Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

About the Procedure

Upper blepharoplasty (or eyelid lift) is a term to describe a cosmetic surgery procedure in which extra skin and fat are carefully removed from the upper eyelid in order to create a more youthful eye appearance. Every year, thousands of men and women safely undergo blepharoplasty in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Benefits of Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

The eyes are one of the first parts of the face to show the signs of aging. This is due to a number of factors including, genetics, sun exposure and the natural aging process. As we age, we begin to notice changes that contribute to an overall tired look. In the upper and lower eyelids we begin to notice sagging and loose skin, and these structure begin to lose their firm texture. At the same time, fat deposits begin to bulge forward as we develop lax eyelid structures. In general, women have a hard time applying makeup like they used to, while men and women find that they look more tired than they actually feel. Others feel that while the rest of their face looks youthful, their puffy eyes give away their true age, or make them look older than they are. Patients are typically very satisfied with the results of their blepharoplasty surgery and appreciate that it requires minimal downtime. Following blepharoplasty surgery, your eyes will appear more youthful, rested and less puffy. The lower eyelid area will be more flat and smooth, and the lid skin will be tighter as it was when you were younger. More about The Science of Aging can found in this website’s Knowledge Base.

How Upper Eyelid Surgery Is Performed

Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Buonassisi is an expert in cosmetic blepharoplasty. He begins by carefully measuring the appropriate amount of skin to remove. The eyelid is injected with local anesthetic so that the patient feels minimal discomfort during the surgery. He makes a precise incision in the eyelid, ensuring that the scar will be hidden in the natural crease of the eyelid once healed. He carefully removes skin and underlying fat. The incision is closed with fine sutures and these remain in the eyelids for one week. Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty surgery typically takes from 1 – 1.5 hours, and patients can return home the same day.

Benefits of the Surgery

• Tightened upper eyelid skin
• Reduction in the bulging upper eyelid fat
• More show of the upper eyelid crease, creating a more open, youthful looking eye area

Are You a Good Candidate

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty in Vancouver is most commonly performed on people aged 30 years of age and older, while some patients have the surgery in their late twenties if their eyelid skin has aged quickly. This is possible if there is a history of heavy sun exposure, or eyelid puffiness runs in the family. Some patients have inherited eyelid features, such as fat deposits, which are not necessarily a result of the aging process, but are more so a family trait.

Physical Features

You may be a candidate for blepharoplasty if you have any of the following physical features:

• Puffy upper eyelids
• Loose upper eyelid skin
• Upper eyelid skin that hangs over the upper eyelid more than it did when you were younger

General Health

You may be a candidate for blepharoplasty if you are in general, in good health:

• You have normal blood pressure
• You are not taking blood thinners, or your physician could safely recommend that you discontinue them for two weeks
• You do not have significant dry eye syndrome
• Your eye health is otherwise normal

Ideal Candidates for Cosmetic Surgery

Not everyone is a candidate for cosmetic surgery. Ideal candidates for cosmetic surgery demonstrate the following characteristics:

1. Internally motivated to have cosmetic surgery
2. Have realistic expectations
3. Comprehend the potential risks and complication
4. Motivated to follow pre and post operative instructions
5. Can comfortably afford the cost of cosmetic surgery

Patients who display these characteristics are more likely to have a positive experience of cosmetic surgery.

Recovery

Most patients describe the recovery period from blepharoplasty surgery to be quite easy. There is typically no discomfort, aside from some slight itching where the sutures are placed. Swelling and bruising is at its worst on day three following surgery, and usually subsides two weeks following surgery. The following information will give you a sense for what kinds of activities are safe during the recovery period.

Time Off Work

• Most people who work in the public eye take one week off work
• One week after surgery, some people have perceptible swelling and possibly bruising, which can last for another week or so – these signs are easily covered with makeup or glasses
• People who work from home are typically feeling good and are able to be back at their desks two days after surgery

Back to Normal Activities

• You can resume normal activities, such as light household work and taking a gentle stroll, the day after surgery
• You can resume light fitness activities, such as jogging or yoga, one week after surgery
• You can resume vigorous fitness activities, such heavy weight training or high impact cardio, two weeks after surgery
• You should avoid bending over and lifting heavy objects for two weeks after surgery

Restaurant Ready

• Once your sutures are removed seven days following surgery, you will typically feel “restaurant ready”, meaning that you would feel comfortable meeting up with friends – however, you will still have some evidence of swelling and light bruising, which can be camouflaged with makeup

Complete Recovery

• Most people are feeling quite comfortable being out in public without much evidence of swelling or bruising two weeks after surgery – makeup or glasses can be used to camouflage these signs
• The incisions, which are carefully hidden in the natural eyelid crease, fade over time, often becoming imperceptible within three months of surgery

Risks & Complications

All surgeries have associated risks. Dr. Buonassisi will review the risks and benefits of the surgery in detail during your surgical consult. In general, complications of eyelid surgery, while not expected, include:

• Risk of infection
• Risk of bleeding
• Risk of poor wound healing
• Risk of eyelid asymmetry
• Risk of patient dissatisfaction with cosmetic result

Combination Eye Procedures

Blepharoplasty is often combined with other facial rejuvenation surgeries. Many patients opt to have their eyelids and other facial features, such as jowls and neck, treated at the same time in order to save having to take time off work and recover from more than one surgery. Asian patients with single eyelids may opt to have a combination upper eyelid blepharoplasty and double eyelid surgery. In this case, Dr. Buonassisi removes extra skin and fat to restore a more youthful eye appearance, and creates a natural looking crease. The crease is permanent, and contributes to an overall more open eye appearance. Blepharoplasty is often combined with non-surgical treatments to smooth away lines and add youthful looking volume to the face.

Alternative Eye Procedures

Sometimes lose upper eyelid skin is a result of drooping brows, in which case Dr. Buonassisi may recommend a Direct Brow lift or an Endoscopic Brow Lift. Blepharoplasty does not treat wrinkles around the eyes – if this is a concern, Dr. Buonassisi may recommend BOTOX® treatments for the Crow’s Feet area, or the area between the eye brows.

What Eyelid Procedure Is Right for You?

While the information on this site is extensive, it is not designed the replace the skill and expertise of a board certified facial plastic surgeon. Use the information to help you explore the possibilities and educate yourself about the typical recovery period of cosmetic surgery. While this site provides general information about cosmetic surgery as it related to the average person, it cannot be used as a tool for people to decide which surgery is best for them. Only a thorough consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon can provide the specific information they require to make an informed decision about surgery. To find out which surgery is most appropriate for you, please Request a Consult.

Next Steps

Ready to Discuss Your Needs With Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Buonassisi? Schedule a Consult

If you are ready to book a consult, please Request a Consult. If you would like to learn more about what to expect during a surgical consult, please go here.

Not Sure You Are a Candidate? Use Our Virtual Consult Form

Not everybody is a candidate for cosmetic surgery. To save time, we have launched a Virtual Consultation tool. Upload your photos, provide some information about what you would like to change, and we will provide a complementary evaluation. Find out more about the Virtual Consultation here.