What Is Combined Blepharoplasty?

Combined blepharoplasty means that the surgeon performs upper eyelid surgery (upper blepharoplasty) and lower eyelid surgery (lower blepharoplasty) in the same operation. This strategy treats the entire eye area as a whole and creates a younger, more rested and vibrant expression.

Surgeons usually plan this approach for patients who have problems in both the upper and lower lids and who desire holistic rejuvenation in the upper lower eyelid region. When the surgeon corrects only one side, the gaze may show asymmetry or disharmony. The combined approach aims to restore this harmony as effectively as possible.

Why Is Upper Lower Eyelid Surgery Performed at the Same Time?

1. More Balanced and Holistic Results

• The surgeon evaluates the eye area as a single aesthetic unit.
• While the surgeon corrects drooping of the upper lid, they also address bags and laxity in the lower lid.
• As a result, patients often obtain a more harmonious, younger and more rested eye area.

2. A Single Anaesthesia Session

• The patient does not need to go through two separate operations and two separate anaesthetics.
• The surgical team completes all procedures in a single session.

3. One Consolidated Recovery Period

• Instead of separate recovery periods for the upper and lower lids, patients move through a single healing process.

4. Time and Comfort Advantage

• Patients manage both daily and professional life more easily.
• Because of this, individuals with busy schedules frequently choose the combined procedure.

5. Natural and Fresh-Looking Eyes

If the surgeon lifts only the upper lid, bags in the lower lid may look more noticeable. If the surgeon corrects only the lower lid, excess skin in the upper lid may increase the feeling of heaviness around the eye.

By combining both procedures, the surgeon removes this imbalance and creates a more natural, fresh and holistic appearance.

How Is Combined Blepharoplasty Performed?

Upper Eyelid (Upper Blepharoplasty)

• The surgeon places the incision within the natural crease of the upper eyelid.
• The surgeon removes excess skin and, when necessary, trims or reshapes muscle and fat tissue.
• The eyelid crease helps camouflage the scar, and most patients notice that it fades significantly over time.

Lower Eyelid (Lower Blepharoplasty)

The surgeon can operate on the lower eyelid using two different techniques, depending on the patient’s needs:

1. Transconjunctival Technique

• The surgeon makes the incision from the inside of the eyelid.
• Because the incision sits inside, no external scar appears on the skin.
• The surgeon reshapes or redistributes the fat pads to smooth the contour.
• Surgeons often prefer this method for younger patients or for those with minimal excess skin.

2. Technique with Skin Incision

• The surgeon makes a very fine incision just below the lash line.
• They then remove or adjust excess skin and muscle tissue in a controlled way.
• With proper healing and follow-up, most patients notice that this fine scar becomes barely visible over time.

When the surgeon plans both procedures in the same session, the patient usually benefits from better aesthetic harmony and functional outcomes.

Type of Anaesthesia: Sedation + Local or General

The surgical team performs combined blepharoplasty under different types of anaesthesia, depending on the patient’s medical condition and the extent of the intervention:

• Sedation + local anaesthesia: This option provides sufficient comfort for most patients.
• General anaesthesia: Surgeons may choose this method for more extensive lower eyelid procedures or when they want to maximise patient comfort.

The surgeon decides on the anaesthesia method after reviewing the patient’s expectations, medical condition and surgical plan.

What Is the Recovery Process Like?

Because combined surgery involves a single operation, many patients experience a more streamlined and practical recovery.

First 72 Hours

• Swelling and bruising usually peak during this period.
• Your surgeon typically recommends cold compresses to control discomfort and swelling.

1 Week

• The surgeon usually removes the sutures around this time.
• Many patients feel ready to return to social life with reasonable comfort.

1 Month

• Most bruising fades significantly.
• Scars on the upper eyelids become softer and less noticeable.

3–4 Months

• The tissues of the lower eyelid continue to settle and soften.
• The upper lid scar blends more naturally with the surrounding skin.

6–12 Months

• The scars reach their final appearance.
• The eyelids usually show the most stable and natural-looking result during this period.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Combined Blepharoplasty?

Surgeons often consider the following patients suitable candidates for combined blepharoplasty:

• Patients with drooping or excess skin on the upper eyelids,
• Patients with bags, fat protrusions or wrinkles on the lower eyelids,
• Patients who want holistic and balanced rejuvenation of their gaze,
• Patients who prefer a single operation and a single healing period.

In this context, combinations in which the surgeon treats both the upper and lower lids together often provide a comprehensive single-session solution, especially for patients seeking both functional relief and aesthetic rejuvenation in the upper lower eyelid area.

In some patients, the surgeon also combines eye-area procedures with facial rejuvenation surgeries such as an endoscopic midface lift or brow lift. These plans require a detailed examination and an individually tailored surgical strategy.

Safety and Natural Results

When surgeons select the right indication and patient, combined blepharoplasty offers a safe and effective option from both an aesthetic and functional perspective.

The main goal is to create a younger and more rested gaze while the surgeon protects the patient’s natural expression and the structural character of the eyes. The team always prioritises a natural appearance.