According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeonsblepharoplasty (also known as blepharoplasty) was the most common facial cosmetic surgery procedure in 2024 and the fifth most common overall, behind only liposuction, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty and breast lift. Although blepharoplasty has remained consistently among the top cosmetic surgery procedures over the years, historically they have been more popular with the over-50 crowd. However, With the rise of Zoom meetings, the “no makeup” trend, and more, upper blepharoplasty (commonly referred to as “upper lashes”) has become much more youthful.
But how young is young? “I’ve definitely seen an increase in younger patients seeking upper eyelid surgery, particularly those in their 30s,” says New York-based ophthalmofacial plastic surgeon Robert Schwarcz, MD.
Ahead, everything you need to know about the growing demand for upper blepharoplasty and whether there are good alternatives to achieve similar results.
Featured Experts
- Robert Schwarcz, MD is a board-certified ophthalmofacial plastic surgeon in New York
- David Schlessinger, MD is a board certified ophthalmic plastic surgeon in Woodbury, NY
- Steven Fagien, MD is a board certified ophthalmic plastic surgeon in Boca Raton, FL
- Mokhtar Asaadi, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York
What is Upper Blepharoplasty?
First, what is blepharoplasty? “A blepharoplasty is the name of the surgical procedure intended to rejuvenate the eyelid,” says Woodbury, New York ophthalmic plastic surgeon David Schlessinger, MD. “Blepharoplasty can be done on the upper or lower eyelids.”
Thus, upper eyelid blepharoplasty is performed specifically on the upper eyelid. It’s a surgical procedure to “remove skin and fat to rejuvenate the eyelid,” says Dr. Schlessinger. “The eyelids are the thinnest skin on the body and tend to show aging changes earlier than the rest of the face. Therefore, young patients come to maintain or regain a youthful appearance.”
Patients also tend to be very happy with the results. “It has been my experience that my patients, after a successful upper blepharoplasty, tend to wear much less (if any) makeup post-op, almost always discontinue eyelash extensions as they are happy with their result and now feel they don’t need anything to enhance the beautiful result,” says Boca Raton, FL ophthalmic plastic surgeon Steven Fagien, MD.
Why do younger people want upper eyelid surgery?
Over the past five years or so, people have become accustomed to constantly seeing their reflection on Zoom, wearing more minimal makeup, and taking more selfies and photos of themselves amid the constant rise and growth of social media. This means that plastic surgeons are actually seeing much younger patients requesting eyelashes.
Patients typically come in for two main reasons: “The first is for preventive or preventive measures, where patients want to address early eyelid weight before it progresses,” says Dr. Schwarcz. “The second is due to natural sagging or heavy upper eyelids, which may not be a medical issue, but can be cosmetically bothersome.”
Social media has played a much more important role than it appears on the surface. “Interested prospective patients see Photoshop images that are not reality and wish to have these procedures done in hopes of looking like these altered depictions,” says Dr. Fagien. “Many people who have undergone surgery are quick to share their experiences on vehicles such as Instagram and TikTok that have broad appeal to younger people.” So not only are people looking to social media for inspiration, but they’re also learning more about the processes there, helping to destigmatize the conversation.
“It’s important to recognize how often people see their faces now,” says Dr. Schwarcz. “Between video calls, social media and photos, people are spending far more time looking at themselves than previous generations. This level of self-scrutiny often draws attention to features they believe make them look tired or older.”
However, most younger patients are not looking for big, dramatic changes. Rather, they are asking for subtle, natural results. “They want to look refreshed, more awake and bright-eyed, without looking obviously ‘done,'” says Dr. Schwarcz. “The goal is usually revitalization rather than transformation.”
Are you a good candidate for upper blepharoplasty?
Remember that an upper blepharoplasty, although largely destigmatized, is still a very real surgical procedure. With the destigmatization of treatments such as neurotoxins and fillers, with some younger patients even stopping and receiving treatment during a lunch break and in casual settings, upper mucus isn’t as low-key as this. “It’s still surgery and requires downtime, treatment and careful planning,” says Dr. Schwarcz. “Although they may feel more ‘occasional’ culturally, patients need to take ownership of recovery and understand that it is not an instant same-day cure.”
That said, if you’re willing to commit to the aftercare of a surgery, here’s what will also make you a good candidate, regardless of age. Patients “should have excess upper eyelid skin or upper eyelid fat herniation,” says New York City plastic surgeon Mokhtar Asaadi, MD. “Patients without excess upper eyelid skin or those with dry eyes are not good candidates for upper blepharoplasty.”
Before any patient of any age is approved for surgery, it is important to receive a thorough evaluation by a board-certified plastic surgeon. “Candidacy is based on a careful assessment of eyelid anatomy, skin quality, brow position, and overall facial balance,” says Dr. Schwarcz. “I’m evaluating if the concern is really related to excess skin, or if other factors, such as brow descent or volume loss, may be contributing to the appearance.”
Also, there is a possibility that you think you need an upper eyelid, but in reality you are not dealing with the weight of the upper eyelids (this is what the surgery addresses). “Sometimes patients mistake upper eyelid weight for excess skin on the upper eyelids (called dermatochalasis) or actual eyelid droop (a muscle problem) or brow droop (droopy brows with the side effect of upper lid heaviness),” says Dr. Fagien. “An experienced surgeon can spot the differences and advise appropriately.”
What should you know before having an upper blepharoplasty?
Especially for younger patients undergoing this surgery as a pre-resuscitation treatment, expect your surgeon to take a more conservative route. “There’s a point at which intervention is too early and it can negatively affect how someone ages over time,” says Dr. Schwarcz. “Most facial aging occurs in the 40s, and many people in their 30s have not yet entered a true aging phase.” It’s important to remember that looking young or aging well doesn’t mean you have to look younger than you really are. “That said, some genetic concerns such as lower eyelid weight or bags can appear early in life and should be carefully evaluated with age-appropriate treatment and long-term outcomes in mind,” says Dr. Schwarcz.
Also, even though it seems like everyone knows at least one person stuck on the top and it seems like the cool thing to do right now, you still want to take it seriously. It is effective, but it is also permanent. “Time matters, especially for younger people,” says Dr. Schwarcz. “It’s important to have a clear discussion about recovery, scarring, and realistic outcomes, as well as how the eyelids may continue to change with age. Choosing an experienced, skilled board-certified surgeon and prioritizing a conservative approach can help ensure the best long-term results.”
And when it’s time for recovery, there’s good news: “Of all the surgeries around the eyes, upper blepharoplasty may be the easiest with the least downtime,” says Dr. Fagien. “We have gained a lot of experience with cosmetic surgery around the eyes, and the surgery has become more refined and individualized, yielding better and more aesthetic results compared to surgery in the past.”
Are there alternatives to upper blepharoplasty?
So, everyone is getting an upper vein, but you’re not sure about committing to surgery. Understandable. There are other options out there to get similar results. “Patients can bring Ulthera to the eye area to lift the brows and tighten the skin,” says Dr. Schlessinger. “Laser resurfacing can also help rejuvenate the eyelid area, but has a similar downtime to a surgical lash.”
Less invasive injectable treatments could help slightly. “Neuromodulators (such as Botox, Dyspoty, Xeomin or Jeuveau) can often provide a brow-lifting effect,” says Dr. Fagien, while “injectable fillers rarely improve the upper eyelid.”
Talk to an experienced board-certified surgeon to help you decide which path is best for you.
