An upper blepharoplasty or eyelid lift is the surgical correction of excess skin, muscle, or fat of the upper eyelids. As we age, the skin of the upper eyelids can become thin, redundant, and droopy. Common complaints include looking tired or sad and an inability to apply make-up to the upper eyelids. These changes usually result in a tired and sad appearance. An upper blepharoplasty can address these issues with minimal downtime.

For many people, one of the first signs of aging is the appearance of excess upper eyelid skin. Common complaints include looking tired or sad and an inability to apply make-up to the upper eyelids. An upper eyelid blepharoplasty or eyelid lift can address these issues with minimal downtime. 

Indications

The purpose of an upper eyelid ptosis surgery is to remove sagging tissue, in order to create a youthful appearance and reduce discomfort. Aging causes a loss of connective tissue and its integrity under the skin, which leads to wrinkles and sagging. Surgery is the best option to restore tension, as visible, long-term stretching of the tissue cannot be reversed on its own. As your eyes are generally the first thing people notice when they look at you – and when you look at yourself – many patients may have an eyelid lift as their top priority.

Candidates for upper blepharoplasty are:

• People with sagging of the upper eyelids due to aging.
• Patients with lash ptosis. This is where the eyelashes continually rub against the eye’s surface, an irritating effect that can lead to dry eye and inflammation.
• People with intermittent or constant edema (swelling) of the upper eyelid, an issue that can appear in patients of any age. Attacks of swelling generally begin in puberty; are worsened by menstruation and crying, and eventually cause chronic sagging.
• Those with inflammatory illnesses such as Grave’s disease (overactive thyroid function with an autoimmune origin) and eye disorders.
• Patients who have had injuries to the eyelid, including surgery for indications such as tumor removal, may cause eyelid sagging.

Contraindications for upper blepharoplasty cosmetic surgery are:

• Taking anticoagulants, including both pharmaceutical and herbal preparations. If you can, it is necessary to temporarily stop them until you have sufficiently recovered from surgery.
• Dry eyes.
• An inability to blink, particularly if this is the result of neurological damage.
• Allergies to cold, otherwise known as “cold urticaria”. Tissue irritation after contact with cold objects will most likely slow your recovery and increase the risk of complications.

How Is The Procedure Performed?

An upper blepharoplasty will restore a refreshed and youthful appearance with minimal downtime. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia for about 1 hour. The scar is hidden in the natural crease of the upper eyelid, and patients can return to work in about 1 week.

The procedure is performed at Nuance Aesthetics by an experienced facial plastic surgeon. First, an incision is made in the natural crease of your eyelid, to ensure that the scar will be concealed after healing. Excess skin and fat are then removed from this incision, which allows the remaining tissue to be lifted upwards. Then, this is cauterized to prevent bleeding, and stitched back together. You only have several millimeters of tissue removed, but the effect on your appearance can be dramatic.

Recovery After Upper Blepharoplasty

The surgery is performed with a local anesthetic, you do not need to spend hours in recovery, and in theory, can return to your usual home activities. You will, however, experience some pain, swelling, and bruising, which will resolve within two weeks.

There are also a few rules you must follow, such as avoiding contact lenses, until after one week. It is best for you to avoid heavy lifting, makeup, and direct sun exposure for a few weeks afterward too. Direct sunlight, especially without sunscreen, can increase the amount of pigmentation in the scar, which would become noticeable when you close your eyes.

After several months, you should be fully recovered and will see the final results of your upper eyelid reduction.

Surgery Results

After your surgery, you can expect:

• An overall youthful appearance. Near-complete resolution of eyelid sagging can be achieved.
• Improved vision, if sagging eyelids were blocking your sight.
• Relief of irritation if your eyelashes were in contact with your eyes.

How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost In Las Vegas?

The cost of cosmetic procedures, including eyelid surgery, fluctuate depending on individual requirements. In Las Vegas, plastic surgeons typically charge a range of prices for an upper eyelid lift, which may also include additional costs for surgery on both upper and lower eyelids. 

What Procedures Can Be Combined With Upper Eyelid Surgery?

There are several other cosmetic procedures that you can combine with upper blepharoplasty, depending on your needs and goals:

• Lower eyelid blepharoplasty
• Facelift
• Neck lift
• Eyebrow lift