Upper blepharoplasty: all you need to know.

The eyes are one of our most expressive facial features, but are yours expressing sadness or fatigue rather than youth and vitality? Because the skin on our upper eyelids is among the thinnest anywhere on the body, it is most easily affected by factors like aging, sun damage, and even heredity. 

As time passes, the production of collagen and elastin in our skin slows, muscle layers behind the eyes weaken and sag, fat deposits shift, and we begin to notice puffiness, drooping, and laxity causing us to look older than we feel. If your upper eyelids are contributing to a prematurely aged appearance, or even vision problems, an upper blepharoplasty at Ottawa Plastic Surgery is a simple and straightforward surgical solution. 

What is upper blepharoplasty surgery? 

Upper blepharoplasty, or upper eyelid surgery, is a commonly performed cosmetic procedure designed to correct loose, hanging upper eyelid skin and eyelid puffiness. Surgically reducing and tightening the excess skin, fat and muscle of the eyelids can correct these concerns and enhance the upper eyelids, resulting in a brighter, more alert, and rested appearance. 

How do I know if upper blepharoplasty is right for me? 

Some patients seek the procedure to reverse signs of aging, while others may have inherited conditions that can cause them to seek surgery as young adults.

What should I expect from surgery?

During your initial consultation, Dr. Silverman or Dr. Boyd will fully evaluate your eyes, describe the procedure, and discuss any related potential complications. The surgery itself is a simple and straightforward procedure performed using local anesthetic, often taking place right on site at our offices. During the surgery, your plastic surgeon makes an incision in the creases of your upper eyelid to reduce excess skin and fat on your upper eyelids, and then repositions and tightens the remaining tissue to create a youthful appearance. Following the surgery, you’ll be headed home same-day. 

How long will surgery take? 

On average, the surgery will take 1 to 1.5 hours. 

How long do results last?

Upper blepharoplasty will not stop your eyes from aging, but results often last for many years and can dramatically improve your appearance. 

How long is the recovery from an upper blepharoplasty surgery ? 

Pain, bruising, and mild swelling are normal and expected after surgery, but typically subside within 7-10 days, at which point you should be able to resume all normal activities. You may be instructed to apply cold compresses to your eyelids to increase comfort and reduce swelling and bruising. Initially, the skin surrounding the eyes may feel “tight” and uncomfortable, but most patients experience very little pain. 

Will I have a scar? 

As with any surgery, cosmetic or otherwise, there will be a scar. However, we always ensure that the incisions used follow the natural contours of the upper eyelid, meaning the resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible. 

Do you have upper blepharoplasty before and after pictures? 

We do! You can find upper blepharoplasty before and after pictures in our photo gallery.

How much does upper blepharoplasty cost? 

Pricing for an upper blepharoplasty starts at $4,500 plus hospital/anesthesia fees.

If you’re interested in learning more about upper blepharoplasty, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Silverman or Dr. Boyd today.