Upper or lower eyelid surgery can make the eyes appear younger by reducing puffiness and loose skin. For many in their 30s, that desire for a change isn’t necessarily due to aging and wrinkles. Sometimes, it’s genetics; other times, it’s how life accumulates—stress, exhaustion, or simply how your body holds on to things. If that sounds familiar, then you’re not alone.
There may be a moment—maybe when you’re brushing your teeth or catching your reflection in a store window—where your eyes look a little more tired than you feel. They appear a little heavier, maybe even less like you. That’s where eyelid rejuvenation enters the conversation.
What is eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery, known as blepharoplasty, focuses on reshaping the upper or lower eyelids to improve both how they function and how they look. Skin in this area is thin, so it tends to sag earlier than other parts of the face. That sagging can cast shadows, weigh down your expression, and make you seem more fatigued than you are.
You might think this is something for your 60s or 70s. Actually, that’s not always the case. Dr. Philip Solomon, a dual-certified facial plastic surgeon in Toronto, sees plenty of patients in their 30s. Often, their reasons have little to do with aging.
Why do younger patients get blepharoplasty?
Upper or lower eyelid surgery isn’t a one-size-fits-all fix. People seek it out for different reasons. Some have visible changes; others feel something subtler.
Hooded Upper Eyelids
Maybe you’ve always had a bit of heaviness around the eyes—the kind that makes eyeliner frustrating or leaves you constantly raising your brows. It’s not rare. And if you inherited it, you know it’s not something that a concealer can solve.
Under-Eye Bags
Puffy under-eye bags aren’t always about the lack of sleep. They can be structural: fat pads that sit more prominently, even in your 20s or 30s. You’ve may have tried creamsm some of which may help a little. However if the issue is anatomical, lower blepharoplasty can help reduce the volume and smooth things out.
Eyelid Asymmetry or Ptosis
In this case, one eye looks more open than the other. That’s more common than people think. Sometimes it’s ptosis, a condition where the upper eyelid droops due to a muscle issue. It’s subtle, but you notice it. Correcting it takes more than a standard lift, though; it takes a surgeon who understands both function and form.
No Upper Lid Crease
For some East Asian patients, creating a defined crease is something they’ve considered for a while. It’s personal and it’s cultural. It can also make makeup easier or change how the eye reflects light. This version of blepharoplasty is called double eyelid surgery, and it’s highly individualized.
What happens during the procedure?
Surgery is often done under local anesthesia, but general anesthesia is also an option. An upper eyelid lift typically takes about 45 minutes. A lower lid procedure may run closer to an hour. Either way, you’re usually heading home the same day.
For the upper lids, Dr. Solomon makes a small incision in the natural fold. Through this, he removes or repositions fat and skin. Sometimes, the incision is extended just a bit, especially if there’s skin drooping toward the crow’s feet area.
For the lower lids, there are two main options. With one approach, the incision goes inside the lid. The other, more common method, places it just below the lash line. Fat can be repositioned, and skin might be tightened. If needed, Dr. Solomon may also do a canthopex, which is a supportive stitch that helps maintain the eye’s shape and tone.
The scars are hidden. Over time, they soften and become almost invisible.
Getting Ready for Surgery
You’ll sit down with your surgeon beforehand to talk about what you want, what’s realistic, and how to prepare. You’ll likely be asked to stop taking certain medications and supplements, especially anything that increases bleeding. That includes things like Advil, ginseng, vitamin E, and even some fish oils.
Following these steps helps lower your risk of bruising and supports better healing. If you’re unsure about something, bring it up. Nothing’s too small.
What’s recovery like?
It depends on the person. Most patients experience swelling, mild discomfort, and maybe some bruising in the first few days. Prescription medications can manage the pain, and cool compresses can help reduce puffiness.
Your eyes might feel a bit dry or sensitive. That usually passes quickly. Stitches are typically removed within a week, and makeup can go back on after about two weeks (once cleared). You’ll probably be up and moving within 2-3 days, but anything strenuous should wait a few weeks.
Lower eyelid procedures take a bit longer to fully settle. Some swelling might last several weeks, and you may notice tearing or redness as your skin adjusts.
What are the benefits?
Beyond cosmetic change, there can be functional gains, too. If you’ve had heavy upper lids blocking your peripheral vision, that can improve. Tasks like reading or driving can become easier. The face often looks less tense, not because anything drastic was done, but because the heaviness was lifted.
Emotionally, people tend to carry themselves differently when they feel they’re being seen the way they want to be seen. It’s not about chasing youth, but rather about clarity, confidence, and ease with oneself.
Why Dr. Solomon?
Dr. Solomon isn’t new to this. With over 20 years of experience and elite fellowship training, he’s performed thousands of facial procedures. He’s dual-certified and known for natural results that don’t scream “surgery.” His approach is patient-first, always.
He starts by listening. Every consultation is a real talk about what you’d like to change, what’s possible, and how to keep things looking natural. His philosophy is simple: every move counts, and nothing is done just for show. He believes in keeping things natural and doing just enough to refresh your look without going too far. That careful touch is what keeps his patients coming back and happy with their results for years.
Contact Solomon Facial Plastic if You’ve Been Thinking About Eyelid Surgery
You don’t have to justify this to anyone. Wanting to feel better about your reflection is reason enough. If you’ve tried creams, rested more, drank water, and still feel like something’s not quite matching how you feel inside, then maybe it’s time to explore your options.
Patients at Solomon Facial Plastic receive individualized guidance and support from their first visit through recovery. Whether it’s an upper eyelid lift, lower blepharoplasty, or both, your plan is made to fit you—not a trend.
You can book a consultation by calling 855-519-2799 or using the online contact form. Our clinic is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Dec 16th 2025