Will Eyelid Surgery Change Your Eye Shape?

Can a Blepharoplasty Change the Shape of My Eyes?

Our eyes are frequently referred to as the windows to our soul, profoundly influencing how we present ourselves to the world. As we grow older, the fine skin surrounding our eyes tends to droop, which can give off an appearance of fatigue or ageing. This is where the significance of blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, becomes apparent. A common question that arises is whether blepharoplasty can alter the shape of your eyes. In this article, we explore this fascinating topic and shed light on the transformative potential of this extraordinary surgical procedure.

What is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure aimed at enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the eyelids. By removing excess skin and fat deposits from both the upper and lower eyelids, this surgery can significantly rejuvenate the area around the eyes, addressing concerns like wrinkles, sagging skin, and under-eye bags. But an important question often arises: Does blepharoplasty actually alter the natural shape of your eyes?

Different Types of Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty can be categorised mainly into two types:

Upper Blepharoplasty

This procedure focuses on the upper eyelids, primarily aimed at removing excess skin that can droop over the eyes, potentially impairing vision and giving a tired appearance. It can also tighten the skin around the upper eye to create a smoother, more youthful contour.

Lower Blepharoplasty

This targets the lower eyelids, where the goal is often to reduce puffiness and under-eye bags that contribute to a worn-out look. The removal of excess tissue and strategic repositioning of fat can help in achieving a fresher and more alert appearance.

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Additional Surgical Techniques

Beyond traditional upper and lower blepharoplasty, other specialized techniques include:

• Canthoplasty: A surgical procedure that involves the reconstruction of the canthus (the outer or inner corner of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meet) to tighten and reshape the eye, often creating a more almond-like appearance.
• Canthopexy: Similar to canthoplasty but less invasive, this technique involves reinforcing the muscle and tendon structures around the eye without cutting them, offering a subtle lift to the eye corners.
• Ptosis Repair: This is often considered when there is drooping of the upper eyelid that is severe enough to reduce vision. The procedure aims to raise the eyelid to improve sight and cosmetic appearance.

What Are The Different Eye Shapes?

Eye shape plays a pivotal role in defining our facial appearance. Understanding the different eye shapes can help appreciate how blepharoplasty might be tailored to enhance or subtly alter these features. Here, we delve deeper into the unique characteristics that define each eye shape:

Hooded Eyes

Hooded eyes are characterised by an extra layer of skin that droops over the crease, making the eyelid appear smaller. This shape can give the impression of drowsiness or ageing and is often targeted in eyelid surgeries to lift and open up the eye area, providing a more alert and youthful appearance.

Deep-set Eyes

Deep-set eyes are set deeper into the skull, creating an illusion of a more prominent brow bone. These eyes tend to be larger and can cast shadows, contributing to a more dramatic and intense look. Blepharoplasty can be used to adjust the surrounding tissue, enhancing the eyes’ natural depth without compromising their striking appeal.

Monolid Eyes

Monolid eyes feature a flat surface without a distinct crease above the eyelash line. Common in East Asian descent, this eye shape offers a smooth eyelid that can appear sleek and youthful. Surgical adjustments in monolids often involve creating an artificial crease to give the eye a more open appearance, which is a popular aesthetic choice in some cultural contexts.

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Protruding Eyes

Protruding eyes bulge outward from the eye socket, giving a more prominent gaze. This eye shape can be susceptible to appearing overwhelmed by too much eyelid exposure. In blepharoplasty, the aim might be to reshape the eyelids to balance the eye within its socket, often enhancing the natural contour of the eye.

Upturned Eyes

Upturned eyes, resembling an almond shape, have a natural lift at the outer corners. This eye shape is often considered ideal because it suggests a youthful and alert expression. Surgical enhancements may focus on accentuating this lift, subtly enhancing the natural almond contour without overt changes.

Downturned Eyes

Downturned eyes have a slight drop at the outer corners, which can sometimes give a melancholic expression. Blepharoplasty can help in lifting these corners, contributing to a more balanced and symmetrical eye shape that is aesthetically pleasing.

Close-set Eyes

Close-set eyes have less space between them, typically less than one eyeball width apart. In cosmetic procedures, the focus might be on creating the illusion of a wider space between the eyes to enhance facial harmony.

Wide-set Eyes

Conversely, wide-set eyes have a greater distance between them, more than one eyeball width apart. Techniques in blepharoplasty might aim at visually reducing this space to achieve a more proportionate look, often by adjusting the shape or position of the inner eyelid.

Can Blepharoplasty Change the Natural Shape of Your Eyes?

Blepharoplasty is not primarily aimed at altering the shape of your eyes. The procedure typically involves removing excess eyelid skin, extracting under-eye fat, and tightening the skin around the eyelids, which might lead patients to perceive a change in how their eyes appear. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that blepharoplasty does not modify the structural shape of the eyes. Instead, the enhancements made during the procedure are designed to make the eyes look more open, refreshed, and youthful.

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During the consultation at our Baker Street clinic, your surgeon will carefully assess your unique facial features and discuss any specific concerns. This assessment is crucial for marking potential areas that could subtly alter the perceived shape of your eyes. The aim here is not to change the eyes’ natural architecture but to address any sagging or puffiness that can make the eyes appear tired or aged.

The end result of a blepharoplasty is typically a rejuvenated appearance where the eyes seem more alert and bright, without a fundamental change in their shape. Therefore, in response to whether eyelid surgery will change the shape of your eyes, the answer remains largely negative. The procedure enhances your natural eye shape rather than altering it, ensuring that any changes are subtle and maintain the integrity of your original eye structure.

Does Blepharoplasty Make Eyes Bigger?

Eyelid surgery enhances the aesthetic appeal of the eyes but does not actually increase their size. The dimensions of one’s eyes are primarily determined by genetic factors and the underlying bone structure, which are not altered by this procedure. If individuals are seeking to create the illusion of larger eyes, they might consider alternative approaches such as cosmetic contact lenses or strategic makeup applications, which can visually enlarge the appearance of the eyes without physical alterations to the eye structure.

Does Blepharoplasty Make Eyes Smaller?

There is a common misconception that eyelid surgery can reduce the size of the eyes. In reality, blepharoplasty does not diminish the actual size or dimensions of the eyes. The procedure involves the removal of excess eyelid skin and can also involve tightening procedures, which help to reveal more of the natural eye by removing obstructions caused by sagging or puffy eyelids. This surgical enhancement allows the eyes to appear more prominent and defined but does not decrease their size. Patients often express concerns that eyelid surgery will make their eyes appear smaller. Still, when performed correctly, the surgery simply enhances visibility to the eyes’ natural contours, often making them appear more open and awake rather than smaller.

Eyelid Surgery in London: Expert Care at Centre for Surgery

At Centre for Surgery, located in the heart of London, we specialise in providing state-of-the-art eyelid surgery, known as blepharoplasty, tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. Our clinic on Baker Street is renowned for its commitment to excellence, combining advanced surgical techniques with a compassionate approach to care. We understand the importance of your vision for aesthetic enhancements and offer personalised consultations to ensure the best outcomes.

RELATED: Eyelid Surgery FAQs – Q&A about Blepharoplasty

Patient Testimonials

James, 48, London “After years of looking constantly tired due to heavy eyelids, I finally decided to have an upper blepharoplasty at Centre for Surgery. The results have been transformative, not just in how I look but in how I feel about myself. The team was professional and supportive throughout the entire process.”

Sarah, 34, Richmond “The changes are subtle yet significant. I had a lower blepharoplasty to address under-eye bags that made me look older than I am. The surgery was a success, and recovery was smoother than I expected, thanks to the detailed care instructions from the Centre for Surgery staff.”

Anita, 42, Chelsea “Choosing Centre for Surgery for my eyelid surgery was the best decision I could have made. The surgeons are true experts in their field, and their attention to detail is impeccable. My eyes look refreshed, and I feel more confident than ever before.”

Book Your Consultation

Ready to rejuvenate your look with eyelid surgery? Book a consultation with our skilled surgeons today to discuss how we can help you achieve a refreshed and youthful appearance. Contact us at 0207 993 4849 or visit our Contact Us page.

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