27 Aug Eyelid surgery in men: what are the differences compared to women?
Article summary
Do you feel that your eyes have changed, making you look tired or stern even though you feel perfectly well? You’re not alone. More and more men in Switzerland are considering eyelid surgery, but wonder how it differs from the procedures performed on women.
Why men consider eyelid surgery
The most common aesthetic motivations
Eyelid surgery in men is experiencing notable growth. More and more men are turning to it to enhance their appearance. It is no longer a taboo subject. They want to look less tired, younger, and more dynamic.
The most frequent requests involve drooping eyelids that create a sad or stern look, under-eye bags that make the eyes look tired, and excess skin that may even impair vision.
Blepharoplasty is the most requested procedure. It involves removing excess skin or fat around the eyes. Performed under local anesthesia, it usually allows for quick recovery.
Some patients prefer less invasive alternatives, such as Botox or hyaluronic acid injections, which smooth wrinkles or restore volume without systematically resorting to surgery.
The specific signs of aging in men’s eyes
Aging in the male eye area differs from that of women. Male morphology is more angular, with lower eyebrows and thicker skin.
With age, men often develop more pronounced fat pads under the eyes, drooping at the outer corner of the eye, and deeper wrinkles around the eyes, particularly crow’s feet.
These changes create a tired or harsh appearance. Oculoplastic surgery allows targeted treatment with techniques specifically adapted to preserve the masculine look of the eyes.
Perception of the result is also different. Men seek a natural effect, without obvious transformation. The goal is not an overly open look, but rather a rested expression in harmony with the face’s identity.
Anatomy of the male vs. female eye area: what you need to know
The male and female gaze show anatomical and structural differences. The shape of the eye, eyelids, and brow ridges varies depending on sex, directly influencing the techniques used in aesthetic eyelid surgery.
Shape and position of the eyebrows
In men, eyebrows are generally straighter and sit lower, closer to the eye. In women, they are more arched and positioned higher. An eyebrow placed too high in men can alter the perception of the eyes and feminize the features.
Upper and lower eyelids
Male eyelids are often heavier, with more noticeable excess skin. Male blepharoplasty aims to correct this while preserving a natural expression. In women, the goal is often a more open and luminous look.
Brow ridge and forehead bone
Men have a more prominent brow ridge, which accentuates the depth of the gaze. This bony feature must be respected in procedures such as blepharoplasty or oculoplastic surgery.
Musculature around the eyes
Periocular musculature is generally more developed in men, which can influence the type of anesthesia and post-operative recovery. More pronounced expression lines may also require targeted treatments such as Botox.
Quick comparison table
| Element | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
|
Eyebrows |
Straight, low |
Arched, high |
|
Eyelids |
Heavier |
Thinner |
|
Brow ridge |
Prominent |
Less pronounced |
|
Musculature |
Denser |
Less marked |
Why these differences matter in surgery
Respecting these characteristics is essential to avoid an inappropriate outcome. For example, an ill-suited lift can feminize the male face. Patient satisfaction depends on a detailed morphological analysis. This is why it is crucial to consult an experienced practitioner with thorough mastery of facial anatomy and the appropriate surgical techniques. Dr. Bela, an ophthalmologist surgeon specialized in aesthetic eyelid surgery, has this in-depth expertise, allowing her to achieve natural and harmonious results while preserving each patient’s morphological identity.
In Switzerland, requests for eyelid surgery among men are becoming increasingly common. Current techniques provide natural results that respect male specificity.
Eyelid surgery techniques adapted for men
Upper and lower blepharoplasty: male-specific differences
In men, blepharoplasty corrects excess eyelid skin or fat with an approach tailored to male morphology: pronounced brow ridge, heavier eyelids, and denser skin.
For the upper eyelid, a conservative removal is preferred to avoid hollowing or an overly open look, which does not align with masculine aesthetics. On the lower eyelid, the focus is mainly on fat pads. Oculoplastic surgery makes it possible to remove or reposition adipose tissue without excessively tightening the skin.
These procedures use discreet incisions, preserve natural volume, and ensure quick recovery, with rare complications when performed correctly.
Brow lift: a masculine approach
The male brow lift must remain subtle. The goal is simply to correct sagging without altering facial expression. Techniques that lift the brow too high are avoided, unlike certain approaches often used for women.
Two main techniques are applied:
- direct incision above the eyebrow, especially in older patients,
- the endoscopic approach, more diffuse and leaving no visible scar.
With the growing male demand, preserving the natural expression of the eyes remains a priority to avoid any frozen or artificial effect.
Expected results: a rejuvenated look without feminization
In men, eyelid surgery aims to rejuvenate without altering facial identity. Unlike some female expectations focused on opening or softening the eyes, men seek to preserve a firm and natural expression.
The expected results are the reduction of signs of fatigue, such as bags or skin laxity, without changing the masculine morphology of the eyes.
Procedures adapted to male morphology
Blepharoplasty, highly requested, is usually performed discreetly in men. Skin or fat removal is carefully controlled to avoid hollowing the eyes.
Techniques take into account the male bone structure, particularly the prominent brow ridge, heavier upper eyelids, and thicker skin.
Surgery is adapted to avoid any unintentional feminization, for example by avoiding excessive lifting of the tail of the eyebrow.
A more rested look, not transformed
The goal is to achieve a less tired look, with discreet results that those around the patient perceive as a refreshed appearance rather than a visible change.
Complementary treatments such as Botox or hyaluronic acid may be suggested to smooth wrinkles or restore certain volumes, but always with moderation and with a focus on safety and natural results.
Avoiding feminization: a priority
The perception of the eyes differs between men and women. Overcorrection can lead to a softened expression, which is often inconsistent with male expectations. Dialogue between patient and surgeon is essential to strike a balance between aesthetic improvement and respect for facial identity.
Cost, duration, and recovery: what to expect
How much does eyelid surgery cost for men?
Prices vary depending on the procedure. An upper blepharoplasty alone ranges from CHF 3,500 to CHF 5,000. When all four eyelids are involved, the cost can reach CHF 9,500 or more.
Non-invasive or combined approaches (such as injections) may affect the total cost. In Switzerland, packages generally include consultations, the clinic procedure, and post-operative follow-up.
How long does the procedure take?
Eyelid procedures last between 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the area being treated.
| Type of procedure | Average duration |
|---|---|
|
Upper blepharoplasty |
45 to 60 minutes |
|
Full blepharoplasty (4 eyelids) |
1h30 to 2h |
|
Botox or hyaluronic acid injections |
15 to 30 minutes |
What is the recovery time?
Recovery is often quick. Bruising and swelling usually last 7 to 10 days. During this period, it is recommended to avoid sports, alcohol, and sun exposure. Wearing sunglasses is advised.
Stitches are removed between the 5th and 7th day. Improvement begins to be noticeable after two weeks, but the final result can be appreciated between 1 and 3 months.
Are there differences compared to women’s recovery?
Yes. Male skin, being thicker, sometimes takes longer to deflate, but it hides scars better. Bruising is more noticeable at first, especially since men rarely use makeup. However, they often return to work earlier, sometimes as soon as the 3rd day.
How to choose a surgeon specialized in male eyelid surgery
A masculine gaze follows its own aesthetic codes. Procedures must respect the associated morphology: straighter eyelids, prominent brow ridge, and deeper-set eyes. Choosing the right practitioner is therefore crucial.
Check specialization in oculoplastic surgery
It is essential to consult a specialist in oculoplastic surgery such as Dr. Bela. This subspecialty covers both aesthetic and functional eyelid surgeries. These professionals have in-depth knowledge of orbital and eyelid anatomy.
Experience with male patients
A surgeon familiar with male faces will know how to adapt techniques accordingly. Don’t hesitate to ask about their statistics or references with this type of patient.
Review before/after photos
Photos allow you to assess whether the results respect masculine aesthetics. Make sure they feature male patients, not just female cases.
Discuss expectations and treatment plan
A good surgeon takes the time to explain what is feasible, proposes a personalized plan, mentions possible side effects, and details the type of anesthesia used.
Check the procedures offered
Some men prefer non-surgical options. An honest surgeon will recommend alternatives such as Botox or hyaluronic acid when appropriate.
Stay aware of current trends
Male eyelid aesthetics evolve with trends, favoring a natural and rested look. The chosen professional must be able to adapt to these new aesthetic codes.
- Read reviews from other male patients
- Ensure the surgeon is a member of the FMH
- Ask for a visual treatment plan if available
Choose a practice focused on safety
Safety must be a priority. The surgical setting should be equipped to handle potential complications and provide thorough follow-up. This directly impacts both the outcome and long-term satisfaction.