Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin, muscle, and fat from the eyelids. It can be performed on the upper and/or lower eyelids to rejuvenate the eye area and achieve a more youthful, rested appearance. Many patients consider blepharoplasty when they start noticing sagging eyelids, under-eye bags, and a tired look to their eyes. A blepharoplasty can help restore a smooth eyelid contour and open up the eyes.
It’s common for patients to wonder how many times they can undergo blepharoplasty surgery over their lifetime. The procedure does provide significant improvements, but there are limits to how many times it can be performed. In this article, we will discuss the factors that determine blepharoplasty revision frequency, the risks of multiple procedures, and tips for maximizing your results.
How Many Blepharoplasty Procedures Can You Have?
There is no absolute limit on the number of blepharoplasty procedures a person can have over their lifetime. However, there are several factors that will impact how many times the surgery can be repeated:
- Skin elasticity – The skin on the eyelids loses elasticity over time. With each blepharoplasty, additional skin is removed which can’t be replaced. Patients with already poor skin elasticity may only be candidates for 1-2 surgeries in their lifetime.
- Healing between procedures – It takes time (usually several months to a year) for the eyelids to fully heal after surgery. Rushing into secondary procedures too soon increases the risk of complications.
- Surgical results – The amount of improvement achieved with the initial surgery will impact the decision and need for another blepharoplasty. In many cases just 1-2 surgeries will create an optimal, rejuvenated eyelid appearance.
- Surgeon’s recommendation – Experienced oculoplastic surgeons will provide guidance on how many repeat procedures they feel can safely be done based on your anatomy and health.
Most plastic surgeons recommend waiting at least 12 months between blepharoplasty surgeries on the same eyelid. Some patients may only undergo the procedure once in their entire life. Others may have 2-3 surgeries spaced many years apart to maintain eyelid rejuvenation as they continue to age. It’s rare for a surgeon to perform a 4th or even 5th blepharoplasty on the same eyelid later in life due to the cumulative effects on the skin and tissues.
Are There Risks to Multiple Blepharoplasties?
While blepharoplasty is considered a relatively safe procedure, there are risks associated with undergoing too many surgeries over time. Some potential risks and complications include:
- Thinning of the eyelid skin – Excessive removal of skin over multiple procedures can leave the eyelid skin very thin, fragile, and prone to new problems like ectropion (eyelids turning outward).
- Scarring – Scars from previous blepharoplasties may limit what can be accomplished with future surgeries.
- Damage to eyelid muscles or nerves – Trauma from repeat procedures can weaken eyelid muscle tone or damage nerves.
- Dry eyes – Removing too much orbital fat around the eyes can interfere with tear production and cause chronic dry eye.
- Delayed healing – The eyelids may take longer to heal after each progressive surgery.
Patients undergoing multiple blepharoplasties also have increased anesthetic risks. The likelihood of complications occurring goes up with each additional surgery. That’s why most surgeons recommend a conservative approach for subsequent procedures – removing smaller amounts of skin and fat to protect the eyelids.
How to Maximize Your Blepharoplasty Results
To get the most out of your blepharoplasty procedure (or procedures) here are some tips:
- Choose an experienced oculofacial plastic surgeon to perform your surgery.
- Follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully.
- Be realistic about what each procedure can achieve – small improvements are better than over-resectioning.
- Give your eyelids at least 12 months to heal before considering a revision surgery.
- Maintain a stable body weight.
- Wear sunglasses and use eye moisturizers to protect your eyelids.
- Adopt healthy lifestyle habits like not smoking, staying hydrated, using sun protection, and managing conditions like thyroid disorders that can impact the eyes.
Setting reasonable expectations about how many repeat surgeries are ideal will lead to better long-term results. Be sure to discuss your options fully with an oculofacial plastic surgeon.
The Ideal Number of Blepharoplasty Procedures
Most patients will achieve their aesthetic goals with 1-2 blepharoplasty procedures total over their lifetime. Here are some general guidelines on blepharoplasty frequency:
- For patients under 50 years old – 1-2 blepharoplasty procedures, spaced at least 12 months apart, can dramatically rejuvenate the upper and lower eyelids.
- For patients 50-70 years old – 2-3 procedures total may be recommended depending on the severity of aging changes, skin laxity, and the original surgical results.
- For patients over 70 years old – Often just 1-2 procedures is recommended due to thinning skin and higher anesthetic risks.
Of course, there are individual factors that come into play when deciding how many blepharoplasty surgeries to have. Your surgeon will take into consideration your health, anatomy, skin type, ethnicity, and specific aesthetic goals when advising you on optimal rejuvenation options. But in most cases, restraint is advised when it comes to multiple blepharoplasties over one’s lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do blepharoplasty results last?
When performed by an experienced surgeon, results from blepharoplasty can last 7-10 years or longer. The effects are not permanent though, as aging causes continual changes around the eyes.
Can a blepharoplasty be reversed if I don’t like the results?
Reversing a blepharoplasty is challenging since skin, muscle, and fat have been removed. But an experienced oculoplastic surgeon may be able to perform a limited revision surgery to improve an undesirable outcome. This may involve releasing scar tissue, grafting fat, or performing laser resurfacing. Complete reversal is usually not possible.
Can I combine a blepharoplasty with other procedures?
Yes, it’s common to have a blepharoplasty performed along with other facial rejuvenation procedures in a single surgery. Combinations like a facelift plus blepharoplasty are popular for total facial rejuvenation. Other common pairings include blepharoplasty with brow lift, eyelid filler injections, or laser skin resurfacing.
Will insurance cover blepharoplasty surgery?
If performed solely for cosmetic reasons, blepharoplasty is not covered by insurance. But some plans may cover it if you have functional impairments like blocked vision due to drooping eyelids. Talk to your surgeon and insurance provider to understand potential coverage.
How is a lower blepharoplasty performed?
The lower lid blepharoplasty technique can vary:
- Transcutaneous – Excess fat, muscle, and skin are removed through an external incision below the lashes.
- Transconjunctival – Fat is removed through an interior incision inside the lower eyelid leaving no external scar.
- Combination – Fat is removed internally and skin externally for a comprehensive rejuvenation.
Your surgeon will recommend the best lower blepharoplasty approach based on your particular anatomy and goals.
Conclusion
While there is no set limit on the number of times blepharoplasty can be performed, most patients achieve their desired rejuvenation with 1-3 surgeries over their lifetime. An experienced surgeon will advise you on recommended surgery intervals and techniques to provide gradual, natural-looking improvements while minimizing revision risks. Setting realistic expectations for multiple procedures and allowing proper healing between surgeries is key to ensuring eyelid health and an optimal aesthetic outcome long-term.