Summary
Upper-eyelid skin loosens and droops with age. Upper blepharoplasty removes that excess skin (and, where needed, a small wedge of fat or muscle) through an incision hidden in the natural eyelid crease. The result is a more open, rested eye while preserving the shape and character of the lid.
Who is this for?
Common reasons people consider upper blepharoplasty:
- excess skin resting on the lashes or making make-up difficult to apply,
- a tired, hooded appearance not relieved by rest,
- a ‘heavy’ feeling in the upper eyelids by the end of the day,
- asymmetry between the two upper lids.
Where a low eyelid edge (ptosis) is the dominant problem, ptosis surgery or a combined procedure may be more appropriate.
What the procedure involves
The operation is performed under local anaesthetic, with or without light sedation, as a day case. A precise incision is marked in the natural eyelid crease, the excess skin is removed, and a small amount of fat is sculpted if needed. The skin is closed with a fine running suture.
Each side typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Recovery and what to expect
- Day 0 to 3: bruising and swelling (expected). Cool compresses help.
- Day 7: sutures removed.
- Week 2: most patients are happy to return to work and social activities.
- Month 2 to 3: scars settle into a virtually invisible line within the crease.
I provide written aftercare instructions and a direct point of contact for any concerns.
Risks and alternatives
Risks include bleeding, bruising, asymmetry, dry eye, scarring and (very rarely) injury to the underlying structures. The risk of any serious complication is very low in experienced hands.
Non-surgical alternatives (botulinum toxin to the brow, fillers) have a limited role for true skin excess. They cannot replace surgery for marked dermatochalasis.