Incisional Upper Blepharoplasty

Bigger and brighter eyes have always been trendy. Unfortunately, not all people are lucky enough to have them. While some people’s eyes appear larger and more open, others look smaller and less prominent.

In reality, we all have the same eyeball size. The difference is that some individuals have a more significant amount of excess skin on the lids, and their eye creases are not visible or are missing at all. It gives the impression that the eyes are smaller and slanted. The good news is that plastic surgery offers a simple procedure that addresses those issues.

The operation goes by the name upper blepharoplasty. However, many people also called it double eyelid surgery or Asian blepharoplasty. It is a type of eyelid surgery that can make the eyes look larger, brighter, and more appealing.

What does upper blepharoplasty do?

Upper blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that can correct droopy or hooded eyelids as well as monolids (eyelids without a crease).

About half of the Asians don’t have an upper eyelid crease, or they have too much extra upper lid skin that covers the fold. Due to that, the eyes look smaller and less prominent. This is the main reason so many people choose to undergo double eyelid surgery. This procedure is designed to form a new eyelid crease or enhance an existing one.

Asian blepharoplasty or double eyelid surgery can be categorized into two types: incisional upper blepharoplasty and non-incisional or the so-called suture blepharoplasty. In the incisional method, the surgeon removes upper eyelid skin and fat in order to create a prominent double eyelid fold. Non-incisional double eyelid surgery does not involve cutting or removing eyelid tissues. The surgeon creates a new crease by placing invisible sutures beneath the upper eyelids.

Shens Clinic offers both techniques for double eyelid creation. This section is about incisional upper blepharoplasty. If you are interested in non-incisional double eyelid surgery (scarless double eyelid stitching technique), you can read more about it HERE.

How is an incisional upper blepharoplasty done?

An incisional upper blepharoplasty is an invasive surgery that consists of removing excess skin, fat, or other tissues from the upper eyelid area. The goal is to create a visible crease in the eyelid, rejuvenate the area, and give the eyes an enhanced appearance.

The procedure is typically carried out under local anaesthesia. The plastic surgeon will measure and mark the double eyelid line. Then several small incisions will be made along the line of the upper eyelid, and the excess skin and fat will be removed. If necessary, the surgeon will also tighten the levator muscle (an eye muscle responsible for raising the upper eyelid) to create a greater definition of the crease.

Afterwards, the incisions are closed with sutures, and the process is finished. The scar is almost completely concealed by the natural crease.

The surgery itself takes roughly 30 to 60 minutes, depending on its complexity. Although you may see the effect right away after the procedure, it is best to wait about 2 weeks, until the swelling goes down.

Advantages of cutting eyelid procedure

Here are some of the benefits of getting upper eyelid blepharoplasty.

• This surgical technique eliminates the redundant skin and fat from the upper eyelid making your eyes appear larger.
• The procedure can improve your vision when your eyelids are getting in the way.
• Upper blepharoplasty can give you a more youthful appearance and make you look refreshed.
• The procedure produces long-lasting or permanent double eyelid crease. 
• The recovery from blepharoplasty surgeries is relatively easy.
• For better results, upper blepharoplasty procedures can be combined with other eye surgeries such as epicanthoplasty (medial and lateral), eyelid lift, brow lift or ptosis correction.

Who is a suitable candidate for incisional upper eyelid surgery?

If you have any of the following concerns, then incisional upper lid blepharoplasty might be suitable for you.

• You don’t have an upper eyelid fold
• You have multiple upper eyelid folds
• You have excess upper eyelid skin, droopy eyelids or uneven eyelids
• You have extra skin and fat in the upper eyelid that affects your vision
• You have thick folds and want to achieve the skinny eyelid look

What to expect during your initial consultation?

The first thing you should do when you meet the doctor on your initial consultation is to explain your concerns. You should tell your surgeon what bothers you and what you want to achieve with this operation. It is also essential to review any kind of medical problems you’ve had, any eye surgery you’ve had as well as any medications you take. The surgeon will perform a comprehensive exam and then create an individualized treatment plan. You and your doctor will also discuss everything about your procedure, including the recovery period and potential complications.

What is the recovery from upper eyelid blepharoplasty?

Upper lid blepharoplasty is a one-day surgery which means that you will be able to go home once the operation is completed. However, you cannot drive yourself, so make sure you arrange for someone to do it for you.

During the first day after your eyelid surgery, it is possible to experience a little bit of pain and discomfort, but they can be easily managed with pain medications. Swelling and bruising are also a normal part of the healing process. You can reduce them by applying ice packs or cold compresses to your lids. You will also be prescribed eye drops and topical antibiotic ointment that will help you prevent infections and ocular dryness.

The recovery time from upper eyelid surgery is around 10 to 14 days. Make sure you avoid heavy lifting and exercising during the healing period. Within 2 weeks, most of the swelling and bruising will go away, and you will be able to return to work.