NYC Upper Blepharoplasty
The New York City guide to upper eyelid lift surgery
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What is upper blepharoplasty?
Upper blepharoplasty, also known as an upper eyelid lift is a popular option for individuals with excess eyelid skin or droopy eyelids. Upper blepharoplasty allows a plastic surgery to refresh the upper eyelids through skin removal, conservative volume reduction, and sometimes, reshaping the aging eyelid.
Does the entire upper eyelid change with age?
Yes. In general, the upper eyelid manifests signs of aging earlier than the lower eyelid. As we age, the skin of the upper eyelid becomes more redundant. In some cases, the connection between the main eyelid elevator muscle (levator palpebrae superioris) and the eyelid separates leading to a droopy eyelid (ptosis).
What is eyelid ptosis?
Eyelid ptosis, or droopy eyelid, is a condition where the eyelid margin is covering a portion of the pupil. This varies from mild, moderate, and severe based on the amount of the pupil covered. There can be many reasons for this including congenital, neurologic, or acquired. The most common type of ptosis is acquired, or aponeurotic ptosis, where the levator muscle of the eyelid or the attachment between the levator muscle and the eyelid are stretched. This type of ptosis can be treated at the time of upper blepharoplasty.
Where are the scars for upper blepharoplasty?
The scars of an upper blepharoplasty tend to hide very well. This is especially true if they are designed to be in the natural crease of your eyelid. After the eyelid heals, it is often difficult to see upper eyelid lift scars.
What are the benefits of upper blepharoplasty?
Upper blepharoplasty reduces excess skin of the upper eyelid. This can give the eyes a more refreshed and youthful look. It also allows female patients to more easily apply makeup to the upper eyelid. In severe cases where the excess skin impairs a part of the visual field, reducing the skin excess can have functional benefits as well.
Can I have an upper blepharoplasty in my 20s?
Upper blepharoplasty is typically performed on patients in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. That being said, some individuals who have excess skin above one or both eyelids that present earlier can safely have excess upper eyelid skin removed.
How long does an upper blepharoplasty last?
While every patient is different, an upper blepharoplasty lasts about 10 years. This is similar to the amount of time that the results from a facelift are generally thought to last. Once excess skin is removed, the clock is reset. As the eyelid opens and closes many times each day, that skin begins to stretch which leads to the development of excess upper eyelid skin and signs of aging. This is not a fault of the surgery but instead a natural aging process.
Can I have an upper blepharoplasty and a lower blepharoplasty in the same surgery?
Yes. Upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty are often performed together. These operations are also often performed with brow lifts, facelifts, and other aesthetic plastic surgeries as long as the procedures can be performed in an expeditious manner.
Can I have an upper blepharoplasty and a brow lift in the same surgery?
Yes. Brow lift and upper eyelid blepharoplasty are commonly performed together during facial rejuvenation. These procedures can also be performed with a facelift as long as all three procedures can be performed in an expeditious manner.
Can I have an upper blepharoplasty under local anesthesia?
Yes, upper blepharoplasty can be performed under local anesthesia. It is not a painful procedure and because the instruments are out of eyesight, it tends to be comfortable for both the surgeon and the patient.
Am I a candidate for upper blepharoplasty?
If you are bothered by excess upper eyelid skin or ptosis then you may be a candidate for upper blepharoplasty. Individuals who are interested in upper blepharoplasty should be in good health and be fit for elective surgery. Patients should avoid smoking and nicotine-containing products that can affect blood flow and, ultimately, healing.
How much does upper blepharoplasty in NYC cost?
There are 3 main costs of upper blepharoplasty surgery: the facility fee, the anesthesia fee, and the surgeon’s fee. For the patient, the average total cost in NYC for upper blepharoplasty will likely be $6,000-$10,000+ depending on the surgeon you choose. If you choose to have upper blepharoplasty under local anesthesia, the cost will be significantly less.
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