Upper blepharoplasty, known as upper eyelid lift surgery, is one of the most common popular facial cosmetic procedures to slow the signs of ageing. As we age, our eyelids tend to drop down partially covering the eyes. Droopy upper eyelids can make you look sleepy, tired, and old. They can add many years to your age. They can even interfere with your eyesight and peripheral vision. That’s why upper eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty may be subsidised by Medicare and is so popular.
An upper eyelid lift, also called an upper blepharoplasty, is a minor cosmetic facial procedure to lift saggy eyelids up. It’s a quick procedure, that can be done in hospital or in rooms with the help of local anaesthesia.
The upper eyelids tend to droop as we age. This is medically called “eyelid ptosis” or “ptotic eyelids”. It happens when eyelid skin becomes lax as the years pass, and your upper eyelid starts to drop down, especially on the outer half of the eye.
Upper eyelid ptosis makes the eyes appear less open and gives you a sleepy, tired, and old look. The ptotic eyelids can also fall down over your pupils and block your field of vision. In addition to drooping, ageing eyes can also become puffy as fat accumulates in your eyelids.
Blepharoplasty can help fix that. Excess fat and a small amount of skin are precisely cut out from the upper eyelids, improving your vision, making your eyes appear younger and wider, and giving you an alert and energetic look. Cutting out the perfect amount of eyelid skin is the key to success.
How do you know if you need to have your eyelids lifted? Here are some criteria
You can have an upper eyelid lift at any age. However, the best age to have blepharoplasty is between 40 and 60 years of age. By this age, most people will have some degree of eyelid ptosis and will benefit most from an upper eyelid lift in their prime years.
There are a lot of benefits of upper blepharoplasty, and that’s why it’s such a popular surgery. Here are some of the advantages that an upper eyelid lift can give you:
Since an upper blepharoplasty is not too invasive, recovery afterward is not too demanding. Some immediate post-op symptoms might include:
You can usually go back home directly after your upper eyelid lift. It’s not recommended that you drive after a droopy eyelid lift. Your vision might be compromised after the procedure, so you’ll need to have someone pick you up.
You can go back to work 2-3 days after your blepharoplasty. Keep in mind, however, that bruising and swelling will be apparent and will gradually decrease over 3 weeks following your eyelid surgery.
You can wear sunglasses to keep your eyes protected and hide the bruising for the first few days after your upper eyelid lift surgery.
Upper blepharoplasty surgery has few risks. Complications only occur very rarely with an eyelid lift, and these can include:
Risks of saggy eyelid surgery can be significantly reduced by choosing an experienced plastic surgeon. Dr Turner is one of the top plastic surgeons in Sydney and NSW. He routinely performs upper and lower blepharoplasty using the most effective and best-studied surgical techniques.
For more detailed information read the risks and potential complications of surgery page.
During your consultation, Dr Turner will discuss your goals, and provide an in-depth explanation of your desired surgery and what that means for you. He can also discuss different surgical techniques, benefits, and risks of procedures available.
Most importantly, however, this is the time for you to have all of your questions answered and to be completely listened to and understood by your surgeon. We ask that you please come prepared with any questions you may have for Dr Turner, and look forward to discussing your individualised plan.
Ensure you have done your research, both on your desired surgery, as well as your surgeon.
Looking for more information before your consultation? You can book an additional 15min complimentary consultation with one of our patient liaisons here https://calendly.com/patients-bookings/patient-consult?month=2023-02
Keep up-to-date with what’s happening in Dr Turner’s clinics around NSW by following our Instagram @faceplus.aesthetics and @drscottjturner
Dr Scott J Turner has spent a lifetime acquiring the qualifications, education, training, and hands-on surgical experience to perform superior cosmetic plastic surgery to give you beautiful results. He is one of Sydney’s great Specialist Plastic Surgeons with a focus on face surgeries in New South Wales.
Achieving this personal goal requires not only in-depth knowledge of human anatomy and refined surgical techniques but an ongoing commitment to learning the latest procedures around the world. This is why Dr Turner regularly attends both local and international surgeon meetings – discussing these advances with the leaders around the world in order to offer you the most effective and safest surgical procedures.
Dr Turner and his highly trained staff will do everything to ensure that you are fully informed, while providing exceptional cosmetic plastic surgery, in a personal and caring environment.