Droopy or heavy-looking eyelids are one of the most common signs of facial aging, and for many people, they can make the eyes look tired, sad or older than they feel. Upper blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic surgery designed to restore a more refreshed, youthful appearance to the eyes.
CU Medicine plastic surgeon at CU Anschutz, Brooke French, MD, explains what eyelid surgery is, who it’s for and what to expect during and after the procedure.
What is Upper Blepharoplasty Surgery?
Upper blepharoplasty is a cosmetic and sometimes medically necessary upper eyelid surgery that removes excess skin, fat or muscle from the upper eyelids. “The goal is to create a smoother, more open and rested appearance of the eyes,” says Dr. French.
As we age, the skin around the eyes naturally loses elasticity. Over time, this can cause the eyelids to droop or fold, sometimes creating a heavy or hooded look. Upper blepharoplasty addresses these changes by refining the natural eyelid crease and improving eyelid contour.
Who is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
You may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery if you:
- Are bothered by the appearance of drooping or hooded eyelids
- Are in generally good health
- Want a refreshed, natural-looking improvement
A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential to determine whether eyelid surgery alone is appropriate or if another procedure, such as a brow lift, can best address your needs.
Dr. French shares, “The best candidates for eyelid surgery are patients who have excess skin above the eyelid or even a bit of dysfunction of muscle.”
How is Eyelid Surgery Performed? Will there be a scar?
Eyelid surgery is typically an outpatient procedure and is often performed under local anesthesia with or without sedation. It can be performed in addition to other procedures like a facelift to maximize results.
Dr. French explains the eyelid surgery process as:
- Local anesthetic with epinephrine are injected to numb the area and decrease bruising
- The excess tissue is removed using a scalpel
- The surgeon ensures there is hemostasis, meaning they ensure there isn’t too much bruising or bleeding
- The incision is sewn closed with sutures
Surgeons hide the upper blepharoplasty scar in the eyelid crease and patients can expect the scar to fade over time.
What is Recovery Like After Upper Eyelid Surgery?
Most patients find that recovery from eyelid surgery is manageable and relatively straightforward. After 2-3 weeks patients can hide any residual bruising with makeup such as concealer.
“After upper bleph surgery, you can return to work within a week or two,” says Dr. French. “You can resume normal activities within four to six weeks.”
How Long Does Upper Eyelid Surgery Last?
“Results from eyelid surgery are long-lasting, though the natural aging process continues over time,” says Dr. French. “Many patients enjoy their refreshed eyelid appearance for years.”
Maintaining healthy skin habits, especially in Colorado, can help preserve results as well.
Eyelid Surgery vs. Other Cosmetic Eye Procedures
Eyelid surgery specifically targets the upper eyelids, but it may be combined with or compared to other cosmetic procedures, such as:
- Lower blepharoplasty surgery (under-eye bags or puffiness)
- Brow lift (to address sagging brows contributing to hooded eyes)
- Non-surgical treatments (like Botox®, Daxxify® or skin resurfacing)
A cosmetic surgery provider can help determine the best approach based on your anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Why Choose CU Medicine Cosmetic Surgery – CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center?
CU Medicine plastic surgeons are board-certified or board-eligible by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and faculty at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
“One of the really exciting things about our clinic is that we are part of CU Anschutz here in Aurora, Colorado,” shares Dr. French. “We have a rich academic environment and residency training here in our clinic, which ensures the latest and greatest for our patients.”
If you think upper eyelid surgery may be right for you, schedule an appointment at CU Medicine Cosmetic Surgery – CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center today.
