Upper blepharoplasty

“I look sad”, “I can no longer apply makeup”, “My eyes look tired”… both men and women eventually experience this excess skin forming above the eyes, often as they have seen in their parents.

Eyelid surgery has an aesthetic and functional purpose. It corrects the effects of aging and other eyelid abnormalities such as ptosis. These imperfections may be caused by excess skin (dermatochalasis), prominent fat pads or tissue laxity.

Upper eyelid surgery is frequently requested to restore a younger appearance, but also to improve visual comfort in some patients. Each gesture is performed with great care and technical precision, for a subtle yet transformative result.

A clearer gaze, no more sad or tired appearance at work or among friends. Results are generally highly satisfying and provide a noticeable rejuvenation of the eyes. Excess skin and unsightly fat pads are removed, leaving the eyelids smoother and firmer.

This correction enhances the eyes, widens the visual field and gives a more open and luminous gaze.

Upper blepharoplasty mainly concerns patients bothered by excess skin on the eyelids, giving a heavy or obstructed look, sometimes associated with a feeling of heaviness.

Indications may also be purely aesthetic : difficulty applying makeup or the desire to regain a fresh and dynamic gaze.

Caution is required in false indications where the issue is mainly eyebrow descent, a situation often encountered in men.

After a consultation where your eyes will be examined, all parameters analyzed, and photographs taken, the procedure can be performed. I use a conservative technique which, with my patients’ consent, allows them to maintain their natural appearance. The goal is most often to restore their “former” look by eliminating the signs of aging.

The muscle is fully preserved and the scar is hidden in the natural upper eyelid crease.

Most often under local anesthesia. You are lying down and first feel small pinpricks followed by a sensation of heaviness due to the anesthetic. Each eyelid is then operated on, for a total procedure time of about one hour.

Small bandages are placed over your eyes and you remain lying down for a while longer with a cooling mask. You can then go home accompanied.

The postoperative effects of upper blepharoplasty are very well tolerated provided that an initial rest period of 24 hours is observed. A week of social and professional isolation is usually sufficient.

Pain

In the days following the procedure, it is common to experience bruising and swelling of the eyelids. Dr. Prevot advises you to wear large, protective sunglasses during this time. Minor bruising under the eyelids will disappear within 1 to 2 weeks.

A sensation of tightness or mild pain may occur but is easily managed with simple painkillers. Intense physical effort should be avoided and cold compresses help limit swelling. Sutures are usually removed around day six.

Scars

Scars are initially pink but gradually fade to become almost invisible. For optimal recovery it is essential to carefully follow Dr prevot’s postoperative instructions and avoid sun exposure during the first weeks.

Length of hospitalization

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Patients may leave the same day after surgical evaluation. Sick leave of 1 week to 10 days is recommended to promote healing.

Some precautions are necessary to avoid complications.

On the day of surgery do not stay alone. Avoid driving working on screens or using dangerous machinery.

In the following days apply cold water compresses to reduce swelling and follow the treatments prescribed by Dr Prevot.

Avoid rubbing your eyes for the first 10 days and sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated by a pillow. Makeup is not recommended for a week, and avoid exposure to the sun, wind, dust, or heat (sunglasses will be your most valuable ally).

The goal of surgery is to enhance the eye area by removing excess skin and redistributing volumes harmoniously. Two areas may be treated :

Upper eyelids

• Excess skin creating drooping eyelids
• Presence of a fold on the upper eyelid
• Fat pads

Lower eyelids

• Dark circles
• Excess skin creating fine horizontal wrinkles
• Bags or fatty deposits.

Hospitalization is always outpatient. Anesthesia depends on the procedure and patient and may be local local with sedation or general.

The procedure lasts between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the steps involved.

Blepharoplasty is performed in three stages :

• Removal of excess eyelid skin
• Removal of any fat deposits
• Suturing of the skin for virtually invisible scars.

The cost of blepharoplasty varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, as well as associated fees such as those of the anesthesiologist and the clinic.

In some cases, if the surgery is performed for medical reasons, such as visual impairment due to significant excess skin or a muscle abnormality, partial or full coverage by insurance may be possible. However, for purely cosmetic procedures, coverage is not available.

Dr prevot will see you for a personalized detailed quotation and advise you on possible coverage.