Upper vs Lower Blepharoplasty: Which Eyelid Surgery Is Right for You in Miami?

The eyes are often the first facial feature people notice, and one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Drooping upper eyelids, under-eye bags, and puffiness can make you look tired, stressed, or older than you feel. Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a highly effective way to restore a refreshed, youthful appearance.

At The Artis Institute for Plastic Surgery in Aventura, our board-certified plastic surgeons specialize in advanced upper and lower blepharoplasty for patients throughout Miami and South Florida. Understanding the difference between these procedures is the first step in determining which option is right for you.

What Is Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)?

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate the eyes by removing or repositioning excess skin, muscle, and fat around the eyelids. Depending on your anatomy and goals, eyelid surgery can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.

Patients seek blepharoplasty for:

• A more awake and youthful appearance
• Reduction of hooded upper eyelids
• Improvement of under-eye bags and puffiness
• Correction of vision obstruction caused by drooping skin

Understanding Upper Eyelid Aging

The upper eyelids are composed of thin skin, muscle, and small fat pads that help create a smooth contour from the lash line to the brow. Over time, gravity and loss of skin elasticity can cause:

• Sagging or hooded eyelids
• A heavy or tired appearance
• In some cases, interference with peripheral vision

What Upper Blepharoplasty Treats

Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin and may address muscle laxity or small fat deposits. The incision is carefully placed within the natural eyelid crease, making the scar nearly invisible once healed.

Benefits of upper eyelid surgery include:

• Brighter, more open eyes
• Improved facial symmetry
• Potential functional improvement in vision

Understanding Lower Eyelid Aging

The lower eyelids have thinner skin and multiple fat compartments that support the under-eye area. As we age, these fat pads may shift forward while the skin loses firmness, leading to:

• Under-eye bags
• Puffiness or swelling
• Wrinkles or hollowing beneath the eyes

What Lower Blepharoplasty Treats

Lower blepharoplasty focuses on smoothing the under-eye area by removing or repositioning fat and tightening loose skin. The incision may be placed just beneath the lash line or inside the eyelid (transconjunctival approach), depending on your needs.

Benefits include:

• Reduction of under-eye bags
• Smoother transition between eyelid and cheek
• A well-rested, youthful appearance

Upper vs Lower Blepharoplasty: Key Differences

Feature	Upper Blepharoplasty		Lower Blepharoplasty
Target Area	Above the eyes		Under the eyes
Main Concerns	Hooded lids, excess skin		Under-eye bags, puffiness
Incision Location	Natural eyelid crease		Lash line or inside eyelid
Recovery	7–10 days		10–14 days
Longevity	10+ years		Long-lasting with proper care

Many patients choose to combine upper and lower blepharoplasty for balanced, comprehensive rejuvenation.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery in Miami?

You may be a strong candidate for blepharoplasty if you:

• Are in good overall health
• Have sagging upper eyelids or under-eye bags
• Feel your eyes make you look tired or aged
• Want natural-looking results without an “overdone” appearance

During your consultation at Artis Institute, your surgeon will evaluate your facial anatomy, skin quality, and goals to create a personalized surgical plan.

Recovery Timeline After Blepharoplasty

Recovery from eyelid surgery is typically smooth and well tolerated.

What to expect:

• Mild swelling and bruising for 1–2 weeks
• Stitches removed or dissolve within several days
• Most patients return to work and social activities within 7–14 days
• Final results continue to refine over several months

Our team provides detailed aftercare instructions to support optimal healing.

Results: How Long Does Blepharoplasty Last?

Blepharoplasty offers long-term rejuvenation:

• Upper eyelid surgery results often last 10 years or longer
• Lower eyelid surgery results can last many years, depending on skin quality and lifestyle

Patients consistently report looking more refreshed, alert, and youthful, without looking like they’ve had surgery.

Why Choose The Artis Institute for Blepharoplasty in Aventura, FL?

Your eyes deserve precision, artistry, and experience. At Artis Institute for Plastic Surgery, eyelid procedures are performed by highly trained, board-certified plastic surgeons including Dr. Andrés Sárraga and Dr. Baotram Tran.

Why patients across Miami choose Artis Institute:

• Board-certified plastic surgeons
• Advanced aesthetic and reconstructive expertise
• Personalized, natural-looking results
• State-of-the-art surgical facility in Aventura

Our philosophy focuses on subtle enhancement and facial harmony, never an artificial appearance.

Schedule Your Eyelid Surgery Consultation in Miami

If you’re considering upper or lower blepharoplasty in Miami or Aventura, we invite you to schedule a personalized consultation at Artis Institute for Plastic Surgery. Our expert surgeons will help determine the best approach to achieve refreshed, youthful eyes with beautiful, natural results.