Key points
- Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is one of the fastest-growing cosmetic procedures among men, which is described as reflecting demand for facial rejuvenation that preserves masculine features [1].
- The area around a man's eyes differs from a woman's in anatomy and in how it ages, and these differences are described as affecting both surgical planning and results [1].
- Surgery for men emphasizes removing tissue conservatively, preserving the fullness of the eyelid, and avoiding changes that look feminine [1].
- Because of anatomical factors and skin characteristics, men are described as more prone to lower eyelid malposition, noticeable scars, and wound separation [1].
- Most of the evidence in this article comes from expert reviews, so data showing outcomes or complication rates in men alone are limited.
Why more men are having eyelid surgery
The number of men seeking facial rejuvenation continues to grow, and the area around the eyes is considered worth examining separately because aesthetic standards differ so much between men and women [2]. A 2026 review attributed the rise in male eyelid surgery to changing cultural attitudes and to demand for facial rejuvenation that preserves masculine features [1].
How the muscles around the eyes look at rest and in motion is described as shaping impressions of age, emotion, sex, and ethnicity [3]. For this reason, in male eyelid surgery, the impression left after surgery is as important a consideration as reducing sagging skin.
One review notes that eyelid surgery in East Asian men also involves its own anatomical and aesthetic considerations [4]. However, the summary of that review does not present specific differences or figures, and the summaries of the other reviews used for this article do not state which ethnic groups they covered.
The upper eyelid and brow are assessed together
The area where the upper eyelid meets the brow is a complex zone in which several age-related changes occur together and interact [5]. Much effort has gone into defining the ideal female eye and brow, but it has been pointed out that no such work has been done for men [5].
In men, forehead and frown lines usually develop along with one or more of the following: sagging upper eyelid skin, a drooping brow (brow ptosis), or a drooping eyelid (blepharoptosis). Some men also develop hollowing in the upper eyelid [5]. Which of these changes is most prominent is determined through an examination [5].
Both nonsurgical and surgical treatments are used. Surgical options include upper eyelid surgery, various types of brow lift or brow reshaping, ptosis correction, and fat grafting [5]. Adjusting the muscles around the eyes, surgically or nonsurgically, can change brow height, resting brow position, and expression lines, and the two approaches are often combined [3]. The surgery considered may differ depending on whether the sagging comes from the eyelid skin or the brow.
What to consider in lower eyelid surgery
One review considered the age-related changes around the eyes in men to be similar to those in women [6]. Another review, however, stressed that male aging has its own patterns and that these need to be addressed to preserve a masculine appearance [1]. In this way, the reviews differ somewhat in their perspectives.
There are several approaches to lower eyelid surgery. The authors of one review stated that for men they prefer an approach through the inside of the eyelid (transconjunctival approach), extended behind the orbital septum when necessary [6]. With this approach, excess fat can be removed, or the ligament connecting the eye socket and the cheek (orbitomalar retaining ligament) can be released so the fat can be repositioned [6].
The authors explained that results are good when surgery targets the groove between the lower eyelid and the cheek (palpebromalar groove) and the tear trough (nasojugal groove), which are often what patients are most concerned about [6]. They also stressed that stabilizing and supporting or tightening the lower eyelid is important for preventing lower eyelid malposition [6].
Surgical principles for preserving a masculine look
One review compared aesthetic standards for the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, outer corner of the eye (lateral canthus), and brow in men and women, and set out principles for maintaining a male appearance [2]. The authors considered that following these principles can lead to consistent results in surgery around the eyes in men [2].
The 2026 review also emphasized a surgical strategy of removing tissue conservatively, leaving some fullness in the eyelid, and avoiding feminine features [1]. It explains that overcorrection can make the face look more feminine, so a conservative surgical philosophy and careful technique are needed [1].
Complications men are more prone to
According to a review, anatomical factors and skin characteristics make men more prone to complications such as lower eyelid malposition, noticeable scars, and wound separation (wound dehiscence) [1]. This is the review authors' summary, and the research summaries used for this article contain no figures directly comparing complication rates between men and women.
The emphasis on support or tightening in lower eyelid surgery is also meant to prevent this kind of malposition [6]. Actual risk varies from person to person depending on skin condition, the degree of sagging, and the surgical method, so it is important to identify the risk factors for your own eyelids during the examination before surgery.
What to ask during your consultation
Eyelid surgery for men often involves looking not only at reducing sagging skin but also at brow position, a drooping eyelid, hollowing, and lower eyelid support [5, 6]. Consider raising the points below at your appointment.
- Whether the sagging comes from the eyelid skin, a drooping brow, or a drooping eyelid
- How much skin and fat should be removed to preserve a masculine look
- For lower eyelid surgery, which approach will be used and whether the eyelid will be given extra support
- Where the scars will be and what to watch for while the wounds heal
- Whether nonsurgical options can be used alongside or instead of surgery
Frequently asked questions
- Is eyelid surgery for men done differently than for women?
- The procedures used for men vary and include upper eyelid surgery, brow lifts, ptosis correction, and fat grafting [5]. However, because men differ in anatomy and in how they age, surgery is planned differently, and the principles of removing tissue conservatively and avoiding feminine-looking changes are emphasized [1]. The specific method is decided after examining your eyelids and brows.
- Could my face look more feminine after surgery?
- One review points out that overcorrection can lead to a more feminine look [1]. For this reason, another review set out separate principles for maintaining a male appearance [2]. It helps to describe the look you want in specific terms and discuss it before surgery.
- Is there enough research on eyelid surgery for men?
- Most of the sources used for this article are expert reviews, and none of the research summaries presented figures on outcomes or complication rates in men alone. It has also been pointed out that defining the ideal male eye and brow has not yet been done [5]. For these reasons, it is best to make the decision about surgery together with a specialist who has examined you in person.
References
- Tripathi NV, Hakimi AA, Reilly MJ. Blepharoplasty: Rejuvenating the Male Periorbital Area. Facial Plast Surg. 2026.PubMed 40854548DOI
- Scheuer JF 3rd, Matarasso A, Rohrich RJ. Optimizing Male Periorbital Rejuvenation. Dermatol Surg. 2017.PubMed 29064985DOI
- Langsdon P, Karter N. Manipulation of the Periorbital Musculature. Facial Plast Surg. 2018.PubMed 29631291DOI
- Frederick JW, Kim J, Yoo DB. Asian Male Blepharoplasty and Rhinoplasty. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2024.PubMed 38936994DOI
- Warren RJ. Upper Blepharoplasty and Brow Rejuvenation in Men. Clin Plast Surg. 2022.PubMed 35367030DOI
- Rao V, Sullivan PK. Lower Lid Blepharoplasty in Men. Clin Plast Surg. 2022.PubMed 35367031DOI
This article is an English translation of general health information that DOY JUN Plastic Surgery compiled in Korean from the summaries (abstracts) of papers in international academic journals. Treatment methods and results vary depending on each person's condition, so please consult a specialist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
