Upper Blepharoplasty

“Well, the last time I had a picture taken I could hardly see my eyes because of the weight of heavy eyelid. Then I paid attention to how I was actually using my eyes and I really noticed when I was looking at anything especially the computer I was straining my forehead to see better. Since I have had it done I no longer have to lift the forehead and tilt my head to see. It is amazing! I love…” D. Rock 63 Yrs Old with Fat Droopy Eyes – Salt Lake City, UT

WHAT IS UPPER BLEPHAROPLASTY?

Upper blepharoplasty is the rejuvenation of the upper eyelids. We converse with one another by looking from eye-to-eye: hence, some upper eyelid changes that may make us look tired, angry, sad, or just older, are always noticed. In some instances, the heaviness of the skin of the upper eyelids may interfere with vision.

Upper blepharoplasty is performed to reverse these changes to give you a refreshed, youthful, but un-operated look!

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR UPPER BLEPHAROPLASTY?

If the dermatochalasis (heaviness of the upper eyelids caused by skin and fat) interferes with vision, an upper blepharoplasty may be performed to improve the fields of your vision. We would assess your vision and your fields of vision to see if functional surgery would benefit you.

Cosmetic upper blepharoplasty is performed when the patient is bothered by the appearance of the upper eyelids. Dr. Patel will examine you to ensure that the procedure may be performed safely. We see many patients for second, third and fourth opinions because of complications after blepharoplasty: we endeavor to ensure that our patients do not get any untoward results.

Study of younger photographs allows us to improve the operated part to match, as closely as possible to your appearance in younger days!

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

Because vision is so very precious and because poorly performed upper blepharoplasty can result in so many complications, it is important for a detailed assessment prior to any surgery.

Dr. Patel has written many scientific papers and book chapters on how to assess a patient carefully and in detail to avoid complications. Briefly, everything from relationship of the brows to the eyelids, the eyelid skin, the power of lid closure, the Bell’s phenomenon, skin crease, the tarsal platform, the brow fat pad, presence or absence of lash ptosis, temporal hooding, lower eyelid laxity or retraction, dryness of the eyes, prior eyelid or corneal surgery, etc are assessed. And that is not even an exhaustive list! Dr. Patel trains Plastic Surgeons for two years to teach them all the nuances of examining, assessing and operating upon eyelids! Attention to detail is vital.

This beautiful lady only had upper eyelid ptosis repair and blepharoplasty: she loved the result so much, she lost 20 pounds in two months! That made my result go from beautiful to brilliant as the lids now go with her face! Well done, Mrs. M.

WHAT OTHER PROCEDURES MAY BE PERFORMED WITH UPPER BLEPHAROPLASTY?

Patients may benefit from attention to lower eyelids (lower blepharoplasty), forehead and brow lift, cheek lifts, face and neck lifts, fat injections, laser resurfacing and other facial and neck procedures. Please do not hesitate to ask us questions about any other aspects that may bother you. We always remind all our patients: no one NEEDS cosmetic surgery. But if you decide you would like to see an improvement in any aspect of the face, we will pay close and

careful attention to ensure only appropriate and safe procedures are performed. We believe in the motto: “Operate, but don’t leave them looking operated.”Subtelty and nuance are the keys to beautiful plastic surgery.

WHAT KIND OF RESULTS CAN I EXPECT AFTER A BROW LIFT IF I HAVE ASYMMETRIC BROWS?

Facial palsy is the commonest medical cause of asymmetric brows, although most people will have some degree of asymmetry of their brows (and, indeed, upper and lower eyelids, face and neck!).

With proper techniques, it is possible to get the brows to be more symmetrical. Of course, this does not restore the brows and forehead to their normal mobility and motility but improves the appearance so the face looks more appealing. Here you see how we combined upper and lower cosmetic blepharoplasty with assymetric endoscopic brow lifts to give very pleasing results. If you look carefully, you will note that the left brow is still just a tad lower than the right brow, but barely noticeable.

WHAT KIND OF RESULTS CAN I EXPECT AFTER AN UPPER BLEPHAROPLASTY?

Properly performed upper blepharoplasty can give amazing results. We are always amazed at how patients are told time and again that they look “many years younger! Patients also note that they don’t look tired, don’t have the “baggy upper eyelids”, have more of their eyes showing, and because we pay particular attention to designing skin creases, platform show and eyelash position, ladies, in particular, are delighted that not only can they apply makeup on without it rubbing off on the skin, but their lashes look healthier and longer.

We have hundreds of before-and-after photographs: remember that results have to be determined with the patient’s age, sex, race, and other factors in mind. A Caucasian upper blepharoplasty should not look the same as an Asian upper blepharoplasty!

CAN MEN HAVE COSMETIC UPPER BLEPHAROPLASTY AND GET NATURAL RESULTS?

It is important to retain the masculine features in a male face so that we don’t efeminize the face. To that end, the upper blepharoplasty (and brow lifts and lower blepharoplasty) are performed differently from those in a female face.

In particular, it is important not to arch the lids or brows too high and not to raise the upper eyelid skin crease too high. Furthermore, with lower eyelids, it is vital that some fullness is left behind so that one does not create a hollowing of the lower eyelids.

Finally, complete eradication of lines, pores and areas of change is fine with ladies, but not with men! A slightly rugged man looks more handsome than a completely “clean” one!!

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FAQs

WHERE WILL MY UPPER BLEPHAROPLASTY BE PERFORMED?

Upper blepharoplasties are performed in an operating theatre for the sake of sterility and your comfort. We have a team of anesthesiologists and nurses who are trained to specifically look after patients undergoing these procedures. Sedation anesthesia is usually sufficient for most upper blepharoplasty procedures

WHAT KIND OF ANESTHESIA WILL BE USED?

Sedation anesthesia usually suffices for upper blepharoplasty procedures.

WHAT KIND OF SUTURES ARE USED?

Deeper sutures will be the slow-dissolving types of sutures. The superficial sutures may be dissolving sutures or prolene sutures which are removed after five to seven days.

DO YOU USE LASERS FOR THIS SURGERY?

Lasers are accurate cutting and sculpting devices which have advanced immensely. We always use lasers in our procedures, giving our patients the best results and a quicker recovery.

HOW LONG DOES THE SURGERY TAKE?

Upper blepharoplasty usually takes 45 minutes or less of actual surgery time. You will be at the surgical center for a longer period so we can ensure that you are doing well after your surgery.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON RISKS OF UPPER BLEPHAROPLASTY?

Bruising and swelling are de rigeur! However, significant long-lasting complications are rare.
Bleeding is not common as we pay close attention to proper hemostasis. On rare occasions, a small hematoma may collect.
Everyone will experience some numbness of the eyelids: this resolves over a few weeks.
Because we all have small differences between the right and left sides of the face (for many reasons, including genetics, occupations, which side one sleeps on, etc), there will be small differences in the heights of the upper eyelids. However, this is minimal in most people.
The scars are usually very well hidden in your natural crease. Keloids and hypertrophic scars are extremely rare when we operate upon the upper eyelids.

HOW MUCH BRUISING AND SWELLING WILL I HAVE?

There will be bruising and swelling around your incisions on the upper eyelids. Sometimes, this bruising and swelling settles down onto the lower eyelids. Ice applied on-and-off always helps. We can guide you with this. Generally, most of the bruising and swelling will be settled by day seven to day ten. If you have been on long-term blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medications prior to surgery, your bruising and swelling may last a little longer.

DOES INSURANCE COVER UPPER BLEPHAROPLASTY?

If there is significant constriction of your visual fields, we can submit the procedure to your insurance company. There are strict criteria which have to be met and these tend to vary sometimes, from insurance to insurance.

HOW PAINFUL IS A UPPER BLEPHAROPLASTY?

A sensation of firmness will be there because of the swelling: this is present for the first few days. Most patients do not need prescription pain medication after upper blepharoplasty.

ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS AND WHEN MAY I RETURN TO WORK?

Most people are up-and-about the same day as the surgery. You can resume most of your normal activities the very next day.

Rigorous exercize (running, etc), should only be commenced after five to seven days.

Most people can read, watch television and use a computer even as early as the next day. However, there will be some bruising, swelling and intermittent blurry vision as you heal. This is usually most noticeable for the first few days after surgery.

SHOULD I LOSE WEIGHT BEFORE MY UPPER BLEPHAROPLASTY?

It is always wise to be within a few pounds of your ideal or desired weight so we can create the best shapes and curves when we operate upon upper eyelids.

In the first few days, everyone will experience some degree of dryness and blurry vision. You will also feel that your lids look a little tight on the outer corner where you will also feel some of the deeper sutures if you put your finger there: this is of no concern. The tightness and the bumps under the skin settle over a few weeks.

More serious complications which are very rare include excessive bleeding, hemorrhage and loss of vision.

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Contact Info

Dr. BCK Patel MD, FRCS
1025E 3300S
Salt Lake City, Utah 84106, USA

(801) 413-3599 (phone/text)
E-Mail: bckpatelmd@gmail.com
bckpatel.info

Dr. BCK Patel MD, FRCS
617 E Riverside Dr Suite 101
Saint George, UT 84790, USA
(435) 215-0014
E: drbckpatel@gmail.com