Oculofacial plastic surgery is the intersection of transformation and precision. One of the most popular surgeries under this umbrella is blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery or an eyelift. It provides men and women across the globe with a rejuvenated eye appearance and a more youthful look overall. Patients typically have the same goal for their blepharoplasty: a refreshed and energized look. In the past, the procedure was most often sought by women, but in recent years, the number of male blepharoplasty patients has increased substantially. While there are several similarities in how the procedure is carried out for both men and women, there are several key differences between the two. Today, we answer the question, “Are there differences between male and female blepharoplasty?”. 

 

Anatomy

To grasp the differences between female and male blepharoplasty, you must first appreciate the anatomy of the eye and how it can differ depending on sex. For females, it is common for the skin of the eyelid to be finer, the eye has a more pronounced lashline, and gentle curves to create a more delicate appearance. In contrast, the male eye area features thicker skin, a straighter crease, and a more distinct brow ridge. These characteristics are more than just aesthetics; they also influence your appearance as you age. 

 

Are There Differences Between Male and Female Blepharoplasty?

 

Male Blepharoplasty

 

Approach

Not only do males and females have different eye anatomy, but they also often have different preferences for the results of their eyelid surgeries. With male blepharoplasty, finding and maintaining a healthy balance between rejuvenation and masculinity is vital. Men who undergo the surgery typically want more conservative, subtle alterations and less dramatic results.

That said, every individual will have specific goals and concerns about their blepharoplasty, so each surgery will be uniquely designed to meet those needs.

 

The Brow

Male eyebrows are more angular and sit lower on the face than females’. Therefore, more care is needed during the surgery to prevent over-lifting the brow, which could potentially result in a feminine appearance.

 

Skin

Due to their additional testosterone, males have 20-25% thicker skin than females. Because of this dermatological difference, surgeons must be especially careful when performing blepharoplasty, lest the result look too tight or unnatural.

 

Female Blepharoplasty

 

Approach

Both male and female eyelid surgery address the physical signs of aging. However, female blepharoplasty often focuses on creating an open, youthful appearance while keeping the eyes looking natural. The result is typically a more striking transformation than that experienced by males who undergo blepharoplasty.

As with male blepharoplasty, each individual will have unique desires for their surgery, which will be customized to their preferences.

 

The Brow

Female’s brow anatomy is often more curved than males. This curvature is taken into consideration when creating the treatment plan. 

 

Skin

Because females tend to have thinner skin, a surgeon must be aware of and consider this prior to operating so they can create the best, most natural-looking eyes.

 

Procedure

Once you have considered your options and created a treatment plan, you will be ready to transform your appearance with a blepharoplasty. During your procedure, your surgeon will remove excess skin and fat, more so from women than men, to reduce the appearance of puffiness and bags.

Your surgeon will then move on to reshaping the contour of the eye. For females, this often means reshaping to maintain or restore that youthful curve, opening the eye, and accentuating the lash line. Finally, your surgeon may decide to elevate the eyebrow to create a harmonious result. You and your surgeon must discuss your goals in detail in pre-surgical consultation. This discussion will ensure that your final results are individually catered to you and that any alterations compliment your facial features. 

 

Conclusion

No matter who is electing for the procedure, a blepharoplasty is a monumental decision, which requires your surgeon to have a deep understanding of your anatomy, aesthetic goals, and potential complications. The fundamental aspects of a male and female eyelid are relatively the same, and the subtle differences in approach, technique, and planning ensure that you obtain the desired results while keeping your eye looking as natural as possible.

The purpose of cosmetic procedures is not just to create dramatic transformations. It also creates subtle enhancements that leave the patient feeling confident, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the world. Every case is different, and the driving motivation behind them ranges just as broadly.

If you are interested in eyelid surgery to refresh your appearance, talk to an experienced surgeon about whether blepharoplasty is right for you.