According to newly released 2024 statistics from the International Association for Aesthetic Orthopedic Surgery (ISAPS), eye pharplasty (eyelith surgery) surpasses liposuction and breast augmentation, and is officially performed as the world’s most performed cosmetic surgery. 13.4% of procedures in the past year have driven eyelid surgery to over 2.1 million mark worldwide, making it one of the most popular ways to refresh the appearance.
Featured experts
What is driving the surge in eyelid surgeries around the world?
Woodbury, New York, Eyeglass surgeon David Schlessinger, MD, says this appeal is rooted in the ability to provide strong results with relatively minimal downtime. “Other procedures can’t produce so much rejuvenation with this little downtime,” he says. “When done properly, the results will be natural and rejuvenated, but in the case of rhinoplasty, do not change the overall appearance.”
Brufaraplasty has always been a popular option among older patients, but experts say demographics are changing. “We are seeing a significant increase in men who want to stay in the workforce longer and want to be more youthful and less tired,” says Dr. Schlessinger. “There’s also an increase in younger patients because they don’t like the appearance of the hooded eyes and the bags under the eyes. Brufaraplasty is treated more as a lot of people, as they want to maintain a youthful look.”
Window to the soul
Scottsdale, Arizona, Facial Plastic Surgeon Kelly Bomer, Maryland adds that dealing with this area can have a major impact as the eyes play such a central role in how we perceive them. “When your eyes look old and tired, you define the entire facial aesthetic as old and tired,” she explains. “When your eyes look brighter, uncontrolled, and untiring, your whole face brightens and younger look. With physical weight lifted from your eyelids, it’s important that it’s more important that you get to touch more important skin to those who need most people on camera at this time.
The power of social media
New York facial plastic surgeon Konstantin Vasyukevich and MD believe platforms like Instagram and Tiktok are helping to normalize conversations about eyelid surgery. “In my opinion, the driving force behind the increase in ophthalmoplasty has raised awareness through social media and the reduced stigma associated with this procedure, compared to facelifts, for example.”
Not for the AARP set
Palo Alto Facial Plastic Surgeon, California, Jill Hessler, Maryland, points out that eyelid surgery is unique in that it appeals to people across age groups. “Patients want facelifts early in life, but the age of this more invasive procedure is generally behind eyelid surgery,” she explains. “I’ve seen patients seeking eyelid surgery that show me pictures of high school eyebags that existed. Patients can seek this procedure in their 20s and 80s, which means they have a wider range of candidate populations,” she adds. “Burfaraplasty is a cheaper procedure than other facial plastic surgery and can often recover relatively quickly in less than a week or two, depending on the procedure being performed.”
Facial plastic surgeon James Boozokis, Maryland, Scottsdale, Arizona, points out that the procedure remains a favorite for reasons. “Eyelith surgery has been a popular procedure in my practice for many years and continues to bring great joy to patients who have been promoted to a youthful, more attractive appearance,” he says. “The more recent addition, a combination of platelet-rich fibrin and surgery has greatly improved the healing process.
