Upper Blepharoplasty Eyelid Surgery Overview
Our eyelids tend to droop as we age. In addition, environmental factors and genetic factors can cause changes that mirror other skin changes on the face. The strength of connections between the skin of the eyelids and the underlying muscle will deteriorate over time. If you have a genetic tendency for droopy eyelids, these undesirable changes can happen earlier.
As the eyelid skin thins and muscles weaken, it contributes to the tired look that many patients want to remedy. Sometimes the “tired” look is connected to the weakening of muscles in the forehead and brow area, resulting in further drooping of the upper eyelid skin to the point where one’s field of vision is partially restricted.
Normal skin aging results in the loss of collagen, the skin’s “backbone,” and elastin gives the skin its bounce. This part of face aging is highly noticeable in the thin skin of the eyelids. Top blepharoplasty (upper eyelift) is a rewarding treatment option for women and men with aesthetic and structural issues with their upper eyelids.
What Exactly Is Upper Blepharoplasty?
Upper blepharoplasty is a simple operation for renewing the appearance of the eyes to make them more youthful and expressive. Dr. Cyr will customize the procedure to your unique requirements and aesthetic goals. The procedure is essential:
- Removal of excess, sagging skin from the eyelid
- Reduction of displaced or excess fat
- Upper lid wrinkles and lines smoothed out
- Remodeling of the natural eye crease for the most youthful result
The upper eyelid procedure is also beneficial from a functional standpoint for individuals with severe eyelid drooping. Removing sagging skin can open up the range of vision obstructed by excess tissue. Some patients have an eye lift due to difficulty with their sight from excessive skin droopiness.
What Does the Upper Blepharoplasty Procedure Entail?
Upper eyelid surgery, which can be performed under mild intravenous sedation, usually takes about an hour to complete, depending on the intricacy of the procedure.
Dr. Cyr uses tiny incisions in the natural creases of the upper eyelid to reduce any appearance of post-operative scarring.
Following that, he will gently excise superfluous skin and remove and re-contour fatty tissue across the lid, taking care not to “overcorrect,” resulting in an artificial look. This is an essential consideration. Patients often expect a more dramatic finished look but overcorrecting can result in an unnatural appearance and irritation of the eye. He will also tighten or reconnect any weak upper eyelid muscles, returning them to their correct placements if necessary. Finally, Dr. Cyr will carefully smooth out and stitch the residual skin, resulting in a more youthful overall appearance.
If your eyelift is coupled with lower blepharoplasty, surgical time is longer. IV sedation or General anesthetic is recommended as lower blepharoplasty is a more complex and delicate procedure.
In addition to lower eyelid surgery, upper blepharoplasty is often done with a facelift, brow lift, and other treatments. However, patients may avoid a browlift when the issue is the droopy muscle and skin of the eyelid.
Recovery From Upper Blepharoplasty
Upper eyelid surgery recovery varies from patient to patient, but you should be able to return to an office job and non-strenuous everyday activities within a few days. Some bruising and swelling may be evident initially, but symptoms should diminish rapidly if post-operative instructions are followed.
Pain: typically there is little to moderate pain, and discomfort may be relieved with over-the-counter or mild prescription pain medicine.
Dr. Cyr suggests avoiding intense exercise, contact sports, and other demanding physical activity for at least six weeks to guarantee complete healing of this fragile area.
How Long Does Upper Blepharoplasty Last?
The rejuvenating effects of eyelid surgery are long-lasting because you look younger and more refreshed as you age.
Doctor Cyr will suggest maintaining a proper skin regimen to enhance the duration of your investment:
- Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure.
- Wear sunglass when potentially damaging UV rays are high
- Abstaining from smoking
- Refrain from using products that dry out your skin
Will The Procedure Leave Visible Scars?
Because the tiny incisions used for upper blepharoplasty are in the natural folds of the eyelid, the resultant fine scars are nearly invisible. As a bonus, with proper care, incision lines naturally disappear over time.
Dr. Cyr will show you exactly where incisions will be made in your specific instance during your appointment, as well as offer personalized post-operative advice on how to help the scar healing process for the best possible outcome.
What Does Upper Blepharoplasty Cost?
The typical cost of upper blepharoplasty at Cyr MD Cosmetic Surgery is between $2,400 and $5,000. However, the actual price may differ based on how much skin and fat removal is necessary and the degree of muscle correction required.
If you’re having your eyelid surgery combined with lower blepharoplasty and other cosmetic treatments, the cost will be higher but far more economical than having each therapy separately.
Is an Eyelid Lift Without Surgery Possible?
No non-surgical eyelid lift procedure can produce the same results as blepharoplasty since surgical excision is necessary to remove extra skin and fat that causes eyelid drooping. However, Dr. Cyr provides many non-surgical treatments that can have a tremendous rejuvenating impact on the eyes.
For example, injectables such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and XEOMIN® can temporarily smooth creases and wrinkles between the brows and around the eyes. Furthermore, laser resurfacing can help improve skin tone, fine wrinkles, and texture throughout the affected region.
However, it’s worth reemphasizing that these non-surgical therapies are not appropriate alternatives to eyelid surgery but rather prospective solutions for those whose primary issues are not linked to excess eyelid skin and fat. Blepharoplasty is typically the most effective option for sagging eyelids.
What’s Next?
We encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cyr to receive a tailored price quotation for upper eyelid surgery. During this in-person appointment, he will be able to assess your requirements and goals, as well as provide a cost estimate based on the specifics of a custom-tailored treatment plan
More information on upper eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty) can be for on this page of our website.
