Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

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An upper eyelid blepharoplasty is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgeries in the United States and is often combined with a brow lift when performed for aesthetic reasons. It can also be done for functional purposes, though, such as for loose skin that inhibits vision. This eyelid lift focuses on removing the excess fat pads and creating a centrally positioned eyelid without hooding or skin draping, which refers to the way the skin hangs over the rim of the eye.

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty Overview - 897

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The Skinny


Average Recovery

5 weeks

Permanence

Permanent

Application

Surgical Procedure

Surgical

Yes

Cost

$800 - $5000

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Before & After Images by Provider

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty Before, Female 49 - 3838Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty After, Female 49 - 3838
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Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty Before, Female 55 - 1904Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty After, Female 55 - 1904
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Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty Before, Female 51 - 2361Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty After, Female 51 - 2361
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Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty Before, Female 50 - 2249Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty After, Female 50 - 2249
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The Specifics


What is an upper eyelid blepharoplasty?

An upper eyelid blepharoplasty is an upper eyelid plastic surgery designed to improve the overall facial aesthetic through alterations to the upper eyelid. In an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, incisions are used to remove excess fat and skin improving skin laxity and eyelid volume. A more youthful, rejuvenated eye appearance will be immediately visible following the procedure. An upper eyelid blepharoplasty can be used to improve aesthetic and also some functional concerns.

The Anatomy of the Eye

Eye Anatomy Close-Up Photo

What cosmetic concerns does an upper eyelid blepharoplasty procedure treat?

  1. Sagging & Hooded Eyelids: Dermatochalasis is the sagging or hooding of the upper eyelid, and an upper eyelid blepharoplasty can tone and tighten the upper eyelids to a rejuvenated, youthful appearance.
  2. Aging & Tired Eyes: A blepharoplasty procedure can target age and use-related skin changes to the upper eyelid to rejuvenate and restore the eye or eyelid to a more youthful appearance.

Who is the ideal candidate for an upper eyelid blepharoplasty procedure?

A good candidate for an upper eyelid blepharoplasty is seeking to rejuvenate the upper eyelid through changes to the excess skin covering the natural eyelid fold, excess skin blocking the eyelashes (dermatochalasis), or those with poor upper eyelid volume.

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is not recommended for patients under the age of 18, those with tight facial/eyelid skin, individuals prone to keloid scarring, those with certain chronic conditions like glaucoma, blepharitis, thyroid disease, or anyone who has undergone a prior eye related surgery.

What is the average recovery associated with an upper eyelid blepharoplasty procedure?

Most acute symptoms such as bruising, swelling, and tenderness typically resolve within seven to ten days. Swelling and bruising can be lessened with ice packs and sleeping in an elevated position. The majority of patients feel comfortable in public after two weeks. In some individuals, swelling can persist for up to six months although this is unusual. Full physical activity can be resumed within four weeks. Sun exposure should be limited for six weeks.

To better understand the healing and downtime associated with the procedure, check out our complete guide to blepharoplasty recovery.

What are the potential side effects of an upper eyelid blepharoplasty procedure?

The potential side effects of an upper eyelid blepharoplasty include difficulty in closing the upper eyelid and lower eyelid to the eyelid margin, blurred vision, scarring, bleeding, and changes in sensation around the upper eyelid and eye.

What can someone expect from the results of an upper eyelid blepharoplasty procedure?

The results of an upper eyelid blepharoplasty are permanent and immediately noticeable enhancements to the upper eyelid following the procedure. The upper eyelids will be rejuvenated, and eyelid skin will be toned/tightened for a more youthful appearance.

What is the average cost of an upper eyelid blepharoplasty procedure?

This plastic surgery procedure can cost anywhere from $800 to $5,000. The actual cost of an upper eyelid blepharoplasty is dependent upon location, plastic surgeon, and length and involvement of the plastic surgery. Learn more in our complete guide to blepharoplasty cost.

thumbs-upPros

  • Remove Excess Skin
  • More Youthful
  • More Energetic
  • Correct Vision Problems
  • Hidden Scars
  • Ease Forehead Tension

thumbs-downCons

  • Possible Inability To Close Eye Completely
  • Dry Eyes
  • Possible Pigment Changes
  • Possible Scarring

Invasiveness Score

1
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10

Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.

What to Expect


Upper eyelid blepharoplasties focus on removing the excess fat pads and creating a centrally positioned eyelid without hooding or skin draping. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after an upper eyelid blepharoplasty.

The Takeaway


An upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a type of upper eyelid surgery designed to tone/tighten eyelid skin (eliminating droopy eyelids), restoring the appearance of the upper eyelid crease, and providing facial rejuvenation. For some individuals, this upper blepharoplasty eyelid surgery can improve visual fields.
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Source List

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AEDIT uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Dailey RA, Wobig JL. Eyelid Anatomy PubMed; 1982-12-01
  2. Harry S Hwang The effect of "single" vs "double" eyelids on the perceived attractiveness of Chinese women PubMed.gov; 2014-03-03
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