Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a common procedure for men and women, which removes excess skin from the upper eyelid.
- As the eyelid ages, loose eyelid skin can sag over a fixed area on the eyelid causing in severe cases visual field obstruction.
- The amount of excess eyelid skin can also relate to any descent in the position of the brow.
In an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, this excess skin is removed through an incision in a natural skin crease on the eyelid. Excess fat in the inner upper eyelid can be removed to relieve any puffiness in this area.
- Commonly in women, a brow lift is performed in conjunction with an upper eyelid blepharoplasty to help shape the eyebrow and open the outer aspect of the upper eyelid.
- In men, a browpexy is commonly performed through the same upper eyelid incision to help define the upper eyelid shape.
- A droopy eyelid can be raised in a ptosis repair which is commonly performed at the same time as the upper eyelid blepharoplasty.
After the excess upper eyelid skin is removed and any adjunctive procedures completed, the incision is closed with a combination of permanent and absorbable stitches. The operation lasts for about one hour for both eyes, and can be done under local anesthesia or general anesthesia on an outpatient basis (home the same day).
- Ointment that is safe for use around the eye is the only dressing applied to the incision.
- Swelling and bruising are controlled with cooling gel masks.
- The eye is hydrated with eye drops and ointment for about a week after the operation.
Results form an upper eyelid blepharoplasty in Austin Texas are immediate but it does take about one week for swelling and bruising to resolve. Recovery is straightforward, and I usually recommend a return to work in about one week with a return to exercise in 3 weeks.
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty and other facial rejuvenation plastic surgery procedures can be discussed with Dr. Trussler in his Austin Texas plastic surgery office.
