Blepharoplasty: The Procedure That Makes You Look Years Younger

February 23, 2026

Many people feel they look tired even when they are well rested. The eye area is often the first place aging becomes noticeable, and even small changes can significantly affect how refreshed or youthful you appear.

In this video, Dr. Dimitri Koumanis explains why blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is one of the most subtle and effective ways to restore a natural, well-rested look. He discusses upper and lower eyelid concerns, candidacy, recovery, and what modern eyelid surgery is designed to achieve. The full video transcription is included below.

Video Transcription

Today, I want to talk about one of the most underrated procedures in plastic surgery: blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, and why it can be one of the most subtle, natural-looking ways to help someone look years younger.

I’ll start with something I hear almost every week. Patients come in and say, “I’m sleeping more. I’m exercising. I’m using great skincare. I even get Botox, but I still look tired. I don’t feel tired, but my face looks tired.” Very often, the reason is the eye area.

The eyes are the focal point of the face. People look at your eyes when you speak and when they see photos of you. The eye area also tends to show aging earlier than other parts of the face because the skin is thin and constantly moving. Even small changes here can make a big difference in how you’re perceived.

As we age, several things happen. On the upper eyelids, the most common change is excess skin. Over time, the eyelid skin stretches and can begin to drape over the natural eyelid crease. This creates what many people call hooded eyes. It can make the eyes look smaller, cause makeup to smear, create a heavy or sleepy appearance, and in some cases, even interfere with peripheral vision.

On the lower eyelids, the most common concern is puffiness or under-eye bags. This is not always related to lack of sleep. Many people sleep eight hours and still wake up with bags. With aging, the support structures around the eye weaken, and the natural fat pads can shift forward. At the same time, the skin becomes thinner and looser. Together, these changes create puffiness, shadows, and a tired appearance.

So what does blepharoplasty actually do? In simple terms, eyelid surgery removes or repositions the tissue that creates an aged or tired look while preserving your natural eye shape. That last part is critical. When done properly, blepharoplasty is not about changing your eyes. It’s about restoring them to how they looked before aging changes became noticeable.

Eyelid surgery generally falls into two categories: upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty, and some patients benefit from both.

Upper eyelid surgery addresses excess skin and, in some cases, a small amount of fat that contributes to heaviness. The incision is placed in the natural eyelid crease, which is why it typically heals very discreetly. The goal is to restore a clean, natural eyelid contour so the eyes look more open and refreshed—without looking done. We’re not creating a new eyelid shape; we’re restoring the contour that has been blurred by excess skin. When performed correctly, the result is subtle but powerful. Patients often hear that they look more awake, more rested, or even happier.

Lower blepharoplasty is where technique and judgment matter greatly. Lower eyelid aging can appear as under-eye bags, puffiness, loose skin, or wrinkles. The surgical approach depends on your anatomy. Some patients have prominent fat pads, others have a combination of fat and skin laxity, and some primarily have hollowing and shadowing rather than puffiness.

A common misconception is that lower blepharoplasty simply removes fat. In modern eyelid surgery, we are often very conservative with fat removal. Removing too much can create a hollow look and actually make someone appear older. In many cases, the goal is to smooth the transition from the lower eyelid into the cheek so the under-eye area looks rested and natural.

So how do you know if you’re a good candidate? If you notice heavy or hooded upper lids, if your eyes look smaller than they used to, or if you always look tired in photos, you may be a great candidate for upper blepharoplasty. If you have persistent under-eye bags that don’t improve with rest or feel that your under-eye area makes you look exhausted or stressed, you may be a candidate for lower blepharoplasty. If you have both concerns, addressing both can create the most balanced, natural-looking rejuvenation.

Recovery is an important consideration. Swelling and bruising are normal after eyelid surgery, with the first several days being the most noticeable. Many patients feel comfortable being seen publicly within one to two weeks, depending on healing and makeup use. Refinement continues over several weeks as swelling settles and the final result becomes smoother and more natural.

Eyelid surgery is often one of the best return-on-investment procedures in plastic surgery because it delivers meaningful improvement without being obvious. The best outcomes are when people say you look great or well-rested, but they can’t quite tell what changed.

If you’ve been thinking about eyelid surgery, the key takeaway is this: blepharoplasty isn’t about changing your eyes. It’s about removing the heaviness and tired signals caused by aging and restoring a refreshed, natural look.

If you’re curious whether you’re a candidate, the best first step is a consultation. We’ll evaluate your eyelids, discuss your goals, and recommend the safest approach to achieve subtle, natural results.

For more information about eyelid lift procedures, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Koumanis, please contact Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery today.