Upper Blepharoplasty (Eyelift)

Upper blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of upper eyelid sagging or drooping and may include repair of the eyelid muscles that open the eyes, and removal of excess fat.  Over time, aging, genetics, or environmental factors can cause the delicate skin of the upper eyelids to lose elasticity, leading to hooded eyelids or puffiness. These changes not only affect appearance but can sometimes obstruct vision.

This procedure involves carefully removing or repositioning skin, fat, and muscle to restore the natural contour of the eyelids. It enhances the symmetry and aesthetic of the upper face while alleviating functional issues caused by excess tissue.

People may decide to undergo an upper blepharoplasty for purely cosmetic reasons or function reasons or both.

1. Tired or Aged Appearance due to drooping or sagging upper eyelids can make a person look perpetually tired, sad, or older than they feel.
2. Puffiness or bulging caused by displacement of fat pads in the upper eyelids.
3. Dissatisfaction with the aesthetic appearance of the upper eyelids.
4. Upper blepharoplasty can restore balance and proportion to the face by enhancing the contour of the upper eyelids.
5. Many patients seek this procedure to achieve a more youthful, alert, and refreshed appearance.
6. Excess skin in the upper eyelids can sag enough to interfere with peripheral vision, making daily tasks like reading or driving challenging.
7. Excess skin or fat can create a feeling of heaviness or fatigue in the eyelids, especially after prolonged use of the eyes.

For many patients, upper blepharoplasty addresses a combination of functional concerns and cosmetic goals, offering a comprehensive improvement in both appearance and quality of life. At Palo Alto Dermatology Institute, consultations are tailored to help patients identify their unique reasons for considering upper blepharoplasty and determine if the procedure aligns with their needs.

Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. During this appointment, we take the time to understand your goals, review your medical history, and examine the structure of your eyelids. This personalized approach ensures we recommend the most appropriate treatment for your unique needs. We may take photographs of your eyelids before the procedure and again after the procedure and recovery to show the improvements.

Our experts will also discuss the procedure in detail, explain expected results, and answer any questions you may have. If upper blepharoplasty is indicated, a customized surgical plan will be developed, ensuring your outcomes align with your aesthetic vision.

Upper blepharoplasty is typically performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia with the option of IV sedation which is safer than general anesthesia. Dr. Morganroth has performed thousands of these procedures and has developed a technique that provides a dramatic and natural outcome while minimizing side effects. His local anesthesia technique virtually eliminates the risk of inability to close the eyes which is the one of the most common significant side effects of blepharoplasty in the literature.

During the procedure:

1. A precise incision is made along the natural crease of the upper eyelid to minimize visible scarring. The incision is intended to remove enough skin and tissue to alleviate the cosmetic and functional issues, while preserving enough for normal eyelid closure.  Unique to his technique, the eyelids are treated in parallel to ensure a natural and balanced outcome.
2. In addition to excess skin, muscle and fat are carefully removed or repositioned if indicated.
3. The eyelid incisions are meticulously closed in parallel with sutures, ensuring a natural, refreshed appearance.

The procedure takes less than one hour and patients return home within minutes of the completion of the surgery.

After upper blepharoplasty, you can expect mild swelling and bruising, which typically subside within 5-9  days. Our team will provide detailed post-operative care instructions to support optimal healing, including:

• Using cold compresses to reduce swelling.
• Keeping the head elevated to minimize bruising.
• Avoiding strenuous activities for the first week.

Sutures are usually removed in 7 days, and most patients can resume normal activities shortly thereafter. While initial results are noticeable within days  the final outcome becomes evident as healing progresses over a matter of weeks to months. Upper blepharoplasty offers long-lasting results, leaving you with a more alert, youthful appearance and improved confidence.