Upper Eyelid Lift

Offered at our convenient location in Baltimore, Maryland

Upper Eyelid Lift Dr. Alyson Wells Valley Plastic Surgery & Medi-Spa

Upper blepharoplasty, often referred to as an upper eyelid lift, is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the eyelids by correcting droopy or sagging skin. This procedure primarily targets the upper eyelids, addressing excess skin that can interfere with vision and create an aged appearance. The process involves the careful removal of excess skin and fat, leading to a more youthful and alert eye appearance. Many individuals seek upper blepharoplasty to improve their overall aesthetics, address functional concerns due to obstructed vision, or achieve a refreshed and rejuvenated look.

Dr. Alyson Wells is one of the most successful cosmetic surgeons in the Baltimore and DMV area with countless hours of education and experience to rely on to ensure success. If you want to rejuvenate your eyes and return to a youthful glow, then schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Wells as soon as possible. At Valley Plastic Surgery & Medi-Spa, every patient receives personalized care with extra-fine attention to detail so their results meet their expectations. Schedule your appointment now or call our office at (410) 628-8200 with any extra questions.

Before and After Photos

About Blepharoplasty

The eyelids consist of delicate skin that can lose elasticity over time. Factors such as aging, genetics, and environmental elements can lead to the development of excess skin on the upper eyelids. This condition not only affects the aesthetics of the face but can also cause practical issues, as drooping eyelids may obstruct vision. (1)

Upper eyelid lifts offer patients the chance to rejuvenate their faces and reclaim their sense of youth. Boosted confidence and increased day-to-day happiness can come with this, meaning you can feel your best when you look your best. Dr. Wells has had success with eyelid lifts of all types and has performed hundreds of other cosmetic procedures. This has given her a vast wealth of knowledge to rely on to give her patients the best outcomes possible. Drooping, sagging skin around the eyes is not only cosmetically frustrating, but it can hinder your vision too. This can be corrected easily, so schedule your consultation to begin your path to rejuvenated eyes.

Benefits

Undergoing an upper blepharoplasty to correct your appearance means reclaiming your youth. Above all other benefits, this is an excellent way to boost your confidence and self-esteem. There are, however, dozens of other reasons to pursue an upper eyelid lift:

  • Enhanced Eye Appearance: The primary outcome is a more vibrant and youthful eye area.
  • Reduced Droopiness: Eliminating excess skin improves sagging eyelids that make individuals appear tired or older.
  • Improved Vision: Addressing heavy eyelids can enhance peripheral vision and ease daily activities.
  • Long-lasting Results: Results from upper blepharoplasty can endure for many years, impacting both function and aesthetics.
  • Customizable Techniques: Surgeons can tailor the procedure based on individual facial characteristics and desired outcomes.
  • Minimal Scarring: Incisions are placed within natural creases, ensuring scars are inconspicuous post-healing.
  • Boost in Self-Confidence: Patients frequently report increased self-esteem following surgery due to improved facial harmony.
  • Quick Recovery: Most patients have manageable downtime, enabling them to return to daily routines relatively fast.

Candidates

Potential candidates for upper blepharoplasty may include men and women who experience one or more of the following:

  • Excess skin or fat on the upper eyelids
  • Puffiness or bags in the eyelid region
  • Weakened eyelid muscles that contribute to sagging
  • Obstruction of vision caused by drooping eyelids
  • Overall dissatisfaction with the appearance of their eyes

The ideal candidate should be in good health, harbor realistic expectations, and possess the desire to enhance their facial aesthetics. During your personalized consultation, Dr. Wells will evaluate your specific needs and determine your suitability for the procedure.

Personal Consultation

When you meet with Dr. Wells for your initial consultation, the first topic discussed will be your motivations for pursuing an upper eyelid lift. Based on this information, she will create a procedural plan that maximizes your results and minimizes your recovery. She may conduct some tests to reduce complication risks; like a field of vision test, Shirmer’s Test to measure dye eye risk, and Jones Test to measure tear production. (2) Dr. Wells will also determine your anesthesia process during this meeting. Upper blepharoplasty is normally performed with local anesthesia, and Dr. Wells has a reputation for success with this method. However, general anesthesia may be required if it is a larger-scale procedure.

Preparation

Once your upper blepharoplasty is scheduled, specific preparations will ensure a smooth operation and successful recovery.

  • Avoid Blood Thinners: Discontinue medications and supplements that may increase bleeding risk, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E.
  • Quit Smoking: Refrain from using tobacco products to enhance wound healing and minimize complications.
  • Arrange Transportation: Depending on anesthesia use, coordinate for someone to drive you home post-surgery.
  • Plan Time Off: Schedule adequate time away from work and social obligations to allow for rest and healing.
  • Attend Preoperative Appointments: Complete necessary evaluations as directed by Dr. Wells, including blood tests or other requested assessments.

By following these preparatory steps diligently, you will facilitate a safe and effective surgery.

Procedure

Following your arrival, the anesthesia options will be discussed and administered. Dr. Wells will create incisions along the natural eyelid crease to minimize visible scarring. Excess skin and any surplus fatty tissue will be carefully excised, enhancing the eye contour. If needed, the underlying muscles may be adjusted to achieve tightness and lift.

Blepharoplasty (of both upper and lower eyelids) is not a strictly subtractive process. Tissue may be removed to achieve the desired appearance, but filler tissue or tissue repositioning may also be incorporated to smooth out wrinkles or lift sunken eyes. (1) Once the planned and desired corrections have been made, your incisions will be sutured. Dr. Wells will take a final evaluation to ensure that the results are symmetrical, appear natural, and match the planned procedure.

Recovery

Upper Eyelid Lift Dr. Alyson Wells Valley Plastic Surgery & Medi-Spa

Most patients can resume light activities by the end of the first week. Avoid strenuous exercises or excessive sun exposure until cleared. Recovering from blepharoplasty may take up to 10 weeks in total, but most healing will occur within the first 3. (1) You will be prescribed an antibiotic solution to prevent infection and mimic tear production. We recommend speaking with Dr. Wells or your primary care physician about any other eye-moisturizing products you should incorporate. It will be important to sleep with your face up for the first 3-4 nights, and we ask that you regularly ice your eyes with indirect contact (a towel between the ice and your skin is ideal) in 30-minute intervals as much as you can in the first 24 hours after your procedure. If you are prescribed pain medication, please take these as instructed. Your eyelids may lose some sensation for up to 8 weeks, but proper sensation will return in due time.

Results

Once your swelling and bruising have dissipated, you will immediately notice smoother, younger-looking skin around your eyes. Drooping skin will be gone, and your upper eyelid will sit tightly and smoothly over your eye. Your results will be long-lasting and bring you happiness and confidence for years to come.

Corresponding and Complementary Procedures

Facelift

A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that tightens the skin on the face and neck to create a more youthful appearance. This cosmetic surgery aims to eliminate sagging skin, smooth out wrinkles, and restore volume to areas of the face that may have lost fullness over time. Many individuals seek facelifts as part of their facial rejuvenation journey, motivated by the desire to improve their overall appearance and boost their self-confidence.

Brow Lift

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the forehead and the area around the eyes. The goal of this procedure is to reduce sagging brows, eliminate horizontal lines and creases on the forehead, and enhance the overall aesthetic appearance of the upper face. Many individuals choose to undergo a brow lift as part of their facial rejuvenation journey, aiming for a more youthful and refreshed look that reflects how they feel inside.

Fillers & Injectables

Dermal fillers and injectables are popular cosmetic treatments that can help rejuvenate your appearance by reducing the signs of aging, enhancing facial contours, and providing a more youthful look. As we age, our skin naturally loses essential substances such as collagen and elastin, which are crucial for maintaining a plump, smooth complexion. This results in fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of volume in various facial areas, like the cheeks, lips, and under the eyes, creating a tired or aged appearance.

Cost of an Upper Eyelid Lift in Baltimore

Upper eyelid lifts are specific to each patient, so their prices will differ for each case. Dr. Wells considers a patient’s medical history, goals, the scale of the procedure, and more when creating each plan. These factors may also affect operating room and anesthesia costs. Fortunately, pricing will be discussed at your consultation with Dr. Wells, and if you have any other questions, you are encouraged to call our Cockeysville office at (410) 628-8200. Our helpful staff are always available to discuss payment and pricing with patients and answer any extra questions you may have.

FAQ

How long do the results of an upper eyelid lift last?

While results can last for years, the aging process does continue. Many patients find that they enjoy long-lasting enhancements.

What is the right age for upper blepharoplasty?

There is no strict age requirement. Young adults with hereditary eyelid concerns can benefit just as older individuals are affected by aging changes.

Can I get an upper eyelid lift combined with other procedures?

Absolutely! Many patients choose to combine upper eyelid surgery with other facial enhancements, such as brow lifts, facelifts, or lower eyelid corrections for comprehensive rejuvenation.

References

  1. Patel BC, Malhotra R. Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537078/
  2. Rebowe RE, Runyan C. Blepharoplasty. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482381/