The aesthetic treatment erasing fatigue and set to define 2026

Blepharoplasty is increasingly being mentioned as an aesthetic and functional game changer in the world of cosmetic surgery. Given the growing interest in subtle procedures that refresh one’s appearance without dramatic changes, it comes as no surprise that many experts predict blepharoplasty could define 2026.

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is no longer reserved solely for later years. “It is a fact that most people who undergo blepharoplasty are over 40, however trends show that the procedure is sometimes performed on younger patients as well,” notes Prof. Mislav Gjurić, MD, PhD, a specialist in otorhinolaryngology and a subspecialist in plastic surgery of the head and neck at Poliklinika Sinteza. He adds: “Age itself is not a criterion for blepharoplasty. Genetics and lifestyle habits, such as smoking, sun exposure, and daily facial skin care, play a much larger role.”

But who is this eyelid surgery actually intended for, when is the right time for it, and what can you realistically expect from the results and recovery? We bring an overview of everything you need to know before making a decision, whether you want to remove under eye bags or get rid of drooping eyelids, with expert advice.

Drooping eyelids, under eye bags: Who is the ideal candidate for blepharoplasty?

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Blepharoplasty is a common choice among procedures that help refresh a tired or prematurely aged facial appearance. “Ideal candidates for upper and lower blepharoplasty are people with excess skin on the upper or lower eyelids, and for lower blepharoplasty also those with pronounced fat pads that create the appearance of ‘bags’ under the eyes and give the face a tired look, regardless of age,” says Dr. Stipo Matić, a specialist in plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery and owner of Poliklinika Matić. He adds that, for him, the most ideal candidates are those who have “realistic expectations from the procedure” and do not have ophthalmological problems.

Dr. Gjurić especially emphasizes that ideal candidates are non-smokers, generally in good health, and highlights several examples of people who are often considered candidates for blepharoplasty:

• people with excessive skin on the upper eyelids, which can cause drooping or impaired vision
• people with pronounced under eye bags, which can create a tired or older appearance
• people with loose skin on the lower eyelids, which can accentuate dark circles or soften facial contours
• people with sunken or protruding eyelids, which can cause discomfort or functional vision problems
• people who want to achieve a rejuvenated appearance of the eye area and generally improve their look

What can be expected from blepharoplasty?

“The result that can be expected is a rested, fresh, and natural look of the eyes, and many patients report that people who are unaware they have undergone surgery comment that they look more refreshed, as if they have slept well,” describes Dr. Matić, emphasizing that the procedure is not performed exclusively for aesthetic reasons. “In patients undergoing functional blepharoplasty due to a significant excess of upper eyelid skin that extends over the eyelashes and narrows the visual field, one can expect improved vision and an expanded visual field.”

Which eyelid surgery techniques are considered the most modern and natural today?

A natural result is now imperative in aesthetic surgery, and it is precisely an individualized approach that makes the difference between a refreshed and an “operated” look. As Dr. Matić points out, universal solutions no longer have a place in modern blepharoplasty. “To achieve the best and most natural results, it is essential to approach each patient individually and adapt the surgical technique to their anatomical characteristics, rather than applying the same copy-paste method to everyone,” he emphasizes.

He recalls that more aggressive techniques were often used in the past, with a single goal of removing as much skin and fatty tissue as possible. “Such an approach often resulted in eye deformities, such as A-frame deformity, or even made the patient look older. For a fresh and youthful eye appearance, volume in the eye area is also necessary,” he explains.

This is why proper consultation and technique selection play a key role. While in patients in their 50s and 60s fat pads often create additional ‘heaviness’ on the upper eyelids and give the face a tired, older look, the strategy is completely different for younger patients. “In patients in their 30s, I prefer to preserve the fat pads because their volume gives the eyes a more harmonious appearance. If we remove them, we can achieve the opposite effect, the area around the eyes may appear sunken, hollow, and older than before the procedure,” says Dr. Matić.

Trifecta Lift combined with CO2

When speaking about techniques that deliver the best results today, Dr. Matić particularly highlights the Trifecta Lift. This is a combined approach that includes a transconjunctival incision on the inside of the eyelid, fat transfer to the under eye area and central face, and a final CO2 laser treatment of the skin around the eyes. “This combination has proven to be an absolute game changer because it results in a refreshed and tighter appearance of the eyes, as well as the entire face,” he emphasizes.

Laser or radiofrequency knife techniques

Modern technologies have significantly improved the safety and precision of procedures, as confirmed by Dr. Gjurić. “The use of laser or a radiofrequency knife increases surgical precision and reduces bleeding,” he explains. He adds that upper eyelids are operated exclusively using an external, transcutaneous incision, while lower eyelids can be operated using an external or internal, transconjunctival approach. “The transconjunctival method is most commonly used for pronounced fat pads without significant excess skin of the lower eyelid.”

Techniques for final eyelid rejuvenation

For additional rejuvenation of the skin around the eyes, in addition to CO2 laser, Dr. Gjurić also mentions non-surgical options such as Plasma Pen, fillers, Botox, or microneedling with PRP. However, he warns about their limitations. “CO2 laser has a longer recovery period, up to three months, and requires strict avoidance of sun exposure and regular use of SPF 50+ sunscreens to prevent pigmentation disorders,” he stresses. He also adds that the results of non-surgical methods are “generally short-lived and often unpredictable” compared to surgical procedures.

Who is not an ideal candidate for blepharoplasty?

Returning to realistic expectations as an important factor, it is essential to know what eyelid surgery cannot achieve. “Blepharoplasty does not correct eyebrow position, dark circles, or wrinkles around the eyes. Often, blepharoplasty is only one part of a facial makeover, which may require combining a facelift, brow lift, cheek lift, and various injectable techniques,” notes Dr. Gjurić.

However, not all candidates are equally suitable. Dr. Matić points out that there are generally no absolute contraindications for blepharoplasty, but people with certain eye diagnoses and systemic diseases have an increased risk of side effects and complications. Risk groups include people with:

• glaucoma or severe dry eye syndrome
• conditions such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism
• blood clotting disorders
• a tendency to develop keloid scars

How discreet is the procedure and will scars be visible?

Discretion has already become a standard in modern procedures. “The eyelid area is very favorable for healing and allows us to hide incisions within natural skin folds or wrinkles around the eyes,” explains Dr. Matić. Since healing can take up to a year, this approach is particularly advantageous.

In lower blepharoplasty, the situation can be slightly different. “In lower blepharoplasty, if an external incision is made, it is positioned immediately below the eyelashes and over time becomes almost invisible, while with the transconjunctival technique, which I personally prefer, there is no visible scar on the skin at all,” emphasizes Dr. Matić.

What are the risks of blepharoplasty and how can they be minimized?

Before deciding to remove under eye bags or drooping eyelids, it is important to be fully aware of the risks. “Blepharoplasty, like any surgical procedure, carries certain risks,” warns Dr. Matić, adding that thorough preoperative assessments are a necessary step, but also that patients must be responsible toward themselves and follow instructions before and after surgery, which include:

• avoiding alcohol and smoking
• avoiding medications and foods that promote blood thinning before and after the procedure
• following care instructions
• applying cold compresses
• avoiding physical exertion

How long does recovery take after blepharoplasty?

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Recovery is individual, but often faster than patients expect. “Most people underestimate the procedure because upper blepharoplasty is performed under local anesthesia, but swelling and bruising can be more pronounced during the first few days,” says Dr. Matić.

• return to daily activities: about 7 to 10 days
• final result of upper blepharoplasty: 4 to 6 weeks
• final result of lower blepharoplasty, especially with fat transfer: 3 to 4 months

Will the effects of eyelid surgery be long lasting?

The longevity of results depends on the type of procedure. “There are trend-driven variations of blepharoplasty, such as fox eyes or cat eyes, which were very popular over the past two to three years and which have fortunately mostly faded away. I believe that for the best and most natural long-term results, the winning formula is to integrate the appearance of the eyelids into balance with the rest of the face,” says Dr. Matić, adding that the expected duration of results ranges from five to ten years.

How to choose the ideal surgeon for blepharoplasty?

For many patients, the most difficult step is finding a qualified surgeon. “Patients should be responsible and research the surgeons to whom they will entrust their face. First and foremost, the surgeon must be a specialist in their field: a specialist in plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery, maxillofacial surgery, otorhinolaryngology, or ophthalmology who practices eye surgery,” advises Dr. Matić. In addition to expertise and experience, he emphasizes the importance of the relationship with the patient: “It is important that the patient ‘clicks’ with the surgeon and feels secure that the surgeon will take care of them even in the case of unwanted results or complications, which unfortunately can happen.”

Are there non-surgical alternatives to blepharoplasty?

Consultation with a specialist can sometimes result in the decision not to undergo blepharoplasty. “If patients have only a minor excess of skin on the lower or upper eyelids, it is possible to perform a CO2 laser treatment that can smooth fine lines and tighten excess skin,” suggests Dr. Matić.

When it comes to dark circles, a common reason patients opt for lower blepharoplasty, there is also a non-surgical option. “If there are no visible fat pads in the under eye area, but only a volume deficit, hyaluronic acid filler application is an excellent choice. It can achieve a very natural and long-lasting result that may last for years, but only if performed by an experienced and skilled professional,” concludes Dr. Matić.