Upper Blepharoplasty

Upper Blepharoplasty: A Surgical Procedure to Modify the Upper Eyelids by Removing Excess Skin and Fat

What is Upper Blepharoplasty?

Changes in the upper eyelids, including excess skin and puffiness, may contribute to a heavier upper eyelid appearance. Upper blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids. Dr Honeybrook performs blepharoplasty techniques based on individual anatomy and surgical considerations.

Some individuals report that changes in their upper eyelids affect their appearance, and in certain cases, excess upper eyelid skin may contribute to vision obstruction.

Upper blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that involves removing excess skin and, where necessary, adjusting fat pockets in the upper eyelids.

For individuals who have concerns related to brow or forehead descent, a brow lift may also be an option. In some cases, lower eyelid surgery may be discussed as part of an overall surgical plan.

Aging of the Upper Eyelids

The upper eyelids may change in appearance over time due to factors such as:

• Excess upper eyelid skin (dermatochalasis), which may contribute to hooding
• Changes in fat distribution, including the presence of fat pads in the inner corners of the upper eyelid (medial or nasal fat pads)
• Shifts in brow and forehead position associated with the natural aging process

Considerations for Upper Blepharoplasty

Upper eyelid surgery involves:

• Adjustments to upper eyelid skin and contour
• The removal of excess skin and, in some cases, fat
• In some individuals, a reduction in upper eyelid skin may lessen obstruction in the upper visual field

How is Upper Blepharoplasty Performed?

Dr Honeybrook makes small incisions in the natural folds of the upper eyelids (supratarsal creases). These incisions are positioned to align with the natural upper eyelid contours once healed.

For individuals with hooding under the brow, incisions may extend slightly beyond the outer corners of the eyes. If necessary, adjustments to fat in the inner corners of the eyelids may also be made.

In some cases, a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser may be used as part of the procedure to treat fine wrinkles and resurface the surrounding skin.

Upper blepharoplasty can be performed under local anaesthetic or, when combined with other procedures, under general anaesthetic. Some swelling and bruising may occur after the procedure and generally resolves over time. Dr Honeybrook provides detailed aftercare instructions to support healing.

Volume Loss and Hollowing in the Upper Eyelids

As individuals age, some may experience changes in the volume of the upper eyelids, which can contribute to a deep-set or hollow orbital appearance. In some cases, previous eyelid surgery that involved excessive fat removal may also affect volume in this area and this is known as an “A-Frame deformity”.

To address volume changes, fat grafting may be an option. Dr Honeybrook performs micro and nano fat grafting, which involves transferring fat from other areas of the body, such as the waist or thighs, to the upper eyelids with the aim of re-volumising the upper eyelid complex.

Recovery After Upper Blepharoplasty

Recovery time following upper blepharoplasty varies between individuals.

• Bruising may take several days to subside.
• Many individuals resume daily activities within a week, though this depends on individual healing.
• Swelling gradually decreases over time, and changes in the eyelid area may continue to develop for several weeks.