Upper / Lower Lid Lift

Upper / Lower Lid Lift - An upper eyelid lift, or upper blepharoplasty, rejuvenates the upper eyelids. This surgical procedure removes a strip of excess skin from the upper eyelids. Incisions are performed with a scalpel. The location of the natural eyelid crease provides the best place for the incision. When appropriate, fat removal may be performed in cases where bulging fat pads are present, most commonly found in the inner corner of the upper eyelid. This is only done when necessary, as fat removal in the eyelids runs the risk of creating a hollowness, associated with aging. Due to the delicate nature of the eyelid, extremely thin sutures are used to close the incision. These sutures are removed within a week and as few as 3 days.

Expectations

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Lower Lid Lift
Courtesy of Dr. Samuel Shatkin Jr.
Lower Lid Lift
Courtesy of Dr. Samuel Shatkin Jr.

What should I expect?

An upper blepharoplasty can be performed with the patient awake and under local anesthesia. This can be done safely and will be less expensive if not done under deep sedation or general anesthesia. After your procedure, you can apply ice to your eyelids to reduce swelling. Sutures will be removed several days later and there is minimal to no downtime associated with this procedure.

How should I prepare?

If you wear glasses or contacts, see your ophthalmologist to be sure you don't have a problem with dry eyes or other reason why you should not have this operation.

What are the risks?

If too much skin is removed, you may have difficulty initially closing your eyes completely while sleeping and moisturizing ointment may be necessary, at least initially. If you have significant bleeding after the procedure, you may need to have another procedure to stop this bleeding.

How do I ensure my safety?

Be sure to pick a surgeon that has training and performs the operation in an accredited facility. Also ask to see their previous work.

What will recovery be like?

Antibiotic ointment is applied to the eye at least twice per day after the procedure to keep the eye moisturized and help avoid a corneal abrasion. In order to prevent swelling, cold compresses are used for 48 hours after surgery. Light activities and showering are allowed, however vigorous activities should be avoided for the first week .

How much does it cost?

In the United States, the average cost of an upper and lower lid lift is $3,136, according to BuildMyHealth's Pricing Database.This includes costs of anesthesia, operating room facilities, and other related fees.

See more detailed pricing for this procedure