The Art of Eyelid Surgery for Men

Aging is a universal experience. For many men, the eyes are the first to reveal its signs. Drooping upper eyelids, under-eye bags, and fine lines can make a vibrant, energetic man appear fatigued or older than he feels. The delicate skin around the eyes is particularly susceptible to aging, influenced by factors such as genetics, sun exposure, lifestyle, and stress—all contributing to a look that may not reflect your true energy levels.

I have found that men seek a sharper, more alert appearance rather than just a younger one. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, offers an effective and natural-looking solution that addresses signs of aging. This procedure isn't about making dramatic changes or chasing youth; it's about restoring an awake and energized appearance that reflects how a man, or any patient for that matter, truly feels.

Youthful male eyelids and brows. The brow sits low, with minimal upper eyelid platform show—unlike in female patients, where this area is more prominent for eyeshadow and liner application. Fine lines naturally appear with smiling or animation. The muscles around the eyes are stronger, more defined, and visibly outlined.

Fact: Eyelid surgery is a popular choice among men

In recent years, there's been a notable rise in men seeking cosmetic procedures—not out of vanity, but to maintain a competitive edge in professional and personal arenas. A sharp, well-rested appearance can significantly influence perceptions, especially in a work environment where looking engaged and alert matters.

Classic signs of male eyelid aging, commonly appearing in the mid to late 40s and 50s. Notice the hooding of the upper eyelids, folding of the lower eyelid skin, and mild puffiness in the lower eyelid area above the cheek. Additionally, the presence of classic “crow’s feet” smile lines is due to chronic, strong muscle activity.

Heavy upper eyelids and under-eye bags are common concerns prompting men to consider eyelid surgery. Excess skin on the upper lids can create a hooded look, making the eyes appear smaller or more tired. The lower lids often develop persistent puffiness that no amount of rest or skincare seems to fix. This is why blepharoplasty remains one of the most popular procedures for men. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, eyelid surgery was among the top five cosmetic surgical procedures in 2023, with over 120,000 procedures performed—a 5% increase from the previous year.

More advanced signs of male eyelid aging, typically seen in the 60s and 70s. These include increased upper eyelid hooding, deepening forehead folds, and thinning lower eyelid skin with pronounced puffiness. Additionally, brow asymmetry is evident due to uneven forehead muscle activity as it attempts to compensate for heavy eyelids.

Is it Better to Start with Upper or Lower Eyelid Surgery? Or Both?

When men come to me considering eyelid surgery, one of the first questions they ask is: Should I start with the upper lids, the lower lids, or both? The answer depends entirely on what’s making you look tired or older than you feel.

Upper eyelid surgery is best for someone dealing with excess skin that folds over the natural eyelid crease, creating a heavy or hooded look. The goal here isn’t so much about “lifting” as it is restoring a sharper, cleaner upper eyelid contour while keeping the natural structure of your face intact. A big bonus about upper eyelid surgery is that it is a simple 45-minute office procedure done under local anesthesia.

Lower eyelid surgery is ideal for men struggling with under-eye bags, puffiness, or deep shadows that make them look perpetually exhausted. This procedure smooths out the lower lid by either removing or repositioning fat deposits that naturally shift and “pooch out” over time. If you’ve followed my content, you know I’m a strong proponent of fat repositioning over removal. Why? Because fat is precious. Preserving it in the under-eye area helps prevent deeper, darker circles down the road as the midface volume continues to deplete and migrate downward.

Most of the work in lower eyelid surgery is done through an incision inside the lower eyelid, leaving no visible scar. Because of this, lower eyelid surgery requires sedation anesthesia. However, if you also sagging skin, an additional incision just beneath the lower eyelash line may be necessary to lift and trim the excess skin. Generally speaking, I recommend laser skin resurfacing for the lower eyelid skin to 100% of my patients, as I’ve never met anyone whose lower eyelid skin quality hasn’t been affected in some way by UV light and the aging process (such as fine lines and crepey texture).

What determines which surgery to have first? For any male patient concerned with the appearance of both upper and lower eyelids, combining the procedures just makes sense. Aging is very much a global, gradual process—and treating only one area is like rewinding to an “interim” version of yourself rather than achieving a fully natural, youthful result. Addressing both lids together allows one recovery period. Most importantly, it also ensures that balance is restored —not just for the eyelids, but for the eyes as a whole—preventing the situation of a partially refreshed look.

Example of a middle-aged man with expressive eyes and mild, well-balanced signs of aging. The upper eyelids remain free of excess skin, while the brows maintain a naturally low position. Soft smile lines are present in the crow’s feet area. The lower eyelids show minimal puffiness but have a slight amount of excess skin. Most male patients bring "wish pics" of their own eyelids from their mid- to late-30s—reflecting some signs of aging, but not as youthful as in their 20s.

My approach to male eyelid surgery

When it comes to male eyelid surgery, it's not just about the eyelids. The brow, the eyelids, and even the cheeks all contribute to the overall appearance of the eyes. In men, the brow tends to be lower, the brow bone more prominent, and the eyes deeper-set. There’s also often less of a defined arch in the brow, and dynamic lines appear more easily due to thicker skin and stronger muscles. Understanding these traits is essential for achieving a natural, masculine result.

One key principle in male eyelid surgery is restraint. I focus on addressing only the areas that show clear signs of aging. For example, if the upper eyelids are sagging and folding, a blepharoplasty to remove excess skin is appropriate. If the outer corners of the brows are heavy and causing a “hooded” look, a brow lift (think of it as a “brow reset”) may be the solution. However, if the brow is naturally positioned, I don’t recommend brow surgery at all.

Men don’t commonly use the word “lifting” in my practice. While women may seek a younger, lifted look, men tend to want to look less tired. They typically seek a subtle, natural refresh, even at times requesting that certain elements remain unchanged to preserve their character.. I’ve seen cases where too much fat or skin was removed, leaving the eyes looking hollow or tight, or overly lifted brows giving an obvious, surprised look. These are results I aim to avoid.

My male patient in his 50s presented with concerns about "tired eyes." He had low-set brows, heavy upper eyelids, and puffiness in the under-eye area. To address these concerns, I performed upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty, along with lower eyelid skin and muscle tightening to reduce excess skin. A brow lift was not performed, as the patient preferred to maintain his natural brow position. Results shown at three months post-procedure.

My approach is about carefully restoring definition by removing only the necessary tissue and making subtle adjustments. This could include a small pinch of skin on the lower eyelids, neuromodulators for crow’s feet, laser resurfacing for sun damage, or hydrating skincare to address dryness. Sometimes, I’ll use a small amount of fat grafting to restore volume or redistribute fat to avoid hollowing out the under-eye area.

Scar placement is critical. For upper eyelid surgery, incisions are discreetly hidden within the natural crease, sometimes extending just a few millimeters beyond the eyelid’s corner for a smoother, more natural result. For lower eyelid surgery, I prioritize a scarless approach, making incisions inside the eyelid. However, when excess skin requires removal, a small external incision may be necessary to properly restore the area. To ensure the most seamless outcome, I reassure my patients that we will incorporate laser scar therapy, making any incisions virtually imperceptible.

This male patient in his 60s sought to refresh his appearance, focusing primarily on his eyes. His brows were excessively low - causing severe dynamic forehead wrinkles and muscle tension. I performed upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty with brow lifting, not to "lift" them to an artificial position, but to alleviate the tension. While maintaining natural muscle activity, his eyelids now appear less heavy, with more visible upper eyelid space and smoother lower eyelids. The result is a restored, not altered, appearance.