Upper Eyelid Lift (Upper Blepharoplasty)
Blepharoplasty, commonly known as an eyelid lift, is a cosmetic surgery that rejuvenates the upper and lower areas around the eyes. This treatment addresses various signs of aging, such as droopy lids, puffiness, and under-eye bags. These frequently make individuals appear more tired or older than they are. The goal of blepharoplasty is to enhance the appearance of the eyelids, and in some cases, to improve functionality.
Upper Blepharoplasty Table of Content
What is Upper Blepharoplasty?
The two main techniques of this surgical procedure are upper blepharoplasty and lower, with their own pros and cons. In upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Singh removes and reduces excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper lids. This restores a youthful contour and widens the visual field.
Contrastingly, in lower eyelid surgery, he removes or repositions fat to reduce under-eye bags and wrinkles.
How Aging Affects the Upper Eyelids
Aging can dramatically change the appearance of the eyelids, leading to an overly tired or aged look. The biggest contributing factors are the natural loss of elasticity in the skin and the development of fat deposits. Common signs of aging can include:
- Drooping eyelids: As skin elasticity decreases, the excess skin can lead to a droopy eyelid appearance. This can even obstruct vision.
- Excess Skin: Extra skin on the upper eyelids can create folds that disturb the natural contours.
- Fat Deposits: Excess fat in the upper eyelid area can cause puffiness, giving the appearance of being constantly tired.
With an upper blepharoplasty procedure, Dr. Singh can address these issues. By removing or repositioning excess skin and fat he can restore a more youthful and rested look to the eyes. In some cases, he may need to tighten the muscle for a smoother appearance.
How Dr. Singh Performs the Surgery
Beginning the surgery, Dr. Singh either administers local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, to ensure comfort during the procedure. He then makes tiny incisions in the natural creases of the upper eyelids. This placement ensures scarring is not visible after healing.
Through these incisions, he carefully removes or repositions excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle. This addresses droopiness and puffiness and restores an alert look. After achieving the desired shape and contour, he uses sutures to close the incisions. 5 to 8 days after the surgery, he will remove the sutures during a follow-up visit.
Dr. Singh’s approach restores a youthful appearance to the eye area while maintaining the face’s natural expressions and characteristics. The main goal is for results to be subtle and appear natural while achieving the patient’s desired results.
Upper Blepharoplasty for Functional Concerns
While this surgery often addresses cosmetic concerns, Dr. Singh also performs functional blepharoplasty. For many, droopy or excessive eyelid skin is not just a matter of appearance. It can impair vision and hinder daily activities that we take for granted. Some common functional concerns include:
- Vision Impairment: Excess skin on the upper eyelids can reduce the field of vision. This affects a range of activities like reading, driving, and using digital devices.
- Eye Strain: Struggling with obstructed vision can lead to chronic eye strain and headaches.
- Discomfort and Irritation: Overhanging skin can rub against itself, leading to irritation (and in some cases, infection).
By removing or repositioning excess skin and fat, upper blepharoplasty can alleviate these functional impairments. The procedure opens the visual field, reduces eye strain, and decreases the risk of irritation and infection. As a result, patients enjoy an enhanced aesthetic and a significant improvement in their quality of life.
Recovery Following Upper Eyelid Surgery
The recovery period after upper eyelid surgery is relatively quick with minimal discomfort. To ensure a speedy recovery, Dr. Singh provides patients with detailed at-home care instructions. Patients can expect some swelling and bruising, which typically subsides within 1-2 weeks. Dr. Singh will remove sutures 5-8 days post-op.
He recommends resting with the head elevated and avoiding strenuous activities during the initial recovery. He also advises that patients wear sunglasses outdoors to shield the eyes from wind and sunlight. Following his care instructions closely, most patients return to work and normal activities within a week or two.
Who is a Good Candidate?
To determine if you’re a suitable candidate for upper blepharoplasty, Dr. Singh considers several key factors. Ideal candidates experience sagging or drooping upper eyelids, excess skin creating a hooded appearance, and puffiness from fat deposits. They also might be experiencing issues that include vision impairment or discomfort from excess eyelid skin.
Beyond these concerns, potential patients should be non-smokers, in good overall health. This contributes to a speedy and effective recovery period. During a consultation, Dr. Singh will discuss your specific issues, assess your eyelids, and outline a tailored treatment plan.
Schedule Your Upper Eyelid Lift
A rejuvenated appearance starts by consulting an experienced plastic surgeon, like Dr. Mansher Singh in NYC. Board-certified, with a background at Harvard and Johns Hopkins, Dr. Singh is an expert in facial plastic surgery. During your personalized consultation, he will evaluate your unique facial structure, discuss expectations, and outline the procedure’s potential.
This session is an opportunity to ask questions, receive detailed explanations, and set realistic expectations for the outcome. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Singh, call his Manhattan office at (212) 470-4020.
Upper Blepharoplasty FAQ
Are the results permanent?
Upper blepharoplasty results typically last for up to 7 years. Patients should note that, while the procedure can significantly reduce the signs of aging, it does not stop the aging process. Over time, some patients may notice gradual changes, caused by aging and environmental factors.
Will my scars be visible?
During surgery, Dr. Singh makes incisions within the natural folds and creases of the eyelids. This ensures minimal visible scarring and results that appear natural. With time, these scars may also significantly fade.
Can I pair a lower blepharoplasty?
Many patients opt for these two surgeries which further rejuvenate the eye area. This combination addresses both the upper and lower eyelids for a balanced and refreshed appearance. Upper blepharoplasty corrects drooping and removes excess skin from the upper lids. Lower blepharoplasty targets under-eye bags and improves the contour of the lower eye area.
To better determine the efficacy of combining these procedures, consult with a trusted surgeon, like Dr. Mansher Singh.
How long is the recovery?
Recovery from upper eyelid lift surgery typically spans 2 weeks, for most visible swelling and bruising to subside. Patients can usually resume normal activities and return to work within this timeframe. However, complete healing and the results may take a few months to fully become apparent. Post-op, Dr. Singh provides detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth and efficient recovery process.
Can a man undergo this procedure?
Men make up roughly 12% of blepharoplasty patients in America, making it an increasingly common occurrence. Dr. Singh carefully tailors the procedure for his male patients to ensure natural, masculine results.
Should I get a brow lift instead?
Opting for a brow lift instead of an upper blepharoplasty depends on your specific aesthetic goals and concerns. A brow lift addresses sagging eyebrows and forehead wrinkles, while blepharoplasty focuses on the eyelids themselves. Patients commonly pair these two procedures, to improve facial harmony. Together, brow lift and blepharoplasty restore a refreshed and youthful appearance to the upper half of the face.
