Upper Blepharoplasty

Droopy eyelids are one of the most common reasons patients seek Dr. Choe’s expertise as an oculoplastic surgeon. Dr. Choe typically performs around 600 eyelid lifts a year. When patients complain about droopy eyelids, it can be due to dermatochalasis, eyelid ptosis, or brow ptosis. Most patients have a combination of these factors that cause eyelid drooping, and the purpose of the evaluation is to determine which components will need to be addressed.

Dermatochalasis is when there is excess skin or tissue on the upper or lower eyelid. This can cause the eyelids to appear puffy or droopy, or they can have bags under them. Blepharoplasty surgery is the procedure in which tissues on the eyelids are removed to help improve their function and appearance. Blepharoplasty can be done on either the upper or lower lids or both. If loose or sagging skin on the upper eyelids blocks the vision, upper blepharoplasty may be covered by insurance. In contrast, lower blepharoplasty is nearly always cosmetic and not covered by insurance.

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What Is Upper Blepharoplasty?

Upper lid blepharoplasty is a surgery performed to remove excess skin and/or fat from around the eyes. This may be performed to improve the appearance of eyes (specifically bagginess or puffiness), and in many cases, it can also help patients see better. Excess upper lid skin can push down the eyelids and the eyelashes causing shadowing and darkening along the upper part of a patient’s peripheral vision. After surgery, patients may notice increased brightness and increased field of view. Because the eyes are the primary focus when looking at someone’s face, taking the excess skin and fat from around the eyes can make a significant difference in a person’s appearance. The eyes are often called the window to the soul. Excess eyelid skin or dermatochalasis is like covering up beautiful windows with curtains.

Why Choose Upper Blepharoplasty?

Even small changes in the eyelids can significantly alter one’s facial expression and overall appearance. So even the small adjustments made in upper blepharoplasty can have impressive benefits, including:

Enhanced eye shape
Improved eye symmetry
A more youthful and alert expression
Improved eye comfort
A more expressive appearance
Easy to combine with other procedures (e.g., brow lift, facelift)

Is Upper Blepharoplasty Right for Me?

Upper eyelid surgery targets a very precise part of the face, so we work closely with patients to ensure they are matched with the right procedure. This includes a comprehensive consultation process that opens communication between you and your surgeon.

You can lay out your goals, and Dr. Choe will take the time to build a tailored procedure plan that aims to achieve them. Candidates for eyelid surgery should also be in good overall health with no conditions that might increase the risk of surgery.

What Is the Procedure for Upper Blepharoplasty Surgery Like?

This is an outpatient surgery (you may go home the same day). To perform this surgery, Dr. Choe will make skin markings to guide the process, and local anesthesia will be injected around the sites to be operated on (typically experienced as a pinch and a burn). An incision (cut) is made along the upper eyelid crease. In many cases, this incision is often extended into the crow’s feet beyond the outer corner of the eyes. The excess skin and possibly fat are removed or repositioned. The skin is then closed with fine sutures. The entire procedure typically takes about 45 minutes to complete.

Can You Combine Upper Blepharoplasty With Other Procedures?

Many patients also choose to include additional cosmetic elements that can further enhance the aesthetic benefits of blepharoplasty surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Choe will work with you to explore available combinations that can further heighten the appearance of your eyes. These procedures include:

Lower eyelid surgery to correct the
appearance of bags
A brow lift to augment the results of an
upper eyelid lift
Laser resurfacing to improve the texture,
tone, and fine lines of the skin

When Will I See Results?

Your eyelid changes will already be fully in place following your procedure. However, now you only need to wait for the swelling and bruising to fade before you can see your results. Most of the swelling should fade within a couple of weeks. At this point, you can expect to see your initial results and a more youthful expression.

However, even residual swelling can affect your appearance, especially with such a delicate area. Swelling should fully fade within a few months, and by then your eyelids will be fully settled into their new position. Results should last for 5 to 10 years.

Schedule Your Consultation

The first step to achieving an alert, youthful, and rejuvenated expression is the consultation. Call Dr. Choe’s office or use the online form on our website to book a time to come in and discuss your goals. Work with our leading, board-certified surgeon to create a tailored treatment plan that will help you achieve lasting aesthetic results.