Upper blepharoplasty is eyelid surgery that removes loose, sagging skin and excess fat from the upper eyelids through an incision in the natural crease. Paz Dermatology performs upper blepharoplasty at its Fresno and Visalia, California offices.
Open, rested eyes again
Eyelid skin is thin, so it’s often one of the first places time shows. Loose skin can fold over the upper lid, and small fat pads can make it look puffy. Sometimes the fold droops far enough to get in the way of your vision.[1]
Upper blepharoplasty removes the extra skin and, where needed, excess fat, through an incision hidden in the natural crease of the eyelid.[1] The result is a fresher, more open look that still looks like you.
What you can change
- Hooded upper eyelids and folds of extra skin
- Puffiness from fat in the upper lids
- A heavy, tired look around the eyes
- A fold that crowds your upper view
- Natural creaseWhere the incision goes.[1] That keeps the scar well hidden when your eyes are open.
How upper eyelid surgery works
- Your consultation Your surgeon examines your eyelids and brows, talks through what’s bothering you, and makes sure the lids, not the brows, are the source.
- Numbing and comfort The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, often with sedation to help you relax.
- The surgery Through an incision in the natural crease, excess skin is removed and fat is trimmed or repositioned where needed.[1] The incision is closed with fine stitches.
- Healing You’ll go home with instructions for cold compresses and eye drops or ointment. Stitches come out within days, and most swelling settles in about two weeks.
- About 2 weeksHow long most swelling and bruising take to settle after upper eyelid surgery.
The right procedure for the right concern
Upper eyelid surgery does one job very well. Knowing exactly what that job is makes for the best result.
| Upper blepharoplasty can | It can’t |
|---|---|
| Remove loose, sagging upper eyelid skin[1] | Raise a low brow[1] |
| Reduce puffiness from fat in the lids[1] | Smooth crow’s feet[1] |
| Open up the eyes and freshen the look | Fix dark circles under the eyes[1] |
| Clear a fold that crowds your vision[1] | Stop the eyes from aging over time |
Crow’s feet usually respond better to Botox. If a low brow is part of the picture, your surgeon will tell you.
- Long-lastingBlepharoplasty results last, though your eyes continue to age naturally.[1]
The Paz difference
A refreshed look that’s still you
The best eyelid surgery doesn’t change who you are. It takes away the heaviness and leaves the character of your eyes. That starts with careful planning: how much skin to remove, where the crease should sit, and how both eyes will match.
Because this is a dermatology practice, your surgeon also looks at the skin around your eyes, and will tell you if a non-surgical treatment would serve you better.
Is upper eyelid surgery right for you?
You’re likely a good fit if you:
- Have extra skin or puffiness on your upper lids
- Look tired even when you’re rested
- Are in good overall health and don’t smoke
- Have realistic expectations about the result
Tell us at your consultation if you have:
- Dry eye or another eye condition
- Thyroid disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease
- A blood thinner or aspirin in your routine
- Had eye surgery before, including LASIK
Recovery and risks
Expect swelling and bruising around the eyes, eased with cold compresses and lubricating drops.[1] Most people go back to work within a few days to a week, and most swelling fades in about two weeks.
While you heal
- Use cold compresses and eye drops or ointment as directed[1]
- Skip contact lenses and eye makeup for about two weeks
- Hold off on exercise and strenuous activity for about two weeks
- Keep your head raised when resting
Like any surgery, eyelid surgery has risks, including anesthesia risks, bleeding, infection, dry eyes, difficulty closing the eyes, changes in sensation, sensitivity to light, unfavorable scarring, the possible need for revision and, very rarely, changes in vision.[2] Your surgeon will go through each of these with you.
Concerns treated
This is the most common concern upper eyelid surgery treats here. Pick it to see how we can help.
What treatment costs
Cost depends on what your eyelids need, so the fairest number comes from your consultation. You’ll know your plan and its cost before you decide. A consultation with a medical provider is $80, and it goes toward your surgery if you go ahead. You’ll find our current offers on their own page.
Eyelid surgery questions, answered
The incision sits in the natural crease,[1] so it’s well hidden when your eyes are open, and it fades with time. Most people just look more rested.
The area is numbed, often with sedation to help you relax. Afterward, most people describe soreness more than pain.
Most people return to work in a few days to a week. Swelling and bruising mostly settle in about two weeks.
No. Eyelid surgery treats extra skin and fat on the lids.[1] Crow’s feet respond to Botox, and your consultation will cover options for dark circles.
Yes, the results are long-lasting, though your eyes keep aging naturally over time.[1]
A low brow can look like hooded lids. Your surgeon checks for this at your consultation, since eyelid surgery won’t raise the brow.[1]
