Upper Blepharoplasty 

An upper blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift, is a type of eyelid surgery that makes subtle changes to the upper eyelids, revealing more youthful and beautifully shaped eyes. For this procedure, skilled surgeons work to preserve your natural features while removing a small amount of tissue around the eyes that contributes to a more aged look. Due to the thinner skin of the eyelids, the dermis of the skin- the most supportive layer- degrades and causes unwanted sagging. Not only that, but tiny fat pads around the eyes can protrude more and make the eyes appear puffy and overly hooded. An upper blepharoplasty can accomplish incredible results that add to your overall appearance and confidence. 

At Tehrani Plastic Surgery, your concerns, safety, and satisfaction are top priorities. Our practice is led by Dr. Ali Tehrani, a plastic surgeon who has performed thousands of procedures balancing both artistic vision and surgical skill. Dr. Tehrani prides himself on his volunteer work, membership in several surgical organizations, and his extensive work as a key figure involved in the latest research. 

If you would like to find out if upper blepharoplasty is right for you, Dr. Tehrani will meet with you at a private consultation, and help you make a well-informed decision. Call one of his locations in La Jolla, Apple Valley, or Newport Beach at (949) 706-7776 or inquire online to get started today. Our staff will guide you along the next steps toward attaining the long-lasting rejuvenation you desire. 

About the Upper Eyelids 

Due to biological and environmental factors, the eyelids change over time. Sun exposure, in particular, inhibits collagen production within the dermis, contributing to the formation of deep folds around the eyes. The effects of gravity can weigh down this thin skin, and repetitive facial movements can exacerbate this process. In addition to sagging skin, the upper and lower fat pads over and under the upper eyelids can bulge over time, even obscuring one’s field of vision and making the eyes appear more tired. For some with hooded eyes from a young age, a blepharoplasty can transform overall facial expression and allow for the application of more flattering eye makeup. 

The History of the Upper Blepharoplasty 

The research behind the upper blepharoplasty procedure goes back to the ‘50s and ‘60s. During this period, Dr. Salvador Castañaresis pioneered the way for this procedure, recreating an exact map of the fat deposits in and around the eyelids. He found effective surgical methods for eliminating eyelid sagging (ptosis) by only utilizing discreet, small incisions in the crease of the upper eyelid. ⁽¹⁾ Since then, surgeons and researchers have worked to produce higher-quality results, and this procedure has risen in popularity. By finding an exceptional surgeon, like Dr. Tehrani, you can expect the following changes after an upper blepharoplasty: 

Candidates for the Upper Blepharoplasty 

Ideal candidates are non-smokers in good general health who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their overly hooded or sagging eyelids. Patients should not have any major conditions such as unmanaged diabetes or a blood clotting disorder that could make surgery more complicated. Dr. Tehrani will thoroughly evaluate prospective patients with conditions like thyroid eye disease, glaucoma, and high blood pressure to see if they are suitable candidates for such a procedure. Those who are regular smokers may be able to undergo an upper blepharoplasty if they commit to quitting for a period of a few weeks. Finally, those considering the procedure should have realistic expectations and be dedicated to following aftercare instructions to get the best results possible. 

Personal Consultation

Scheduling a consultation at our practice will help clarify whether or not you will benefit from an upper eyelid lift. During this first appointment, Dr. Tehrani will take a look at your upper eyelid features and ask you about the specific changes you would like to see. You will have the chance to ask questions about the procedure, and he will answer thoroughly and professionally. He will provide you with basic, yet necessary information regarding preparation, the procedure steps, and the recovery process in the days following. He can also review other treatments, such as Botox Cosmetic, the facelift, and the brow lift that can resolve adjacent aging concerns. 

To begin your blepharoplasty journey with Dr. Tehrani today, call (949) 706-7776 to get in touch with his locations in La Jolla, Newport Beach, or Apple Valley. You can also reach out via his contact form, and a staff member will get back to you as soon as they can. 

Preparation

To make sure you are healthy enough to undergo this minimally invasive procedure, Dr. Tehrani will evaluate your medical history and conduct blood tests. If you smoke or use any type of nicotine product or tobacco, you should stop at least a few weeks before your scheduled procedure. Doing so will get your blood circulation working optimally and allow you to heal faster. You should also pick up any prescriptions beforehand and arrange for someone to pick you up after your procedure. 

Procedure Steps 

To begin, Dr. Tehrani will either assign his anesthesiologist to administer general anesthesia, or he will administer local anesthesia with sedation. During your consultation, you will speak with him about which anesthesia may be most appropriate for your needs, and you will be able to communicate your preference. The procedure itself only takes about an hour, depending on the required cosmetic changes. Dr. Tehrani will only need to make one horizontal incision along the crease of the eyelid, the upper outline where any scarring will be discreet. Through this incision, he will resect any unneeded fat deposits just under the brow, modify a tiny amount of the orbicularis oculi muscle, and remove any lax skin. ⁽²⁾ 

Recovery and Results 

After Dr. Tehrani monitors you for some time post-procedure, you will be able to return home on the same day. He will provide you with prescription ointment for you to apply to your eyelids to properly protect them from infection and facilitate healing. For the first few days, you may experience swelling and redness. Besides prescriptions, you should only take non-blood-thinning OTC medications that will not increase your bleeding risk; Dr. Tehrani will provide you with more guidance concerning their use. He will encourage you to elevate your head and use a cold compress on the first day to reduce swelling. To protect your eyelids from any possible sun damage, you should wear sunglasses when going outside. You will likely be able to safely return to sedentary work after only 4 to 7 days. 

Once the skin has healed enough- usually around 1 week- Dr. Tehrani will remove the sutures. Though you will start to see your final results, you should still take more precautions to avoid sweating which could irritate your eyes. You will likely be able to return to the gym roughly 1 month into your recovery. By this time, you will get to enjoy your newly rejuvenated look without any residual swelling. 

Though the recovery may be quite a commitment for some, the results should last you 10 to 15 years. The longevity of these aesthetic improvements will mostly depend on your lifestyle, sunscreen usage, and genetics. Dr. Tehrani can educate you on the best anti-aging practices that will be sure to extend your results for as long as possible. 

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

Lower Blepharoplasty 

Lower blepharoplasty is another type of eyelid surgery. It can significantly reduce the appearance of lower eyelid “bags” and deeper wrinkles under the eyes. For this procedure, Dr. Tehrani will make an internal incision within the lower eyelid, eliminating any risk of visible scarring. This transconjunctival technique will allow him to remove protruding fat pads under the eyes, restoring a more rested and youthful expression. If there happens to be a significant amount of lax skin as well, he can pair lower blepharoplasty techniques with a canthopexy to subtly tighten the area during the same procedure. He will place the canthopexy incision along the border of the lower eyelid, so this approach will not add any visible scarring. 

Cost of Upper Blepharoplasty in Newport Beach 

The cost of your upper blepharoplasty will depend on the nature of the procedure itself, anesthesia fees, surgical fees, prescriptions, and any follow-up appointments at Tehrani Plastic Surgery. At the time of your consultation, Dr. Tehrani will discuss these aspects of the procedure and provide you with an estimate. 

We encourage you to review our financing options. To learn more about our other minimally invasive cosmetic procedures available, browse through our blog. We want each of our patients to feel confident and well-informed before making a decision. 

FAQ

References

1. Espinoza GM, Holds JB. Evolution of Eyelid Surgery. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America. 2005;13(4):505-510. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsc.2005.09.001 
2. Patel BC, Malhotra R. Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537078/