An upper eyelid lift, or upper blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that addresses saggy or droopy eyelids. With age, or even genetics, the upper eyelids begin to look and feel heavy, causing an individual to appear tired or sad.
An ideal candidate for an upper eyelid lift is usually someone 30 or older who is wanting to address excess skin and/or fat on the eyelids. We do see many patients under the age of 30 as well with genetically heavy eyelids. In such cases we are able to conservatively address their needs by removing a moderate amount of skin.
As with any surgical procedure, a good candidate for eyelid surgery should be in good health. Smoking or nicotine use can affect the healing process so we recommend that patients are either non-smokers or quit temporarily before and after surgery.
Upper eyelid lifts are generally done in-office under local anesthesia while the patient is awake. The eyelids are completely numb so the patient is comfortable throughout the entire procedure. Excess skin and fat on the upper eyelids are then removed. Our surgeons typically use dissolvable sutures to close the incision. Once the incision is healed, the patient is left with a very thin scar that is camouflaged in the crease of their eyelids.
It is also very common to add this procedure with other cosmetic surgeries, such as facelifts, fat transfers and lower eyelid lifts. When combined with other surgical procedures, surgery takes place in a hospital or facility under deep sedation.
Immediately after surgery, ice packs are applied to the eyes to minimize bruising and swelling. Most patient’s feel like they can return to work almost immediately, although we recommend taking a few days off. Patients typically feel well enough to return to work but bruising and swelling can take up to two weeks to subside. Pain with this procedure is generally very minimal and most patients are able to manage discomfort with Extra Strength Tylenol.
Once healed, the eyes look more open, awake and youthful. Results look completely natural, making this procedure very popular.
To learn more about eyelid lifts in SLC, Draper, Layton, and surrounding areas in Utah, call (801) 776-2220 or contact us HERE.