Combining Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty
Combining Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty
Combining upper and lower blepharoplasty is a comprehensive eyelid rejuvenation procedure that addresses aging changes in both the upper and lower eyelids at the same time. While upper blepharoplasty focuses on sagging upper eyelid skin and heaviness, lower blepharoplasty improves under-eye bags, wrinkles, and lower eyelid volume imbalance.
By treating both areas together, patients can achieve a more balanced and refreshed eye appearance while maintaining natural facial harmony.
Why Combine Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery?
Aging affects the entire eye area, not just one eyelid.
Many patients experience multiple concerns, including:
- Drooping upper eyelid skin
- Heavy-looking eyes
- Under-eye bags
- Lower eyelid wrinkles
- Tear trough hollowness
- Tired-looking expression
Treating only one area may leave other aging concerns noticeable. A combined procedure allows the surgeon to improve the overall balance of the eyes.
What Does Upper Blepharoplasty Correct?
Upper blepharoplasty focuses on the upper eyelid area.
It may improve:
- Excess upper eyelid skin
- Drooping eyelid appearance
- Heavy eyelids
- Reduced eyelid definition
- Aging-related changes around the eyes
Depending on the patient’s condition, the procedure may involve:
- Skin removal
- Fat adjustment
- Eyelid crease refinement
What Does Lower Blepharoplasty Correct?
Lower blepharoplasty addresses concerns beneath the eyes.
It may improve:
- Under-eye bags
- Protruding lower eyelid fat
- Loose lower eyelid skin
- Fine wrinkles
- Tear trough shadows
Modern lower eyelid surgery often focuses on:
- Fat repositioning
- Smooth eyelid-cheek transition
- Preserving natural volume
Who Is a Good Candidate for Combined Blepharoplasty?
Patients who may benefit include those with:
- Both upper eyelid sagging and under-eye bags
- Aging changes around the entire eye area
- A tired or heavy-looking appearance
- Good general health
- Realistic expectations
This procedure is commonly considered by patients in their:
- 40s
- 50s
- 60s and older
However, age alone does not determine candidacy.
Benefits of Combining Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty
Performing both procedures together may offer several advantages.
More Balanced Eye Rejuvenation
Treating both eyelids can create:
- Better facial harmony
- More refreshed expression
- A smoother transition between upper and lower eyelids
One Recovery Period
Instead of recovering from separate surgeries, patients experience:
- One healing timeline
- Fewer preparation periods
- More efficient overall recovery
Consistent Surgical Planning
The surgeon can evaluate the entire eye area together, allowing better decisions about:
- Eyelid proportions
- Skin removal amount
- Fat adjustment
- Overall eye shape
How Is Combined Blepharoplasty Performed?
The exact technique depends on the patient’s anatomy.
Upper Eyelid Procedure
May include:
- Creating or refining the eyelid crease
- Removing excess skin
- Adjusting fat if needed
Lower Eyelid Procedure
May include:
- Fat repositioning
- Fat removal when appropriate
- Skin tightening
- Lower eyelid support correction
The goal is to improve aging changes while preserving natural expression.
Recovery After Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty
Because two areas are treated, swelling may be more noticeable than with a single procedure.
First Week
Common experiences:
- Swelling around both eyelids
- Bruising
- Tightness
- Mild discomfort
Patients are usually advised to:
- Keep the head elevated
- Apply cold compresses as instructed
- Avoid rubbing the eyes
Weeks 2–4
During this period:
- Bruising decreases
- Swelling improves
- Eyelid shape becomes clearer
- Daily activities become easier
Some mild swelling may remain, especially in the morning.
Months 3–6
At this stage:
- Eyelid tissues soften
- Scars become less noticeable
- Eye contour looks more natural
6–12 Months
Final refinement continues as:
- Scar tissue matures
- Eyelid position stabilizes
- Results become fully settled
Can Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Some patients combine eyelid surgery with additional facial rejuvenation procedures.
Possible combinations include:
- Ptosis correction
- Brow lift
- Fat grafting
- Facelift
- Skin tightening treatments
The recommended combination depends on the patient’s facial aging pattern.
How Much Does Combined Blepharoplasty Cost in Korea?
Typical prices include:
- Upper blepharoplasty: ₩2,000,000–₩4,000,000
- Lower blepharoplasty: ₩2,000,000–₩5,000,000
- Upper + lower blepharoplasty: ₩4,000,000–₩8,000,000+
- Combined surgery with fat repositioning or additional correction: ₩5,000,000–₩10,000,000+
The final cost depends on:
- Surgical technique
- Amount of skin and fat adjustment
- Additional procedures
- Surgeon experience
Final thoughts
Combining upper and lower blepharoplasty can provide more complete eyelid rejuvenation by addressing sagging upper eyelids, under-eye bags, and age-related volume changes at the same time. The most natural results come from a customized approach that considers eyelid structure, facial proportions, and long-term aging changes. Choosing an experienced eyelid surgeon is essential for achieving a refreshed appearance while maintaining natural expression.
