Combining Blepharoplasty with a Facelift: One Surgery or Two?

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At Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgery in Bethesda, MD, our team focuses almost exclusively on facial rejuvenation. Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Jennifer Parker Porter, MD, FACS, has performed thousands of procedures and is a clinical associate professor at Georgetown University Medical Center. Our philosophy is straightforward: achieving natural-looking results, prioritizing patient safety, and providing patient education before any decisions are made. Below, we explain when it makes sense to combine blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) with a facelift—and when staging them is a smarter approach.

Why Combine These Procedures?

A complete makeover

A facelift rejuvenates the lower face and neck, but it does not treat eyelid skin, bags, or hooding
That’s where upper/lower blepharoplasty, and sometimes brow lift, complements the lift, creating balance from eyes to cheeks to jawline
Comprehensive facial aging affects multiple layers and regions at once, which often calls for multi-area planning rather than isolated fixes

One anesthesia, one recovery window

When appropriate, combining surgeries can reduce the amount of anesthesia and consolidate downtime
To prevent skin bunching in the lateral cheek, it is sometimes necessary to incorporate a brow lift with the facelift to ensure a natural appearance.

When Should You Stage Them?

Although many patients can safely combine surgeries, staging may be a better approach. For example:

Some patients—especially those with significant baseline dry eye—do better with a measured approach
Longer surgeries can increase swelling and hematoma risk in some facelift patients
If one area needs extensive revision (e.g., complex lower lid support or secondary facelift), staging may simplify recovery and monitoring

What Recovery Looks Like When You Combine The Two

Timelines vary, but many patients feel “presentable” within 14 days after a deep-plane face/neck lift and about 10 days after upper blepharoplasty. You can generally expect the following after combining the procedures:

Days 1–3: Expect peak swelling and bruising; keep your head elevated and apply cold compresses to your eyelids frequently.
Days 7–10: Suture removal occurs; makeup is permitted after clearance from your surgeon, and light activities can resume.
Weeks 2–3: Most social downtime will end, and walking along with light movement is encouraged.

The Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgery Approach

Plan for balance: We use detailed facial analysis to decide if your eyes/brow and lower face/neck are best treated together or in stages.
Safety first: Procedures are performed in accredited surgery centers with board-certified anesthesia; we follow standard of care guidance on patient selection, monitoring, and peri-operative protocols.
Naturally beautiful results: Deep-plane techniques restore youthful position of facial tissues; blepharoplasty refines the periorbital frame for a rested look—never “overdone.”

Which Option is Best For You? Get Expert Advice in the DC Area.

One surgery can offer convenience and harmony for many healthy candidates when performed by experienced, board-certified surgeons in accredited facilities. However, performing two surgeries may be preferable in cases where there are ocular surface risks, anticoagulation considerations, or complexity that would benefit from shorter, more focused operations with separate recovery periods.

If you are considering a facelift, blepharoplasty, or both, our team will guide you through the process, including imaging, timing, anesthesia options, and recovery planning, all based on current evidence and safety standards. Schedule a consultation at our Bethesda office (serving the DC/DMV area) today.

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