What Is A Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty. or eyelid lift, is a cosmetic procedure that targets excess skin and fat around the eyes. While the procedure is often similar for both men and women, Dr. John Burns takes into account the unique facial features of men, ensuring that incisions are placed strategically and only the necessary amount of skin is removed to maintain a masculine aesthetic.

Differentiating the nuances in male and female aesthetics is critical to ensuring that male eyelid surgery is done effectively to restore a more youthful, masculine appearance.

Benefits of Male Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid rejuvenation, or blepharoplasty, offers significant benefits for men. One of the primary advantages is a more youthful appearance. As men age, the skin around their eyes can become loose and saggy, and fat deposits may form, resulting in a tired or aged look. Blepharoplasty removes this excess skin and fat, tightening the area and creating a refreshed and revitalized appearance. This not only enhances one's overall facial aesthetics but also can improve peripheral vision that may have been obstructed by drooping upper eyelids.

Psychologically, looking younger can boost self-esteem and confidence. Men who feel better about their appearance are often more comfortable in social situations and may experience an improvement in their personal relationships. In the workplace, a youthful and energetic appearance can be advantageous, as it can project vitality and attentiveness, qualities that are often associated with professional competence and reliability. This can positively impact career advancement and interactions with colleagues.

Furthermore, the benefits of looking younger extend to personal relationships. Improved self-confidence and a rejuvenated appearance can enhance one's social life, making interactions more enjoyable and fulfilling. Overall, male blepharoplasty combines aesthetic improvements with functional and psychological benefits, contributing to a better quality of life.

How is Male Blepharoplasty Different from Female Blepharoplasty?

Male blepharoplasty differs from female blepharoplasty in several key ways to account for the distinct anatomical and aesthetic differences between men and women.

One primary difference lies in brow aesthetics; men typically have straighter brows, whereas women often have more arched brows. This difference necessitates a tailored approach in surgery to maintain the natural masculine appearance.

Men generally prefer a more subtle, natural result, so less skin is typically removed during the procedure. This conservative approach helps to avoid an overdone look that could feminize the male face.

Another consideration is the shape of the eye. male eyes tend to be more oval and less round compared to female eyes. Surgeons must take this into account to ensure the results complement the natural male eye shape, enhancing the overall facial harmony without altering the fundamental masculine features.

Before and After Male Upper Eyelid Surgery by Dr. John Burns in Dallas, Texas

Male Blepharoplasty Procedures

Upper Eyelids

An upper eyelid blepharoplasty is performed using an elliptical incision placed strategically in the supra tarsal crease, which is the natural fold of the upper eyelid. This precise incision placement ensures minimal visible scarring and a more natural post-operative appearance.

During the procedure, Dr. Burns removes fat from the central and medial fat compartments of the eyelid to address puffiness and achieve a smoother, more contoured look. To ensure that just the right amount of skin is removed, Dr. Burns uses a pinch test. This involves gently pinching the excess eyelid skin to estimate how much can be safely excised without impairing the natural movement and closure of the eyelid.

This careful and conservative approach helps to avoid an overdone look, ensuring a balanced and rejuvenated result that preserves the eyelid's functionality and natural appearance.

Ptosis Surgery

Upper eyelid ptosis or droopy eyelids in men can impair vision and create a tired or aged appearance. Diagnosis of upper eyelid ptosis typically involves a comprehensive eye examination, including a physical assessment of the eyelid position, measurements of the margin-to-reflex distance (MRD1), and an evaluation of the levator muscle function. Visual field tests may also be conducted to determine the extent to which the drooping eyelid affects vision.

Surgical repair options vary depending on the severity of the ptosis. For mild to moderate ptosis, a levator muscle resection or advancement might be performed to tighten the muscle and elevate the eyelid.

In cases of more severe ptosis, where levator function is poor, a frontalis sling procedure may be used, which connects the eyelid to the frontalis muscle in the forehead, allowing the forehead muscles to lift the eyelid. Each surgical approach is tailored to a man's unique condition and aims to restore both function and a natural, refreshed appearance.

Transconjunctival

Removing fat from the lower eyelids using a transconjunctival approach involves making an incision on the inner surface of the lower eyelid, thereby avoiding external scars.

By accessing and removing excess fat through the conjunctiva of the lower eyelids, Dr. Burns can preserve the integrity of the middle lamellar structures, including the tarsus. This preservation is essential as it maintains the eyelid's natural support and minimizes the risk of complications such as ectropion, where the eyelid turns outward. This approach not only reduces puffiness but also ensures the functional stability and health of the eyelid.

Can I Have My Lower Eyelid Bags Removed At The Same Time As My Upper Lid Surgery?

Yes, it is very typical to combine upper and lower eyelid rejuvenation also known as “Quad Bleph” referring to the rejuvenation of all four eyelids. One consideration is cohesion and harmony between the eyelids. If the upper eyelids are rejuvenated and the lower eyelids are not then there can be a mismatch. Regardless, there is no contraindication to addressing both the upper and lower eyelids simultaneously.

Awake Eyelid Surgery For Men

For many patients the allure of awake surgery is enticing. It's routine procedure to perform upper eyelid surgery in-office under local anesthesia.

That said, lower eyelid surgery must be performed under general anesthesia. Removing fat from the lower eyelids requires a more invasive approach which requires cardiac monitoring. Generally, blepharoplasty is performed in the operating room utilizing anesthesia for maximum safety, comfort, and precision.

Read More: Lunchtime Lids

Other Procedures Done with Male Eyelid Surgery

Male eyelid rejuvenation is a popular “add-on” procedure performed with other plastic procedures. Generally, when rejuvenating the face, including the eyelids is common. Common procedures done with male eyelid surgery are facelift, neck lift, brow lift, chin augmentation, Botox or fillers, facial fat grafting, laser resurfacing, and rhinoplasty. Many men also elect to have their eyelids done with body procedures such as liposuction, body contouring, and male breast reduction/gynecomastia.

Combining procedures reduces operating room and anesthesia costs for men.  

What Is The Recovery Time For Male Blepharoplasty?

This is a relatively pain-free recovery. Common temporary side effects which include red, dry eyes, bruising, and swelling. Sutures are removed 7 days after surgery. The bruising and swelling are most obvious the first week, diminishing thereafter. Dr. Burns uses tranexamic acid (TXA) during surgery with dramatically reduces bruising.

Steroid eye drops are given to help with redness and swelling. Arnica and bromoline homeopathic medicines are recommended to decrease bruising and swelling as well as ice, elevation, and rest.

During the first week after surgery, men may feel awkward in public due to the sutures, bruising, and swelling. Most are back to work about a week after the sutures are removed. We suggest not wearing contact lenses for the first several weeks until the eyelids are healed especially if lower eyelids are included. Over the next several weeks bruising and swelling continue to fade and the results become more evident as swelling resolves.

Will I have Visible Scars After Male Eyelid Surgery?

While there are scars, the scars are not visible. The upper eyelid incision is hidden in the natural crease and the lower eyelid incision is placed just below the lash line. These scars are initially red but fade to a fine white line over the next several months.  

When Will I See My Final Results?

Most of the bruising and swelling resolves during the first several weeks. The scars fade over several months and the final results are evident. Most patients feel comfortable in public after 1 - 2 weeks post-surgery. 

What Is The Cost of Male Eyelid Surgery in Dallas, Texas?

Cost varies based on the operating room and anesthesia hours required. In-office (upper eyelid) blepharoplasty (excludes the operating room and anesthesia the cost is about $5000. If the operating room and anesthesia are utilized the cost for either upper or lower eyelid blepharoplasty is about $6750 while quad bleph (upper and lower) eyelid rejuvenation is about $9750.

Schedule Your Eyelid Lift Consult with Dallas Plastic Surgeon, Dr. John Burns

Schedule your private consultation with Dr. John Burns.  Dr. Burns offers both virtual and in-office plastic surgery consultations for men and women seeking eyelid rejuvenation in Dallas, throughout the United States, and the world.