Why Eyelid Surgery is the Second Most Popular Plastic Surgery in the U.S.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) was the second most popular plastic surgery in the United States in 2020, with 325,112 procedures performed on men and women. Eyelid surgery was slightly behind nose reshaping (rhinoplasty) and ahead of facelift, liposuction and breast augmentation. The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that demand increased in 2021, with a 17 percent increase in eyelid surgery consultations. 

Dr. Carlos Chacon offers eyelid surgery at Divino Plastic Surgery in Bonita, California, and often combines the procedure with brow lift for more comprehensive results. 

Why Men and Women Choose Eyelid Surgery 

The age of mask-wearing brought more attention to the eye area, but blepharoplasty has long been a popular facial plastic surgery. These “windows to the soul” have thin, delicate skin and tissues and tend to show age before other areas. Natural aging causes the body to produce less collagen and elastin, two proteins responsible for youthful and resilient skin. The eyelid skin begins to thin and sag, and fat pockets inside the eyelids descend, causing puffiness and under-eye bags. Eyelid muscles may weaken, making it difficult for the eyelids to open fully, and the brow muscles strain to compensate for the loss in muscle strength. Due to these alterations, a tired, sad or angry look settles over the eye area. 

All these changes are a natural part of getting older. However, excessive sun exposure, smoking and other lifestyle factors may worsen sagging eyelid skin and cause premature signs of aging around the eyes. While these concerns are mostly cosmetic, the excess skin tissue and weakened muscles can affect vision, making some people physically lift their upper eyelids to see clearly. 

While over-the-counter creams and oils may promise to reverse signs of aging around the eyes and eyelids, surgery is often necessary to restore the visual field and provide a well-rested appearance. 

Eyelid surgery with Dr. Chacon removes the loose skin tissue from the upper and/or lower eyelids. The procedure removes or repositions fat pockets in the eyelids and strengthens and tightens the eyelid muscles. Blepharoplasty effectively eliminates dark circles under the eyes, puffiness, drooping eyelids and other eyelid concerns. 

Sometimes brow lift or a combined approach with eyelid surgery and browlift is necessary because drooping eyebrows may also impact vision and affect the eyelids and overall appearance. Dr. Chacon is an expert in combination procedures, which he believes provide the best results as they focus on the entire upper face. Brow lift elevates the eyebrows and reduces deep folds and creases between the brows and across the forehead. 

If you’re interested in eyelid surgery, contact Divino Plastic Surgery in Bonita, California, today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chacon. Call (858) 633-7546 or fill out our online contact form.