Upper Eyelid Lift
An eyelid lift, known medically as an upper blepharoplasty (pronounced: Blef-er-uh-plas-tee), is a type of surgery that corrects sagging eyelids by removing excess skin as well as the fat from the upper eyelids to restore a more youthful and rested appearance. As we age we develop redundant skin on the eyelids which unfortunately makes us look tired. This can also be seen in younger patients who have a strong family history of excess skin and fatty tissue in their upper eyelids.
Blepharoplasty is one of the most common procedures in facial plastic surgery and the most effective way to give your entire face a refreshed appearance. Whether you undergo eyelid surgery alone or in combination with other surgical or cosmetic procedures, you are likely to see a dramatic result after your procedure. The rejuvenated appearance post cosmetic eyelid surgery can go far in improving your social confidence and self-esteem.
How is a blepharoplasty procedure performed?
The blepharoplasty procedure involves making an incision in the fold of the upper eyelids and removing excess skin and fat. The incision is then closed with fine sutures. Blepharoplasty incisions are hidden in the natural creases of the eyes, and fade away gradually over time. Most often the results are so natural that friends and coworkers will comment on how great you look, without realizing that surgery was performed.
In the right hands, blepharoplasty is a simple outpatient procedure performed safely under local anesthesia. However, if desired, local anesthesia with deeper sedation can be performed through an intravenous line. Our goal is to make every patient as comfortable as possible. After the surgery, most patients comment on how little discomfort they experienced and how they wished they had not stressed so much before surgery.
Specialized in eyelid plastic surgery, Dr. Maleki has performed several thousand blepharoplasty procedures. He customizes the treatment plan for each patient individually to achieve a harmonious result with the unique facial features of the patient. Dr. Maleki has a philosophy of conservative and natural-looking surgeries paying special attention to the functional aspect of the eyelids. He often uses a CO2 laser device to remove just the right amount of excess skin and fat in the upper lids to prevent an over-done look. This refined laser technique results in less bruising and swelling in addition to faster healing compared to traditional blepharoplasty surgery performed with a blade. A typical upper lid blepharoplasty takes about one hour. Most patients can return to work within 5-7 days. Cold compresses can aid in the healing process as well as taking over the counter Arnica supplements. Detailed pre and post-operative instructions will be given to you before surgery.
Is blepharoplasty surgery covered by OHIP?
For the most part, blepharoplasty surgery is not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). The exception is when the excess upper lid skin is blocking your peripheral vision. This vision loss must be demonstrated objectively in a standardized test called a visual field test to determine eligibility. If you think your vision is impaired by your eyelids, ask your family doctor or eye doctor to fax over a referral to (416) 962-5856. We will arrange for a visual field test followed by a consultation with Dr. Maleki.
However, if you think your vision is not impaired by your eyelids or if you are simply unhappy with the appearance of your eyelid and are considering an eyelid lift surgery, we encourage you to book a private consultation with Dr. Maleki. In this case, you do not need a referral from a doctor. You can call the office directly to schedule an appointment at (416) 962-5005 or email us at info@torontoeyelidsurgery.com. Please note there is a consultation fee for all cosmetic appointments with Dr. Maleki.
