Upper eyelid surgery, also called upper blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that can restore the youthful appearance of the eye area.  The skin and muscle tissue of the upper eyelids become redundant with time, and the underlying fat pockets become more prominent, making the eyelids appear puffy and full. These changes can make a person appear tired. If there is concurrent brow sagging, a brow lift should be considered in conjunction with blepharoplasty to obtain the best results.

How is Upper Eyelid Surgery Performed?

Upper eyelid surgery is performed under local anesthesia. Dr. Kim makes an incision in an area of the upper eyelid where scarring will be less visible.  Through the incision, excess skin and muscle is removed from the eyelids. Fatty tissue that is beyond the normal boundaries is removed, leaving just enough to make the eyelids appear natural and youthful. Depending on the anatomy, some fat may be retained to keep the contour of the eye area natural.  In an individual with hollow upper eyelids, fat grafting may be considered to fill existing depressions.

Upper eyelid surgery is often combined with procedures such as brow lift, lower blepharoplasty, mid face lift, and face lift depending on the results the patient desires.

Who is a Good Candidate for Upper Eyelid Surgery?

An individual in good general health with significant puffiness and sagging of the eyelid skin is a good candidate. People with existing eye conditions such as dry eyes, glaucoma, retinal problems, and thyroid related eye conditions should consult an eye doctor before proceeding with this operation.

Recovering from Upper Eyelid Surgery

It is common for the eyelid area to be swollen and bruised after upper blepharoplasty.  The severity of the swelling and bruising varies among individuals and may last for up to 10 days. Keeping the head elevated and applying a cold compress to the eyes are essential steps to a speedy recovery. Patients will likely be ready to be in public in a week to 10 days with makeup. Healing is a gradual process, and final settling of all the changes may take six months or more.

Complications of upper blepharoplasty are infrequent and mostly minor. The most common complication is excessive bleeding, which may cause additional bruising. Infection, difficulty closing the eyelids, and visual impairment are extremely rare problems.

Upper Eyelid Surgery Results

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty helps improve the contour of the upper eyelids and makes the area look cleaner and softer. The goal of upper eyelid surgery is to make the overall appearance look more alert, rested, and youthful.