Upper Eyelid Lift

An upper eyelid lift, also known as upper blepharoplasty, can rejuvenate a more youthful and refreshed appearance. At Cultura Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, patients can rely on the expertise of double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kelly Bolden to deliver beautiful results that address aesthetics and eye function.

What is an Upper Eyelid Lift?

An upper eyelid lift is a surgical cosmetic procedure that targets sagging skin on the upper eyelids. Over time, aging, genetics, and environmental factors cause the delicate eyelid skin to lose elasticity and volume, leading to hooded or heavy eyelids. The muscles in the upper lids also weaken, contributing to the appearance of droopy eyelids. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty can be performed alone or in combination with lower eyelid surgery to simultaneously address signs of aging on the upper and lower eyelids for a more dramatic transformation.

Benefits of an Upper Eyelid Lift

Lift Sagging Eyelids

Sagging upper eyelids can make the eyes appear smaller, fatigued, or older than they are. An upper eyelid lift removes excess skin and redefines the natural eyelid contour, lifting the eyelids to their youthful position.

Refreshed Appearance

Drooping eyelids can create a tired or aged appearance. After an upper eyelid lift, patients often notice their eyes look more open and expressive, which restores a more youthful look.

Fewer Fine Lines and Wrinkles

By removing excess skin and tightening the remaining upper eyelid skin, skin texture and firmness are significantly improved, which helps smooth out creases and fine lines around the eyes.

Improved Vision

Significant amounts of drooping skin can obstruct the upper field of vision, leading to difficulties in activities such as reading, driving, or using a computer. An upper eyelid lift removes this obstruction, enhancing safety and daily comfort.

Ideal Candidates for an Upper Eyelid Lift

Good candidates for an upper eyelid lift are healthy adults experiencing sagging or drooping eyelid skin that affects their appearance or vision. Patients should still have some skin elasticity for the best results and be committed to following all pre- and post-surgical guidelines. Those with underlying health conditions may not be good surgical candidates. During a consultation with Dr. Bolden, she will assess your medical history and ask about your treatment goals to determine whether an upper eyelid lift is right for you.

Common Related Procedures

An upper eyelid lift can be performed with other facial rejuvenation procedures for more comprehensive results. Procedures that are commonly combined with upper blepharoplasty include:

• Lower Eyelid Lift: Remove dark circles and heavy bags under the eyes to rejuvenate the entire eye area
• Facelift: Address volume loss and sagging skin in the cheeks and lower face for a harmonious result
• Brow Lift: Tighten and lift sagging tissues above the eyes.

What to Expect During Treatment

At Cultura Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, upper eyelid surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes 1-2 hours. During the procedure, Dr. Bolden will make a hidden eyelid crease incision along the natural crease of the upper lids where the scars can be easily concealed. Excess eyelid skin and fat will be carefully removed before the remaining tissues and repositioned and tightened to lift and smooth the upper lids. Weakened muscles will be tightened as needed. Patients can return home immediately after their surgical procedure.

Recovery & Results

Patients can expect mild to moderate swelling, bruising, and discomfort following an upper eyelid lift, which usually improves significantly after one to two weeks. Keeping the head elevated and applying cold compresses helps reduce swelling during early recovery. Most patients return to work and other daily activities within two weeks, but strenuous exercise must be avoided for about four weeks. Visible scarring is minimal, especially as the incisions continue to heal.

Swelling will continue to reduce for a few months, and the final results of lifted, smoother eyelids can be seen. These improvements typically last for many years, setting the clock back on aging and providing patients with a more youthful appearance.

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