Upper Blepharoplasty
Dr. Rad performs the upper blepharoplasty, also known as an upper eyelid lift, for patients experiencing sagging upper eyelids that give the eyes a sad or fatigued appearance. If the eyebrows are also drooping, then sagging eyelid skin is worsened. Fine lines may form over time, and the muscle tissue in the area can also sag, further compounding the issue.
Signs of aging in the upper eyelids like fine wrinkles, loose skin, and sagging muscles are the result of several factors. These include age-related weakening of the muscles in the region, a natural decline in elasticity due to the skin’s lessened ability to produce new collagen and elastin, and the downward pull of gravity. The skin in this region is very thin, making aging signs especially prominent.
Upper eyelid surgery can be functional and/or aesthetic. Its functional goals include removing sagging skin that blocks the field of vision and improving peripheral vision. While the aesthetic goals of an upper eye include tightening drooping upper eyelids, trimming away excess sagging upper eyelid skin, eliminating a constantly tired or depressed appearance, restoring a fresh and awake look and smoothing away fine wrinkles on the upper eyelids to impart a more youthful look.
“The beauty in a face should be noticed, not the work that went into it.”
- Ariel N Rad, MD, PhD, FACS
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01consultation
02preparation
An upper blepharoplasty must be done with light sedation/general anesthesia. Once you are deemed a good candidate, surgery can be planned, and Dr. Rad meets with you a second time to review the details of the surgery, provide prescriptions, review medical clearances, and answer your questions. Detailed pre- and post-operative instructions are provided and you are thoroughly prepped for surgery.
In Dr. Rad’s hands, upper eyelid surgery is safe and extremely very low risk. The procedure is performed in the office while awake and under local injected numbing anesthetic for patient comfort.
03procedure
The technique involves the following process:
- First, an incision is made in the natural crease of the upper eyelid (invisible when the eyes are open). An ellipse of skin is removed. The remaining skin is tightened, and sagging muscles may also be tightened. Finally, the incision is closed.
- A brow lift and/or lower blepharoplasty may also be needed for more comprehensive results. Speak with Dr. Rad about the possibility of these during your consultation.
- A light dressing is applied after which you can return home, driven by a friend or family member. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis in almost all cases.
04recovery
05Aftercare
Care post-surgery is important for both your recovery and results whether at your home or at a hotel.
06longevity
Your vision for your results will emerge through detailed consultation with Dr. Rad, meticulous examination of your anatomy, and careful pre-surgical planning. While Dr. Rad’s surgical approach is unique for each patient, the goal of naturalness remains constant.
The results of an upper eyelid lift are permanent. However, one must take into account that the aging process will still occur and gravity will continue to affect the upper eyelids. Because of this, new signs of aging can still appear in the upper lids after upper blepharoplasty. To see Before & After results, visit our gallery page.
frequently askedQuestions
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for an upper blepharoplasty?
Patients who are in good overall health and have excess drooping skin on their upper eyelids may be ideal candidates for upper blepharoplasty. The procedure is an excellent option for patients who are unhappy with their appearance due to sagging eyelid skin, drooping muscle tissue, and fine eyelid wrinkles.
Non-smokers are ideal for the upper eyelid lift, since smoking negatively affects skin health and elasticity and can impair the healing process. If you are a smoker, you must quit at least two weeks before the procedure and continue to avoid smoking for the entirety of the recovery and healing process. Patients should have realistic expectations for this procedure and should be in good health.
What are my non-surgical options for eyelid rejuvenation?
There are a number of non-surgical options for revitalizing the upper eyelids. Collagen-stimulating treatments such as laser treatments are a popular option for restoring lost skin elasticity. An eyelid-focused skincare regimen delays the need for surgery. Explore the S+R Boutique for the world’s first edited selection of the best skincare for tired eyes. Professional Makeup Artistry can also mask signs of aging around the eye.
How is an upper eyelid lift different from a lower eyelid lift?
Aside from the upper eyelid lift focusing on the upper eyelids and the lower eyelid lift focusing on the lower eyelids, there are minor differences in technique between these procedures. Upper eyelid surgery is performed using only one type of incision, while lower eyelid surgery offers two types to choose from. The upper eyelid lift incision is made in the natural crease at the top of the eyelid. The lower eyelid lift incision can either be made right below the lower lash line (transcutaneous) or within the eyelid (transconjunctival). Additionally, upper blepharoplasties tend to focus more on excess skin and drooping muscle tissue. Lower blepharoplasties instead often focus more on puffiness caused by excess fat in the region.
What is the cost of an upper blepharoplasty in DC?
Many factors impact the final cost of an upper eyelid lift in Washington DC. The amount of time the surgical session takes, the exact techniques utilized, and the anesthesia administered all play a role in determining the procedure’s overall price.