Upper Blepharoplasty

Robert M. Schwarcz, MD

Cosmetic Surgery & Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon located in Upper East Side, New York, NY & Rye, NY

As we age, the skin around the eyes begins to sag, creating a tired and aged apearance. In severe cases, excess skin above the eyes can cause vision impairment. Dr. Schwarcz offers upper eyelid blepharoplasty to lift your lids restore your line of vision to help restore your eyes to a more youthful appearance.

WHAT IS A BLEPHAROPLASTY

Blepharoplasty, also referred to as eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure in which Dr. Schwarcz addresses the effects of aging around the eyes. These procedures typically invlove the removal of excess skin and fat.  In some cases, it may be necessary to add fat around hollowed eyes resulting in a fuller contour and tighter appearance.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF EYELID SURGERY

Eyelid surgery is safe, effective, and long-lasting. Dr. Schwarcz has many years of experience producing dramatic anti-aging results. 

Some of the many benefits of choosing eyelid surgery with Dr. Schwarcz include:

  • Lifted eyelids
  • A younger-looking, well rested appearance
  • Less eyelid drooping
  • Improved peripheral vision

IS EYELID SURGERY RIGHT FOR ME

To determine if you’re a good candidate for eyelid surgery, Dr. Schwarcz reviews your medical history, examines your eyelids, and discusses your desired outcome. If you have excess upper eyelid skin, puffy eyelids, droopy lids, or tired-looking eyes, eyelid surgery might be the solution for you. You must be at least 18 years old, have realistic expectations, and be in good physical and mental health.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR THE PROCEDURE

Follow all pre-procedure instructions prior to undergoing eyelid surgery with Dr. Schwarcz. Stop taking certain medications if he recommends it, arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, and avoid ingesting anything at least eight hours prior surgery if anesthesia is involved.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING UPPER EYELID SURGERY

When you arrive to the office on the day of the procedure, you will spend time with the doctor and nurse who explain the surgical plan.  Dr. Schwarcz will mark the areas to be addressed. In most cases, the upper blepharoplasty is performed under local anesthesia, which is injected around the eye area so you will not feel any pain. This means you are not under sedation anesthesia and will be awake for the procedure. In most cases, Dr. Schwarcz will prescribe an anti anxiety medication to calm your nerves.  If you are not comfortable being awake, you can request in advance to receive light sedation anesthesia for this procedure.  

The procedure involves removing a small amout of skin from the upper eyelids.  The incisions are the sutured in a way that leaves the scar hidden in the crease of your eyelid, appearing essentially invisible after healing is complete. 

Click here to see the Upper Blepharoplasty Gallery

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY LIKE

Follow all post-procedure instructions following eyelid surgery. Have someone drive you home, get plenty of rest, and take medications as directed by Dr. Schwarcz. Expect swelling, irritation, mild pain, dry eyes, or bruising for 1-3 weeks. 

Sutures typically come out about a week after the procedure. Use cold compresses and lubricating ointments as needed. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun. Patients are advised to take at least the first week off of work and in person obligations, but preferably two weeks. At two weeks, you are permitted two wear makeup to cover any bruising or pigmented incision lines. Do not engage in strenous activity for three weeks.  You are permitted to go for long walks, so long as your heartrate does not become elevated to a point that your incisions begin to throb.

Dr. Schwarcz will follow up with you periodically over the first year.  One month after the procedure, any bruising and swelling should be resolved. Two to three months will give you a good idea of what the final result is.  Allow 6 months for complete healing.