Upper Eyelid Lift

An upper eyelid lift, or an upper blepharoplasty, is a minimally invasive procedure that subtly tightens and contours the tissues above the eye, promoting a more rejuvenated and youthful look. With age, tiny pockets of fat and excess skin can droop over the eyelid, creating “hooded” eyes or a more tired, aged expression. Collagen and elastin fibers begin to degrade as early as your mid-30s and result in the weakening of the dermis, the layer of skin beneath the epidermis.

If you feel you could benefit from the transformative changes of an upper blepharoplasty, consider talking with Dr. Sherman, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 40 years of experience. Throughout his career, Dr. Sherman has performed thousands of surgeries, has achieved various recognitions for his expertise, and is an active researcher in various medical journal publications. With his artistic vision, he can cater a customized treatment plan that flatters your overall appearance.

To get started today, call his office in New York City at (212) 535-2300 or request your consultation via his contact form.

Before and After Photos

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About Upper Eyelid Aging

As a part of the body with the thinnest skin, the eyelids can experience drastic changes with the aging process. UV rays, in particular, can cause damage to the skin over time, the primary reason for deep wrinkles around the eyes. The lower and upper fat pads of the eyelid can become more prominent with time and are exacerbated by dermal atrophy. ⁽²⁾ In some cases, sagging skin can obstruct one’s field of vision and require a procedure to restore functionality. Although some people naturally have “hooded” eyes from a young age, others develop it as a characteristic sign of aging.

Origin of the Eyelid Lift

Dr. Salvador Castañaresis was the first surgeon to address this specific cosmetic issue in 1951 with his research mapping out the exact locations of fat deposits found in the orbital region. Between the years 1951 and 1967, he studied various surgical methods to eliminate ptosis (sagging) in this area with the use of subtle incisions. ⁽³⁾ Since these findings, researchers have made immense progress in implementing the smallest incisions that are discreetly hidden within the creases of the upper eyelid. After undergoing an upper blepharoplasty tailored to you, you can expect:

Who is the Ideal Candidate for an Upper Blepharoplasty?

Candidates for an upper eyelid lift have heavy, hooded eyelids that could benefit from contouring with minor amounts of skin and fat removal. Usually, upper eyelid lifts are performed on patients between 35 and 70 years old. In general, patients should be in good overall health without a blood clotting disorder or another condition that slows down the healing process. Those with diabetes, especially, should have their blood sugar levels well managed before considering cosmetic surgery. Those with conditions that affect eye health such as Graves’ disease, high blood pressure, and glaucoma will be thoroughly evaluated by Dr. Sherman. Prospective patients should have realistic expectations and be willing to follow aftercare instructions thoroughly.

Personal Consultation

When you schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Sherman, you can expect to discuss an individualized treatment plan that addresses your upper eyelid concerns. During this initial meeting, he will outline his strategies for your unique procedure and the necessary steps for recovery. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the possibility of other procedures that will complement your results, such as Botox to relax crow’s feet wrinkles around your eyes. If you feel ready to restore the most confident version of yourself with an upper blepharoplasty, call Dr. Sherman at (212) 535-2300, submit your request for an appointment online, or visit his practice in New York City. 

Preparation

Prior to surgery, Dr. Sherman may request medical clearance to ensure your safety. He may also order blood tests to evaluate other aspects of your health and address any major issues. If you smoke or consume nicotine regularly, you should stop at least 1 month before your procedure appointment. Nicotine and other chemicals found in cigarettes can slow down your healing processes by constricting blood vessels.

During this preparation period, Dr. Sherman will review your current supplements and medications and require that you stop taking anything with blood-thinning properties. Following this aspect for preparation will reduce the likelihood of excessive bruising during your recovery and complications during the procedure itself. Before your surgery, you should pick up any necessary prescriptions and prepare by stocking up on over-the-counter medications that have been approved by Dr. Sherman. Finally, it’s essential that you make an arrangement with a family member or friend to pick you up and take you home after this outpatient procedure.

Upper Eyelid Lift Procedure Steps

The operation may be performed either under local anesthesia, or maybe supplemented with sedation administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. Dr. Sherman will ensure that you are completely comfortable and pain-free for the duration of the procedure, which usually takes under 30 minutes.

Dr. Sherman will make a tiny horizontal incision within the crease of the eyelid, so any scarring is easily hidden. A small portion of skin is removed and a small amount of the orbicularis muscle– the muscle surrounding the eye- is removed. The two fat pockets of the upper eyelid and then trimmed, restoring a cleaner, youthful look.

Recovery and Results

All eyelid lifts are outpatient procedures that take 1 hour or less, so you will be able to return  home the same day. Dr. Sherman will prescribe an ointment to apply to the eyes to protect them from infection and aid in healing. In the first few days, it’s normal to experience swelling and discomfort, but you can find relief with medications Dr. Sherman will provide you with. For the first 24 hours, he will encourage you to keep your head elevated to promote better blood circulation and to use an ice pack on your eyelids to ease discomfort. Keep in mind that you should only use ice for a few minutes at a time, with adequate breaks in between. You should be mindful to avoid sun exposure by using sunglasses when outside. Typically, patients can go back to desk work sometime around 4 to 7 days post-procedure. After about 1 week, when the skin is mended enough, Dr. Sherman will remove the sutures. He will also provide you with more details on when it is safe to resume working out; if you resume too early, sweat around your eyes can irritate the incisions. Usually, patients can go back to the gym after 1 month.

The results of your eyelid lift will last about 10 to 15 years, depending on your rate of aging and other lifestyle factors. You should consult Dr. Sherman on which anti-aging skin care practices to implement in your life. This will include applying a daily sunscreen to keep your skin healthy and more resilient against the effects of UV rays.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

Lower Blepharoplasty

More often than not, patients with excess, drooping tissue on the upper eyelids have puffiness and permanent eye bags on the lower eyelids due to the same natural aging causes. For a lower blepharoplasty, Dr. Sherman will make an incision within the outline of the lower eyelid and use it to remove fat tissues and tighten connective tissues that determine the lower lid’s structure.

Cost of an Upper Eyelid Lift in New York City

The cost of your upper eyelid surgery will vary from patient to patient, so a personal consultation with Dr. Sherman is the essential first step to getting an accurate estimate. Those interested in making affordable payments to cover the cost of their procedure can explore our financing options with PatientFi.

A member of Dr. Sherman’s staff can readily assist you with filling out your loan application form. If you would like to learn more about the many other cosmetic rejuvenation procedures Dr. Sherman offers, please feel free to read through our blog– where you can get a comprehensive idea of which one may be right for you.

FAQ

References

1. Rousseaux I, Robson S. Body Contouring and Skin Tightening Using a Unique Novel Multisource Radiofrequency Energy Delivery Method. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2017;10(4):24-29. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5404777/
2. Oh SR, Chokthaweesak W, Annunziata CC, Priel A, Korn BS, Kikkawa DO. Analysis of Eyelid Fat Pad Changes With Aging. Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 2011;27(5):348-351. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/iop.0b013e3182141c37
3. Espinoza GM, Holds JB. Evolution of Eyelid Surgery. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America. 2005;13(4):505-510. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsc.2005.09.001
4. Patel BC, Malhotra R. Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537078/