Upper Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Eyelid surgery (Belpharoplasty)  is a most common plastic surgery procedure. The sagging skin and wrinkles around the eyes is often one of the first features to show signs of aging. The development of wrinkles and droopy eyelids can cause people to look tired even though they may not feel that way. 

The changes of skin around the eyes is caused by gradually losing elasticity when collagen and elastin decrease as a part of the aging process. When these are combined with the gravitational pull it leads to saggy or droopy upper eyelids. The eyebrows may also droop, when the soft tissue becomes redundant and the forehead muscles weaken. Droopy upper eyelids sometimes also compromise the peripheral vision. 

Fortunately, the issues that are created in the upper eyelids can be corrected by upper eyelid blepharoplasty or eyelid lift. The simple procedure can restore youthful and fresh looking.  

If you are considering upper eyelid surgery, please contact us to schedule an initial appointment with our eyelid surgeon, Dr. Yuan.

The most common questions

  • What is upper eyelid surgery?
  • Are you a candidate for upper eyelid surgery?
  • Before surgery preparation?
  • How is the surgery performed?
  • Recovering from upper eyelid surgery
  • Cost of surgery
  • Asian eyelid surgery
blepharoplasty procedure for men

What is upper eyelid surgery or eyelid lift surgery?

Upper eyelid surgery is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries in the United States. It is also known as an eyelid lift or upper blepharoplasty procedure.

The upper eyelid surgery works by removing excess skin, sometimes fat, and muscle. Hence, it decreases sagging around the eyes and in more advanced conditions, improves a person’s peripheral vision. Eyelid surgery can reverse the signs of aging in the eyes and restore youthful appearance

What could I anticipate?

At your initial consultation, Dr. Yuan, eyelid surgeon, will assess your eyelid condition. He will discuss with you about the procedure options that might be right for you. Before surgery, the preparations are important for minimizing any complications during and after surgery. and other medical conditions to see if you are a candidate for the procedure. The procedure will be performed in the office. We will take your complete medical history (including past or present health issues). Dr. Yuan will also Inquire about your medications and allergies if any and order any relevant tests if needed. 

Dr. Yuan provides you with all the instructions and information necessary for you to prepare for your surgery.

  • You may need to stop certain medications such as blood thinners a few days before surgery.
  • Stopping smoking will also play a crucial role in your good recovery.
  • You will be asked to eat a healthy and well-balanced diet.
  • You asked to use the prescribed medications like eye drops and ointments  
  • You may need further medical examination to decide if you are fit to have an office procedure.

Who is a candidate for upper eyelid surgery?

Starting in the late 30s or early 40s some people will notice the changes of their upper eyelid and  want to get a refreshing youthful look. Or later in one’s life the loose skin in the upper eyelid post a shadow, upper eyelid blepharoplasty can help to achieve the goal. Dr. Yuan will discuss the surgical and non-surgical options with you during the initial consultation. Usually the more invasive treatment will bring more changes. If you prefer to have surgery to restore a revitalized look to the upper eyelids. He will consult you on the type of procedure. Together you will decide what needs to be done step by step.

How is Upper Eyelid Surgery Performed?

To restore a revitalized look to the upper eyelids, an incision in the natural fold of the upper eyelid. The surgery is mostly performed as an outpatient center but may perform in a surgical center set up as well. The duration of the procedure is 1 hour up to a maximum of 3 hours. It is usually done under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation as needed. You may advise general anesthesia by your consultant if a combined procedure will be performed. 

  • The skin that is going to be removed will be measured and marked.
  • Local anesthetics will be injected after the skin is cleaned with aseptic.
  • An incision will be made along with the natural fold of your eyelid and along the predesigned marking.
  • Beneath the incision, a small amount of muscle and bulging fat will be removed.
  • After the bleeding stopped, the incision of your eyelid will be closed with fine stitches.
  • If the result is satisfied, antibiotic ointment and dressing will be applied

Upper or lower eyelid surgery is a fairly simple procedure that most time, only requires a local anesthesia in the office. You will go home the same day of the surgery.

upper eyelid

Recovering From Upper Eyelid Surgery

Your complete recovery from surgery may take several weeks. However, most of the issues will be resolved within one or two weeks. You may experience temporary issues after your surgery that are likely to go away within one or two weeks: Your eyes may feel dry or irritated for several days as the incision heals. You can go back to work in several days. Swelling and bruising associated with your surgery can take a week to go down and residue swelling and bruising may need several weeks to dissipate.

Post surgical care after upper eyelid surgery

After reaching home you must follow the guidelines for your recovery as well as the medication schedule as advised by your surgeon. General guidelines may include:

Cost of Eyelid Surgery

Although pricing can vary due to the individualized nature of this procedure, such as previous surgery, adjunct procedures. The average cost for upper eyelid surgery is around $2,500 -$3000 depending on the type of procedure: skin removal only versus more advanced procedure. 

Dr. Yuan is an experienced eyelid surgeon in blepharoplasty. If you are considering eyelid surgery, you can contact us and set up your free consultation today.

upper eyelid surgery

Potential Risks and Complications of the Procedure

While it can yield remarkable aesthetic results, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with this surgery. Common risks include temporary bruising and swelling, which typically subside within a few weeks. There is also a possibility of scarring, although skilled surgeons aim to place incisions along natural creases to minimize their visibility. If  you have any uncommon medical conditions, you can discuss it with our surgeon during the consultation.

Other Procedures You may Consider

When considering upper eyelid surgery, individuals may also contemplate complementary procedures to achieve a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Lower eyelid surgery, or lower blepharoplasty, can address issues like under-eye bags and excess skin, providing a harmonious balance with the upper eyelids. Facial fat transfer, often combined with eyelid surgery, can restore volume to areas like the cheeks or temples, enhancing a youthful appearance. Additionally, a brow lift can be performed to elevate sagging eyebrows and reduce forehead wrinkles, further enhancing the overall youthful and refreshed look of the eyes and face. For some others, if you are interested in Fox eye procedure, you can contact us.