Blepharoplasty: Upper Eyelid Surgery

By Soheila Rostami, MD

Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

. http://www.beauty4eye.com/

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Blepharoplasty: Upper Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery is called blepharoplasty. Blepharoplasty can be either functional or cosmetic in nature.  The procedure can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both at the same time.

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is performed for patients that have excess skin of their upper eyelids, with possible fat (herniated orbital fat) coming forward.  When the fat comes forward, it causes puffy upper eyelids.

Upper eyelid surgery can be performed in-office under a local anesthesia injection with minimal discomfort and takes just under an hour.  An incision is made in the upper eyelid crease.  This is done with either a surgical knife, CO2 laser, or Elman radio-frequency. Whichever type of incision is made, it is done perfectly within the upper eyelid crease. If a new crease must be made, it is a much more difficult surgery and must be discussed in detail with the patient prior to the procedure, as a new upper eyelid crease can change a person’s eye appearance completely.

Since an incision must be made in the upper eyelid crease, there is going to be a scar, but the scar for upper eyelid surgery is very inconspicuous.  Although a hint of a scar may remain, it will take a few weeks to months for the surgical scarring to dissipate.  Recovery time usually takes one to two weeks. When considering upper eyelid surgery, the excess amount of upper eyelid skin should be evaluated for removal prior to surgery.

The surgeon has to make sure not to take too much of the upper eyelid skin, since that could interfere with the proper blinking function of the upper eyelid.  If not done properly, one could develop severe dry eye syndrome and other more serious complications.

In addition to removing excessive upper eyelid skin, the removal of too much upper eyelid fat can cause a hollow appearance, which is called a superior sulcus deformity.

Most board-certified oculoplastic surgeons will try to save as much fat as possible by sculpting the fat instead of removing it. This helps to minimize upper eyelid complications.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with this procedure. These complications, although not common, will be discussed before proceeding.

When considering upper eyelid blepharoplasty, you should consider a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon.  This is typically an ophthalmologist who has been certified in plastic surgery in and around the eyes.  It is very important for a surgeon to be familiar with the eyes and their functionality to best perform upper eyelid surgery.