What is an Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty?
An upper eyelid blepharoplasty, commonly known as an eye lift, is a surgery done to remove excess skin on the upper eyelid area. This procedure is completed by removing and/or contouring the fat around the upper eyelid area. A blepharoplasty can be done for cosmetic and/or functional reasons. This procedure can improve vision while helping provide a more youthful and rested appearance.
What is the Process Like for an Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty?
Before the surgery, your oculofacial plastic surgeon will assess your condition and develop an individualized treatment plan for your particular case. Your surgeon may recommend that you undergo other surgeries, like a brow lift or lower eyelid blepharoplasty, in conjunction with your upper eyelid blepharoplasty to achieve optimal results. If your surgeon finds any issues that could affect the final result of the surgery such as thyroid eye disease, skin cancer, laxity, and/or dry eye; it is recommended that these problems are attended to before the procedure.
During the surgery, your surgeon will create an incision in your eyelid crease, remove the extra skin, and then remove or re-contour the upper eyelid fat (if necessary). Small sutures will then be used to close the incision line. Although this procedure may commonly be known as an “eyelid lift” or “eyelid tuck”, know that the eyelid itself may not be actually lifted during the procedure. However, the heaviness of the upper eyelids will be improved. Your peripheral and upper central vision is often improved as well.
After the surgery, follow these instructions:
- Apply gentle ice packs to the surgical area for 30 minutes out of every hour for the first 72 hours while you are awake.
- Sleep on your back with your head elevated above your heart for one week after surgery.
- Do not bend your head below your heart, lift things heavier than a gallon of milk, or do anything strenuous for one week.
- Wear the eye shield(s) every night at bedtime for a full two weeks after surgery.
- Avoid getting shower water or tap water on your wounds for seven days.
- Avoid hot tubs, saunas, ocean/lake water, and swimming pools for two weeks.
- Do not smoke for at least 14 days after surgery.
- No driving for at least 48 hours after surgery.
When Should I Consider an Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty?
As you age, the skin and muscles of your eyelids may begin to sag and/or droop. Your upper eyelids may become more puffy or heavy as the normal fat around your eye begins to bulge from under the skin. This is due to the skin around your eyes thinning over time. The loss of volume in the skin tends to exasperate these issues. Genetics and sun exposure also contribute to the thinning and muscle weakening process.
You should consider undergoing an upper eyelid blepharoplasty if:
- You look in the mirror and are not happy with the current state and condition of your eyes
- Your eyes look heavy all the time
- You have noticed that the skin on your eyelids have begun to sag or droop downwards
- Your eyes are consistently puffy, no matter how much rest you get
- You have trouble utilizing your peripheral vision
- People tell you that you look tired all of the time
- You have trouble utilizing your upper central vision
If you experience any of these aforementioned issues, consider contacting us to set up a consultation with one of our board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeons.
For before and after pictures of our upper eyelid surgery, click here.
For more information on post-operative care, click here.
If you have any questions after eyelid surgery, click here.
