While there have been huge leaps in the advancement of surgical techniques that are used to enhance the appearance of the eyelids, this type of surgery has actually been performed for centuries. In fact, in the 1st century A.D., Roman philosopher Aulus Cornelius Celsus first mentioned removal of excess upper eyelid skin.
In the 1800s, the term blepharoplasty was first used by German surgeon Karl Ferdinand Von Graefe to describe reconstruction surgery following removal of cancer tissue. Drawings of the aging eyelid were first published in this time.
More advances were made in eyelid surgery in the 1900s. Diagrams published by American surgeon Conrad Miller show incisions that are similar to those currently in use. Marking of skin prior to surgery was encouraged, and techniques were used to reduce the chance of excess scarring. During World War I and World War II, many injured soldiers were in need of reconstructive eye surgeries, leading to better techniques.
It has been in the last couple of decades that technological advances have really come about to reduce the risk of complications and improve results. An expert in eyelid surgery in Los Angeles can tell you more about your options.