Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) in Dallas: Upper vs. Lower Eyelid Procedures Explained

The eyes are often the first facial feature others notice, and frequently one of the first areas to show meaningful signs of aging. Drooping upper eyelids, under-eye puffiness, and volume hollows can add years to your appearance and, in some cases, even impair peripheral vision. Dr. Tanya Khan, a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon serving Dallas, Plano, and Fort Worth, offers highly specialized blepharoplasty that addresses both the aesthetic and functional dimensions of eyelid aging with precision.

Understanding Eyelid Aging

The eyelid area is subject to unique aging forces. The skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the face, making it particularly susceptible to the development of fine lines and loose skin. The orbital fat pads that cushion the eye can prolapse forward over time, creating the appearance of bags. The levator muscle that elevates the upper eyelid can weaken, causing ptosis. And volume loss in the orbital area creates a hollow, fatigued appearance even in patients who are well rested.

What Is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance and/or function of the eyelids. Upper blepharoplasty addresses the upper eyelids; lower blepharoplasty addresses the lower lids. Some patients benefit from surgery on both sets of eyelids in the same session. The procedures can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on what is most appropriate for each patient.

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

The upper eyelids are most commonly affected by excess skin, ptosis, or fat prolapse that creates a puffy appearance. Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin and, when indicated, fat or muscle tissue to restore a more open, rested, and youthful appearance.

The incision is carefully placed within the natural upper eyelid crease, where it heals to become essentially invisible. Recovery is typically one to two weeks, with bruising and swelling that resolves progressively. When drooping upper eyelid skin significantly impairs peripheral vision, the procedure may qualify for coverage under medical insurance.

Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Lower lid concerns are most commonly caused by herniated fat pads (which create visible bags), excess lower lid skin, or a combination of both. A transconjunctival blepharoplasty, in which the incision is made inside the lower lid, is preferred for patients whose primary concern is fat prolapse without significant skin excess. Because there is no visible external incision, scarring is not a concern with this technique.

For patients who have both fat herniation and significant lower lid skin excess, an external approach is used, with the incision placed just below the lower lash line where it heals to a very fine, well-concealed scar.

Addressing Tear Troughs

The tear trough, the groove between the lower eyelid and cheek, deepens with age due to volume loss, creating a shadowed, tired appearance that blepharoplasty alone may not fully address. Fat grafting or hyaluronic acid filler in this area can be combined with blepharoplasty to produce a more comprehensive rejuvenation of the under-eye area.

Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty Together

Many patients benefit from addressing both upper and lower eyelids in the same surgical session. The combined procedure addresses the full spectrum of periocular aging in a single recovery period. For patients who also have concerns about brow position, a brow lift may be recommended in conjunction with blepharoplasty.

Why Choose an Oculoplastic Surgeon for Blepharoplasty?

An oculoplastic surgeon is an ophthalmologist with advanced fellowship training in plastic surgery of the eye and surrounding structures. Dr. Khan’s specialized training as a Dallas oculoplastic surgeon means she approaches every blepharoplasty with a thorough understanding of eyelid mechanics, vision protection, and the aesthetics of the periocular region.

Dr. Tanya Khan provides blepharoplasty and eyelid surgery to patients in Dallas, Plano, Fort Worth, Austin, and the surrounding DFW metroplex. To schedule an evaluation, contact Khan Eyelid Surgery today.

For more information about procedures and treatments at Khan Eyelid and Facial Aesthetics by Ophthalmic surgeon Dr. Tanya Khan. Click here to contact us.

Taking patients from in and around Dallas, Plano, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Garland, Mesquite, Carrollton, Irving, Frisco, Texas and more.