed nearly as often in the US as the next two most common facial surgery procedures (facelift and rhinoplasty) combined.

There Won’t Be Any Scarring After Eyelid Surgery

While this is technically false, it’s true in the sense that there shouldn’t be any obvious visible scarring following an eyelid surgery procedure. Anytime a surgical incision is made, there will be a scar. However, eyelid surgery has some of the most minimal and hard-to-notice scarring of any plastic surgery procedure. This is due to how simple it is to hide scarring in the natural crease of the eyelid, as well as the delicacy of eyelid skin, which tends to heal faster and more effectively than skin in some other areas of the body. In some cases, the incision for lower lid eyelid surgery can be made on the inside of the eyelid when appropriate.

Patients Can Only Have Upper or Lower Eyelid Surgery Done In One Surgery, Not Both

This is false. While every patient is different and some may only require rejuvenation of the upper or lower eyelids, it is very common to have both sets of eyelids addressed at once. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty can help address drooping skin and fatty deposits that accumulate on the upper eyelids, which can lead to wrinkling, and a tired or angry appearance. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty performed to help remove or improve bags that appear under the eyes, as well as, fine lines and puffiness, and wrinkled or loose skin that can contribute to a “hollow” under-eye area.

In the decades that I have been performing plastic surgery procedures, eyelid surgery has remained a constant for patients who want to turn back the clock and refresh their facial appearance. Being able to consistently deliver outstanding eyelid surgery results is a big part of why I have been named a Top Doctor in Atlanta for over 20 years, an honor that I do not take lightly. For more information or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. And don’t forget that you can connect with me on Facebook for additional tips, videos, news, and more from the world of plastic surgery.