Guide:
- Upper vs. Lower Blepharoplasty: How They Age Over Time
- Key Factors That Influence Longevity
- Permanent vs. Gradual Changes
- Suture-Only Upper Blepharoplasty
- How to Make Your Results Last Longer
- When a Revision Might Be Considered
- Summary Takeaway
Understanding the Lifespan of Upper & Lower Eyelid Surgery in Newport Beach
When patients visit Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva in Newport Beach to discuss eyelid surgery, one of the first things they ask is:
“How long will my results actually last?”
It’s one of the first things patients ask during an eyelid surgery consultation. Whether you’re leaning toward an upper lift, a lower blepharoplasty, or a less invasive suture-only crease procedure, you want reassurance that your results won’t fade too quickly. There isn’t just one answer. It depends on your age, skin health, facial structure, and the specific surgical approach used.
Here’s how each option tends to hold up over time, plus a few ways to help those results last.
Let’s break down what you can expect from each approach and how to keep your results looking their best for years.
Upper vs. Lower Blepharoplasty: How They Age Over Time
Both upper and lower eyelid surgery can create a dramatic difference in your appearance, but they don’t age in quite the same way.
- Upper blepharoplasty can keep eyes looking more open and refreshed for a decade or longer. Often 10 to 15 years. Natural changes such as forehead descent, skin loosening, and the pull of gravity eventually soften the initial result. Some people never feel the need for a touch-up, while others schedule a small revision after many years.
- Lower blepharoplasty, on the other hand, often has even greater staying power. If fat beneath the eyes is carefully repositioned or removed, the improvement can hold for 15 years or more—sometimes well into the future without another procedure.
Learn more about upper and lower blepharoplasty at LEA Plastic Surgery.
Key Factors That Influence Longevity
Every patient’s timeline is unique. A few things that make a difference include:
- Age at the time of surgery – Younger patients often enjoy longer-lasting results because their skin still has good elasticity.
- Skin health – Sun damage, thinning skin, or reduced collagen can shorten how long the improvement is noticeable.
- Facial bone support – Strong cheekbones and brow structure can help maintain the lift.
- Daily habits – Smoking, frequent sun exposure, or poor sleep can all speed up visible aging.
Permanent vs. Gradual Changes
Blepharoplasty can create essentially permanent improvements, but some elements will naturally shift as the years pass.
Long-term benefits:
- Removal or repositioning of fat pads under the eyes
- Correction of upper eyelid hooding
- Improved eyelid contour and definition
Gradual changes:
- Skin-tightening effects may loosen with age
New fine lines or pigment changes can still appear over time
Explore some before and after photos.
Suture-Only Upper Blepharoplasty
For the right patient, Dr. Ho Taghva sometimes recommends a suture-only upper blepharoplasty. This is often ideal for those with minimal eyelid heaviness, particularly individuals of Asian descent or with naturally monolid eyes.
Instead of removing skin, the procedure uses fine sutures beneath the surface to create or enhance the eyelid crease. There are no large incisions, and the tiny needle entry points usually fade within weeks. While the results can last for years, they may not be as durable as a traditional upper blepharoplasty for patients with more significant skin laxity.
From a recent Newport Beach case:
This suture-only upper blepharoplasty creates a defined eyelid crease by lifting from beneath the skin; no cutting is required. For the right candidate, it can be a game-changing, low-downtime alternative to traditional eyelid surgery.
This post shows before, 1 week, and 1 month post-op.
View this post on Instagram
Tiny needle entry points may be visible at first, but they fade beautifully. In no time, you are left with a seamless, natural result.
Read more about Asian blepharoplasty.
How to Make Your Results Last Longer
You cannot stop the aging process, but you can slow it down.
To preserve your results:
- Wear broad-spectrum SPF daily, including on the eyelids and surrounding skin
- Use medical-grade skincare with retinol or peptides to support collagen
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Stay hydrated and prioritize quality sleep
- Consider periodic maintenance treatments like Botox, Ultherapy, or gentle resurfacing
When a Revision Might Be Considered
If a revision is ever needed, it’s often many years later and typically less involved than the first surgery.
Having it done by the same surgeon who performed your initial procedure can make the process smoother, since they already understand your anatomy and surgical history.
Summary Takeaway
Blepharoplasty is a long-lasting investment in your appearance. Upper eyelid surgery typically lasts 10 to 15 years, while lower eyelid surgery often lasts 15 years or more.
With Dr. Ho Taghva’s expertise and a personalized approach, patients in Newport Beach can enjoy refreshed, youthful eyes for many years. Combining the right surgical plan with ongoing maintenance can help your results stand the test of time.
Ready to learn more? Book your blepharoplasty consultation today.
