If you have droopy eyelids or excess skin hanging over your eye, you’ve probably heard of upper blepharoplasty (commonly known as an eyelid lift). Many of our Nashville patients wonder if they might be candidates for this type of facial surgery. Often, people think you must be older to consider an eyelid lift. In this blog post, we’ll help you learn more about this treatment to see if it might be right for you—even at a younger age.
Types of Upper Eyelid Lifts
There are two reasons you may be considering this procedure for your upper eyelids:
- Functional—performed for medical reasons, such as vision obstruction
- Cosmetic—performed to achieve a more youthful appearance
It is mainly in the last century that people have sought correction of the upper eyelid overhang. As you age, according to the Mayo Clinic, eyelids stretch, and the muscles supporting them tend to weaken. Because of this, excess skin and fat may gather above (or below) eyelids, causing sagging eyebrows as well as droopy upper lids.
Functional upper blepharoplasty is done to improve your vision by removing excess tissue above the eye; surplus skin on upper eyelids can interfere with peripheral vision. Because of this, your insurance may provide coverage for this type of surgery. However, insurance won’t cover an upper eyelid lift done for cosmetic purposes.
With age, the fat around the eye can protrude into the eyelid and cause it to appear puffy as it obscures the natural crease in the eyelid, which might cause you to seek this procedure for cosmetic reasons and to appear more youthful and more alert.
The Treatment
A more youthful appearance is the result of surgery to the upper eyelid, which removes sagging skin, muscle, and protruding fat from the upper eyelids. While providing a younger-looking appearance, vision may also be improved by eliminating obstruction by excess skin.
How Is an Eyelid Lift Done?
The incision itself is hidden in the natural crease of the eyelid. As we discuss below and in a related blog post, your surgeon will then remove the excess skin.
How Long Does Upper Eyelid Surgery Take?
Upper blepharoplasty is performed using local anesthesia with, or without, light sedation. It typically takes about 30 minutes for the procedure itself. Any visual signs of surgery, such as swelling or bruising, should resolve within 1 to 2 weeks. Most people can resume their normal activities within 1 week.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Determining whether an upper eyelid lift is right for you, whatever your age may be, requires a consultation to assess your individual anatomy, concerns, and goals. Each patient is unique, and individual circumstances must be addressed. You can find out whether this surgery is right for you, no matter what your age, by discussing it with Dr. Boggess during your consultation.
Can Other Facial Procedures Enhance an Eyelid Lift?
A number of other facial rejuvenation treatments—both surgical and nonsurgical—can complement an eyelid lift, including:
Surgical
- Facelift
- Brow Lift
- Lower Eyelid Lift
- Rhinoplasty
- Chin and Cheek Implants
- Fat Transfer
- Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Nonsurgical
- Fillers and Injectables
- Peri-oral Rejuvenation
- Renew Procedure and Liquid Lift
Youthful Reflections provides personalized care and the skill and expertise of Dr. Boggess. We treat our patients like family, and you can be sure of a customized plan to help you become a more refreshed and younger-looking you. You can see some of our patients’ dramatic eyelid lift results in our before-and-after photos.
Our procedures are performed in-office, using light sedation and local anesthesia; Dr. Boggess and our staff will work with you every step of the way. As a double board-certified physician, Dr. Boggess is skilled and up-to-date in the latest techniques that are available.
Use our online form or give us a call to schedule a free consultation and learn more about our surgical and nonsurgical procedures.
Please note: Each person is unique and individual results may vary.
