The upper-eyelid lift, also known as upper-lid blepharoplasty surgery, is a procedure aimed at making patients look younger by removing excess tissue and reducing sagginess. It is often performed when baggy eyelids impair vision or the use of glasses. Other medical reasons involve eyelid irritation and forehead strain. The procedure is often combined with others for more extensive rejuvenation.

The Right Candidate

Anyone over the age of 18 can have upper-eyelid surgery done. However, most patients are over the age of 35. Younger patients often have droopy eyelids as a hereditary problem.

Patients looking to get an upper-lid blepharoplasty are advised to get a consultation with a plastic surgeon as well as their eye doctor. The latter will check for medical problems concerning the eyes before giving you the go ahead for plastic surgery. Your plastic surgeon will provide precautionary instructions and care measures and will work to help you have realistic expectations in terms of results.

Preparing for the Procedure

Patients are advised to stop smoking weeks before the surgery to improve healing. Medication that increases the chance of bleeding also needs to be stopped.

Patients are advised to take leave from work for a couple of weeks after surgery and plan for help around the house and with running errands. Before the surgery, patients are advised to keep ice packs, gauze pads, eye drops, and pain-relief medication on hand; these will make the recovery process easier.

Upper-Eyelid Surgery

Overall, for an upper-eyelid lift, the procedure will last for a few hours. It can be performed under local or general anesthesia depending on how complex it is. IV sedation may be recommended.

After the patient is accurately sedated, the plastic surgeon will camouflage incisions on the natural folds and creases of the eyelids, depending on where excess skin and fat pads need to be removed.

Once the incisions are made, the doctor will use precise surgical instruments to remove excess skin, address bulging fat, and tighten loose muscle tissues. Sutures are then used to close the incisions.

Often, eyelid lifts are performed in conjunction with brow lifts, forehead lifts, or injections of Botox or dermal fillers; this is done to address signs of aging in other areas of the face.

The Recovery Period

Patients experience swelling and minor bruising after the surgery. Antibiotic ointments are applied on the surgical area and patients are advised to apply cold compresses to the area, at least once an hour, for the first few days after surgery. Heat packs are applied after this period to encourage healing.

Patients are to avoid eye makeup for a few weeks after surgery until the area is completely healed. Patients who wear contact lenses can use them only after their eyes are completely healed. Eyeglasses can be used anytime after the surgery. Sutures from the procedure will dissolve within a week, so patients will not need to come in for suture removal.

Arranging Your Consultation

Interested in finding out more about the upper-eyelid lift procedure? Contact skilled double-board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory Park to schedule an informative consultation about the procedure.