How Long Do Eyelid Surgery Results Typically Last?

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Posted by: Missouri Eye Institute in Blog on June 5, 2026

Eyelid surgery delivers some of the longest-lasting results of any cosmetic procedure around the eyes. For most patients, the changes from a single blepharoplasty hold for ten years or more. What affects that timeline, and what you can do to protect your results, is worth knowing before you commit. Keep reading to learn more about blepharoplasty, including what happens during the procedure and what shapes how long your results last.

What Happens During Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is the surgical procedure used to remove or reposition excess skin, muscle, and fat around the eyelids. The specifics depend on whether the procedure is performed on the upper lids, the lower lids, or both.

Upper Blepharoplasty

During upper eyelid surgery, the surgeon removes loose or drooping skin that has gathered above the eye over time. In some cases, a small amount of fat is also repositioned. For patients whose sagging skin has begun to block their line of sight, this procedure can restore a fuller field of vision. For others, the goal is purely cosmetic, refreshing a tired or heavy appearance around the eyes.

Lower Blepharoplasty

Lower eyelid surgery focuses on the area beneath the eye. Puffiness and bags that form there are often caused by fat that has shifted forward over the years. During the procedure, that fat is removed or repositioned, and any extra skin is trimmed.

Lower blepharoplasty is almost always done for cosmetic reasons, since lower lid drooping rarely affects vision the way upper lid drooping can.

Can Blepharoplasty Results Really Last for Years?

Yes, for most patients, the results last. Upper blepharoplasty results commonly hold for ten years or more. Lower blepharoplasty results tend to be similarly long-lasting.

The tissue that was removed during surgery does not grow back, which is a big reason why the changes hold up so well over time. That said, the skin around the eyes continues to age naturally after surgery, so results do not stay exactly the same forever. Most patients find that even years after their procedure, they still look noticeably better than they would have without it.

Missouri Eye Institute performs around 450 oculoplastic surgeries per year, and Dr. Francis Jansen specializes in oculoplastics, bringing real depth of experience to every procedure. Patients across Springfield, Branson, and Joplin have access to that level of care close to home.

Factors That Can Affect How Long Your Results Hold

Several things influence how long you enjoy the results of your surgery. Some are within your control, and some are simply part of getting older.

Sun Exposure and Skin Care

The skin around the eyes is thin and reacts quickly to sun damage. UV exposure breaks down the fibers that keep skin firm, which speeds up sagging and wrinkling over time. Wearing sunglasses, using sunscreen daily, and staying out of direct sun during peak hours can all help slow that process and protect your results.

Lifestyle Habits

Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and breaks down collagen faster than normal aging alone. Poor sleep and low hydration also take a toll on skin quality over time.

Patients who avoid smoking, stay hydrated, and get consistent rest tend to hold onto their results longer.

The Natural Aging Process

No surgery stops the clock entirely. Your skin will continue to change as you get older, and at some point, years down the road, a small number of patients choose to have a touch-up procedure due to the fact that aging is ongoing. For most people, a single blepharoplasty is all they ever need.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

If you notice your eyelids starting to droop again or the area around your eyes looking heavy or tired years after surgery, that is a good time to schedule a conversation with your eye doctor.

Changes in vision related to drooping skin are also worth discussing right away. A consultation can help clarify whether the change you are seeing is part of normal aging or something that warrants attention. Not everyone realizes that drooping eyelids can affect more than appearance, and in some cases, insurance may cover the procedure when vision is involved.

A consultation can help clarify whether what you are seeing is part of normal aging or something worth addressing sooner.

Thinking about eyelid surgery and wondering if you are a good candidate? Schedule an appointment at Missouri Eye Institute in Springfield, MO, today.

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