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Upper Blepharoplasty | Eyelid Redefinition Surgery

Refresh and Define Your Eyes with Expert Upper Blepharoplasty

The appearance of heavy, drooping, or "hooded" upper eyelids is a common sign of aging that can obscure the natural beauty of your eyes and, in some cases, even impact your field of vision. Upper Blepharoplasty, or upper eyelid lift, is a refined procedure dedicated to removing the excess skin and fat that contribute to this tired or aged look.

At Coastline Plastic Surgery, Dr. Brandyn Dunn, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, specializes in achieving natural-looking upper eyelid rejuvenation. His meticulous surgical approach restores a crisper eyelid crease, removes heaviness, and creates a more alert, open, and youthful appearance, all while prioritizing the preservation of your natural eye shape.

What is Upper Blepharoplasty? The Art of Eyelid Redefinition

Upper Blepharoplasty is a focused surgical procedure designed to address skin laxity and tissue redundancy in the upper eyelids. As facial skin loses collagen and elasticity over time, gravity causes the eyelid skin to stretch and droop. Simultaneously, the fat pads above the eyelid may shift or bulge.

This surgery involves making a precise incision within the natural fold of the eyelid to excise the redundant skin and, if necessary, remove or sculpt small amounts of fat and muscle. The procedure aims to:

  • Restore the natural eyelid platform, making the eyes appear larger and more open.
  • Improve the clarity of the eyelid crease.
  • Remove the heaviness that causes a fatigued or sad expression.
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Common Goals for Upper Eyelid Lift

Patients often seek Upper Blepharoplasty for both aesthetic and functional reasons, including:

  • Addressing Hooded Eyelids: Excess skin hanging down over the lashes.
  • Correcting Droopiness: Skin that makes the eyes look smaller or creates an aged appearance.
  • Improving Makeup Application: Allowing eye shadow to be visible without being obscured by redundant skin.
  • Relieving Visual Obstruction: Removing severe skin sag that blocks the upper or peripheral field of vision (a functional benefit).
  • Removing Puffiness: Excising or sculpting bulging fat pockets located near the inner corner of the eye.

The Coastline Plastic Surgery Difference: Hidden Scars and Precision

The key to a successful Upper Blepharoplasty is the strategic placement of the incision. Dr. Dunn’s expertise as a facial plastic surgeon ensures that he leverages his deep understanding of facial architecture to execute a virtually undetectable scar.

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A Focus on Natural Anatomy

By placing the incision precisely within the pre-existing natural crease of the eyelid, the resulting fine scar is concealed when the eyes are open. This attention to detail is critical for both the cosmetic outcome and for preserving the eyelid’s function.

During the consultation, Dr. Dunn will carefully assess the relationship between your upper eyelids and your eyebrows. It is essential to distinguish between eyelid droop (which requires blepharoplasty) and eyebrow droop (which may require a brow lift), ensuring the correct procedure is recommended for optimal, long-lasting rejuvenation.

What to Expect During Your Upper Blepharoplasty Procedure

Upper Blepharoplasty is a refined, typically short, outpatient procedure. It is commonly performed under local anesthesia with light sedation to maximize patient comfort.

The Surgical Process

The Upper Eyelid Lift procedure generally takes between 45 minutes to one hour.

  1. Marking and Anesthesia: Dr. Dunn meticulously marks the planned incision lines to ensure the exact amount of skin is removed and that symmetry is achieved. Local anesthetic is administered.
  2. Incision: A fine incision is made along the natural eyelid crease.
  3. Tissue Resection: Excess skin, and any minimal amount of protruding fat or muscle, is carefully excised.
  4. Closure: The incisions are closed using tiny, precise sutures that facilitate minimal scarring and help define the new, rejuvenated eyelid crease.
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Recovery and Long-Term Results

Upper Blepharoplasty is known for its relatively straightforward recovery period and impressive longevity.

Recovery and Downtime

  • Initial Phase (3–7 Days): Swelling and bruising are expected, typically peaking within the first two days. Patients are advised to use cold compresses and keep their head elevated. Sutures are usually removed at the 5- to 7-day mark.
  • Social Recovery (7–10 Days): Most patients feel comfortable returning to non-strenuous work and social activities once the sutures are removed and the majority of bruising can be covered with makeup.
  • Final Healing: The full aesthetic result, including the fading of the incision line, can take several months, though dramatic improvement is seen almost immediately.

The results of an Upper Blepharoplasty are exceptionally durable. By removing the excess skin and fat, the procedure effectively reverses years of aging around the eyes. For many patients, the aesthetic and functional benefits of an upper eyelid lift can last for 10 to 15 years, or often much longer, providing enduring value.

Ready to Unveil Your Refreshed Look?

If heavy or drooping upper eyelids are impacting your appearance or your field of vision, the precision of an Upper Blepharoplasty can offer a life-changing solution. Trust the expertise of Dr. Brandyn Dunn to restore a bright, alert, and youthful look to your eyes.

Schedule your personalized consultation to explore your options and start your journey toward renewed confidence.

Contact our office at (949) 849-0336 or use our online booking tool to request an appointment for Upper Blepharoplasty.