Upper Lid Blepharoplasty
What is Upper Blepharoplasty?
The eyes are often the first area to show signs of aging, with drooping upper eyelids, excess skin, and hooding making the face look tired or older than it is. Upper blepharoplasty, also known as an eyelid lift, is a precise surgical procedure that removes excess skin and, when necessary, repositions or removes fat to restore a refreshed, youthful appearance. As the most common plastic surgery procedure, it has an exceptionally high patient satisfaction rate, enhancing the natural contour of the eyelid and helping individuals achieve bright, more open eyes while maintaining a natural look.
While upper blepharoplasty is a highly effective and safe procedure, complications such as asymmetry, overcorrection, hollowing, or difficulty closing the eyes can occur if not performed with expert precision. This is why choosing an oculoplastic surgeon, like Dr. Maleki, is essential. With specialized training in both ophthalmology and plastic surgery, an oculoplastic surgeon understands the complex anatomy of the eyes and ensures that both aesthetic and functional concerns are carefully addressed. When performed by an expert, upper blepharoplasty not only enhances appearance but also preserves eye health, comfort, and natural expression.
Am I a good candidate for Upper Blepharoplasty?
If your upper eyelids feel heavy, droopy, or make you look constantly tired, you may be a great candidate for upper blepharoplasty. Ideal candidates often experience excess skin that hangs over the natural eyelid crease, making it difficult to apply makeup or causing smudging throughout the day. Other common signs include hooded eyelids, puffiness, or a tired appearance, even when well-rested. In some cases, severe eyelid drooping can even partially obstruct vision. If you find yourself frequently lifting your brows to compensate for sagging eyelids, upper blepharoplasty can provide a long-lasting, refreshed look. The best candidates are healthy individuals with realistic expectations, looking to restore a more youthful, open-eyed appearance while maintaining their natural features.
Take this quick self-assessment to see if upper blepharoplasty may be right for you
Stand in front of a mirror in good lighting and answer the following questions:
➊ Do your upper eyelids appear heavy or saggy, making you look tired or older than you feel?
➋ Does excess skin fold over your eyelid crease, making it difficult to see your natural eyelid?
➌ Do you struggle to apply or blend makeup on your upper eyelids due to skin folding or creasing?
➍ Do you find yourself unconsciously raising your eyebrows to lift your eyelids throughout the day?
➎ Have you noticed puffiness or bulging in your upper eyelids?
➏ Does your appearance not reflect how energized and youthful you feel?
- If you answered YES to two or more questions, you are probably a good candidate for upper blepharoplasty. A consultation with Dr. Maleki and his expert team at Toronto Eyelid Surgery can help determine the best treatment plan to restore a refreshed, natural look.
If you’re thinking of having Upper Blepharoplasty, here’s what you need to know
- Upper blepharoplasty is a surgical eyelid rejuvenation procedure that removes excess skin—and, in some cases, fat—to restore a brighter, more youthful eye appearance. The surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia with light sedation, ensuring patient comfort while minimizing downtime. The surgery takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour to perform. A small, discreet incision is made along the natural eyelid crease, ensuring that any resulting scar is virtually invisible once healed. Patients return home the same day with post-operative care instructions.
- Recovery is generally quick, with most patients experiencing mild swelling and bruising for about 7–10 days. While initial improvements are noticeable within a few weeks, final refinement continues over several months. One of the most significant advantages of upper blepharoplasty is its long-lasting results, often maintaining a refreshed, youthful appearance for 10-15 years or longer.
- However, as with any surgery, precision is key. Removing too much skin can lead to difficulty closing the eyes fully, resulting in dryness and discomfort. This is why choosing a highly experienced oculoplastic surgeon like Dr. Maleki is essential. With his specialized expertise in eyelid anatomy, he ensures that just the right amount of tissue is removed, preserving both natural function and aesthetic harmony. His meticulous technique prevents complications and delivers subtle yet transformative results—enhancing your natural beauty while maintaining your unique expression.
- Upper blepharoplasty can be effectively combined with a brow lift to achieve a more balanced and comprehensive rejuvenation of the upper face. In some cases, heavy or drooping brows contribute to excess upper eyelid skin, and a blepharoplasty alone may not fully address the issue. A brow lift elevates the brows to a more natural position, reducing forehead strain and preventing further eyelid heaviness. By combining these procedures, patients can achieve a more refreshed, youthful appearance while maintaining natural facial harmony. Dr. Maleki carefully evaluates each patient’s anatomy to determine the most appropriate approach for optimal, long-lasting results.
Before/After Upper Blepharoplasty
Why Choose Dr. Maleki for Your Upper Lid Blepharoplasty?
Since 2010, Dr. Maleki has performed over 20,000 eyelid procedures, refining techniques that balance aesthetic and functional outcomes. His advanced training in oculoplastic surgery provides a deeper understanding of eyelid anatomy, function, and reconstructive principles compared to general and facial plastic surgeons. This expertise allows him to precisely address cosmetic concerns, ptosis, and complex eyelid conditions, ensuring both cosmetic and functional concerns of the eyelids are addressed with unparalleled precision