Upper Eyelid Aesthetics (Upper Blepharoplasty)
Surgical correction of excess skin and tissue laxity affecting the visual field and eye area aesthetics
With age, eyelid skin thins, loses elasticity, and sagging, drooping, and fullness can be seen in the upper lid. This condition both affects aesthetic appearance and can narrow the visual field in some patients. Upper eyelid aesthetics is a surgical procedure that aims to restore the eyelid to its natural contour by removing excess skin and, when necessary, regulating fat tissue.
Who is it Suitable For?
- Patients with significant excess skin on the upper lid
- Individuals whose visual field is partially narrowed due to skin sagging
- Cases where the natural crease of the lid is lost or makeup doesn’t hold
- Individuals with genetic early-age lid fullness or sagging
- Patients seeking a more vibrant, rested appearance around the eye
Before surgical planning, lid position, muscle functions, fat tissue distribution, and brow–lid relationship are evaluated in detail.
Stages of the Procedure
1. Local anesthesia
The procedure is mostly performed under local anesthesia. The eyelid area is numbed, so no pain is felt.
2. Surgical planning and marking
A personalized planning is made on the natural lid crease. The amount of excess skin and regulation of fat tissue are determined at this stage.
3. Removal of excess skin
Lax skin on the upper lid is removed in a controlled manner. Minimal interventions can be made to medial or middle fat tissue when necessary.
4. Reshaping of the lid
Subcutaneous tissues are arranged to conform to anatomical lines. The aim is to preserve the natural contour.
5. Aesthetic sutures
Fine sutures are placed in the lid crease. Since it stays within the crease, the scar is usually not prominent when healing is complete.
Recovery Process
- Mild swelling and bruising may be seen in the first 2–3 days.
- Cold compresses reduce complaints.
- Sutures are usually removed within 5–7 days.
- Most of the swelling around the eye subsides within the first week.
- Final lid shape settles within a few weeks.
There is no restriction on vision; daily activities can be resumed in a short time.
Advantages
- Upper lid contour regains its natural form.
- Tired appearance significantly decreases.
- Provides functional benefit in patients with narrowed visual field.
- Since the scar stays within the lid crease, it is usually not prominent when healing is complete in most patients.
Limitations
- Excessive skin removal can negatively affect lid closure; therefore, surgery requires careful planning.
- Swelling and bruising may vary depending on individual tissue characteristics.
- May not be sufficient alone in patients with significant brow drooping; can be planned in combination with brow lifting when needed.
Upper eyelid aesthetics provides satisfying and natural results both functionally and aesthetically when applied with proper patient selection and surgical technique that adheres to anatomical principles.