2026-11-13
Gimhae Upper Blepharoplasty Guide: Causes of Drooping Eyelids and What to Check Before Surgery
Explains why eyelids droop, how upper blepharoplasty differs from an infrabrow lift, what to check before surgery, the recovery timeline, and scar and side-effect risks.
As we age, the skin of the eyelids may sag downward, or the existing double eyelid crease may become covered. Some people also find that their eyelids feel heavy and develop a habit of raising their forehead to open their eyes. These changes can result from declining skin elasticity, but not all eyelid drooping has the same cause.
If the eyelid skin has stretched, upper blepharoplasty may be considered. However, when the eyebrows have dropped or the muscle that lifts the eyelid has weakened, other approaches may be used. If you are looking into Gimhae upper blepharoplasty for these reasons, rather than thinking of it simply as a procedure to remove sagging skin, it is wise to first understand your current eyelid condition and the cause of the drooping, and to review in advance the candidacy, technique, recovery period, and the risks of scarring and side effects.
When is upper blepharoplasty worth considering?
Put simply, upper blepharoplasty is a procedure that removes the excess sagging skin of the upper eyelid and adjusts the surrounding tissue as needed based on each person's eye condition. Typically, it is worth considering surgery when you notice changes such as the following.
First, when sagging skin blocks your vision.
When the skin of the upper eyelid droops close to the lashes, your upper or outer field of vision may feel restricted. If the skin covers a significant portion of your view, it is important to check whether it is actually affecting your vision.
Second, when your existing double eyelid crease is covered.
As the skin sags downward, the crease you once had may be partially or fully covered. As a result, the double eyelids may look uneven on each side, or your eyes may appear heavier than before.
Third, when the eyelid skin repeatedly folds over.
Sagging skin that folds over in multiple layers can make the eyelids feel heavy or cause discomfort in the folded area.
That said, not everyone with these symptoms needs upper blepharoplasty. It is best to decide whether to have surgery after evaluating the degree of skin sagging, eyebrow position, and the function of the muscle that lifts the eyelid together. Also, Gimhae upper blepharoplasty is not a procedure that must be done after a certain age, so the decision should not be based on age alone. Someone in their 40s may have pronounced skin sagging, while someone in their 60s may or may not need the surgery depending on their eyelid condition. What matters most is judging by the actual structure and function of the eyelids rather than by age.
What causes drooping eyelids?
Eyelid drooping can broadly be grouped into changes in the skin, a decline in the function of the eyelid-lifting muscle, and changes in eyebrow position.
① Loss of elasticity in the eyelid skin
As we age, the elastic components within the skin decline, causing the upper eyelid skin to sag. In this case, the skin may cover the lashes or hide the existing double eyelid crease. If skin laxity is the main cause, upper blepharoplasty may be considered.
② Weakened function of the eyelid-lifting muscle
When the muscle that lifts the upper eyelid weakens, it can be difficult to open the eyes fully. This condition is called eyelid ptosis (blepharoptosis). Ptosis is a different problem from skin laxity. Removing skin alone may not sufficiently improve the eyelid's lifting function, so the movement of the muscle needs to be evaluated separately.
③ Changes in eyebrow position
When the eyebrows descend, the skin beneath them is pushed down as well, which can make the upper eyelids look droopy. In this case, it is necessary to look beyond the eyelid skin to the eyebrow position and habitual use of the forehead muscles in order to determine the appropriate surgical approach.
How do upper blepharoplasty and an infrabrow lift differ?
Both Gimhae upper blepharoplasty and an infrabrow lift can be used to address sagging skin around the upper eyelids, but they differ in incision location and surgical method.
Category | Upper Blepharoplasty | Infrabrow Lift |
Incision site | Generally near the upper eyelid crease or double eyelid line | Near the lower edge of the eyebrow |
Surgical method | Removes the necessary amount of sagging upper eyelid skin and adjusts the surrounding tissue | Adjusts the sagging skin beneath the eyebrow |
When it may be considered | When sagging of the upper eyelid skin is the main cause | When sagging of the skin beneath the eyebrow is pronounced |
Considerations | The double eyelid shape and height may change | An incision scar may remain beneath the eyebrow |
Upper blepharoplasty often involves an incision near the existing double eyelid line, so the height and shape of the crease can change depending on the extent of the surgery. An infrabrow lift, which involves an incision beneath the eyebrow to reposition the skin, may be considered when the goal is to improve sagging below the brow while keeping the existing crease shape as intact as possible.
However, the choice between the two is not determined by incision location alone. The degree of eyelid skin laxity, eyebrow position, the shape of the existing double eyelid, the function of the eyelid-lifting muscle, and eye closure all need to be assessed together. In particular, if ptosis is also present, the eyelid's lifting function may need to be evaluated separately from correcting the skin sagging.
What is checked before upper blepharoplasty?
Before surgery, the evaluation goes beyond how much the skin has sagged. The structure and function around the eyes are examined as well.
① The degree of eyelid skin sagging
② Function of the eyelid-lifting muscle
③ Eyebrow position and use of the forehead muscles
④ Eye closure and dry eye status
How long is the recovery period after surgery?
Recovery speed after surgery varies depending on each person's skin condition, the extent of the procedure, and the suturing method. Generally, swelling and bruising may appear in the early stages, and they tend to gradually subside over time.
1–3 days after surgery
Initial swelling and bruising may appear, and the eyelids may feel tight or heavy. Cold compresses and wound care may be applied as directed by your medical team.
About 5–7 days after surgery
If non-absorbable sutures were used, stitch removal may be performed depending on the condition of the wound. However, the timing of removal can vary depending on the suturing method and your recovery progress.
1–2 weeks after surgery
Initial swelling and bruising may gradually subside. The timing for returning to daily life varies from person to person, so if you have work or outside activities planned, it is best to discuss them with your medical team in advance.
More than 1–3 months after surgery
Residual swelling gradually decreases, and the redness and firmness at the incision site may also change. It can take more than 6–12 months for a scar to mature.
The timing for resuming facial cleansing and makeup also depends on how well the wound is healing and the suturing method, so caution is needed. In particular, it is best to start eye makeup only after the incision has fully healed and as advised by your medical team. In the early recovery period, avoid rubbing the eyelids vigorously or doing anything that irritates the wound.
You should also check the scarring and side effects of Gimhae upper blepharoplasty
This procedure involves an incision, so a scar may remain. Typically, the incision line forms near the upper eyelid crease or double eyelid line, and in the early stages it may feel red or firm. Over time, the color and texture of the scar can change, but this varies with skin type and the healing process, and there is no guarantee that the scar will disappear completely. In addition, the following side effects may also occur after surgery.
Bleeding and hematoma
Infection and inflammation
Prominent scarring or skin adhesion
Asymmetry between the left and right eyes
Cases where too much or too little skin has been removed
Incomplete eye closure
Dry eyes and eye irritation
Changes in eyelid shape or function
In particular, removing too much skin can make it difficult to close the eyes, so the extent of removal should be determined carefully. Before surgery, you should inform your medical team of any dry eye condition, eye-related conditions, bleeding history, and medications you are taking. If you experience sudden changes in vision, severe pain, rapidly worsening swelling, or persistent bleeding after surgery, contact a medical facility immediately for care.
The causes of skin sagging and eyelid function should be examined together
As mentioned earlier, not all drooping eyelids require the same surgery. Cases where the skin has lost elasticity and sagged, where the eyebrows have dropped, and where the eyelid-lifting muscle has weakened each need to be approached based on their different causes. If you are considering Gimhae upper blepharoplasty, it is important to first assess the degree of skin sagging, the shape of the existing double eyelid, eyebrow position, and the function of the eyelid-lifting muscle. Based on these findings, it should be determined whether upper blepharoplasty or an infrabrow lift is more appropriate, and whether additional functional correction is needed.
It is also advisable to receive a thorough explanation before surgery of the incision location, the extent of skin removal, the expected recovery process, and the risks of scarring and side effects. The structure and function of the eyelids differ from person to person, and so do the post-operative appearance and recovery. Therefore, after an accurate examination, you should fully understand the need for and method of surgery, as well as the changes you can realistically expect and its limitations, before making a careful decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all drooping eyelids require upper blepharoplasty?
No, not all eyelid drooping requires the same surgery. The approach varies depending on the cause, such as loss of skin elasticity, weakened eyelid-lifting muscle function, or changes in eyebrow position. It is best to decide whether to have surgery after evaluating the degree of skin sagging, eyebrow position, and the function of the eyelid-lifting muscle together.
How is Gimhae upper blepharoplasty different from an infrabrow lift?
The two differ in incision location and surgical approach. Upper blepharoplasty mainly involves an incision near the upper eyelid crease or double eyelid line to remove sagging skin, whereas an infrabrow lift involves an incision beneath the eyebrow to reposition the skin. Upper blepharoplasty may change the height or shape of the double eyelid, while an infrabrow lift may leave an incision scar beneath the eyebrow.
How long is the recovery period after upper blepharoplasty?
Recovery speed varies from person to person, and initial swelling and bruising may gradually subside within 1–2 weeks after surgery. Scars can take more than 6–12 months to mature, and if non-absorbable sutures were used, stitches may be removed around 5–7 days after surgery.
When can I start wearing eye makeup after surgery?
It is best to start wearing eye makeup once the incision has fully healed and as advised by your medical team. The timing for resuming cleansing and makeup can vary depending on your recovery progress and suturing method. In the early recovery period, avoid rubbing your eyelids vigorously or doing anything that irritates the wound.
What should I be sure to tell my medical team before surgery?
Before surgery, be sure to tell your medical team about any dry eye disease, eye-related conditions, bleeding history, and medications you are currently taking. If you experience sudden vision changes, severe pain, rapidly worsening swelling, or persistent bleeding after surgery, contact a medical facility immediately for care.
What causes drooping eyelids?
Causes can broadly be divided into loss of skin elasticity, weakened eyelid-lifting muscle function, and changes in eyebrow position. Eyelid skin that has sagged due to loss of elasticity and eyelid ptosis, caused by weakened muscles that lift the eyelid, are different problems and should be approached differently.