Upper eyelid surgery addresses drooping skin, excess tissue, and heaviness around the upper eyelids that can make you look tired or affect your vision. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Karan Mehta takes a personalized, meticulous approach to restoring a refreshed, youthful appearance while preserving your natural eye shape and facial harmony.
Reclaim a More Rested, Alert Appearance
Upper eyelid surgery, also known as upper blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and, when necessary, adjusts fat and muscle in the upper eyelids. As you age, your eyelid skin can lose elasticity, creating folds that make your eyes appear tired or even obstruct your peripheral vision. By removing and repositioning tissue, upper eyelid surgery creates a smoother, more defined eyelid contour, helping your eyes look refreshed while maintaining their natural appearance and expression.
Upper Eyelid Surgery Corrects:
- Excess, sagging skin on the upper eyelids
- Drooping eyelid folds that create a tired appearance
- Puffiness caused by protruding fat deposits
- Hooded upper eyelids that conceal the natural eyelid crease
- Loose, crepey skin around the upper eyelids
- Asymmetry caused by uneven excess eyelid skin
- Peripheral vision obstruction caused by overhanging upper eyelid skin
- Loss of definition along the upper eyelid contour
Upper Eyelid Surgery Surgical Details
Dr. Mehta begins by marking your eyelid creases and measuring excess skin while you sit upright. After administering anesthesia, he makes a carefully placed incision within each upper eyelid fold. He removes a measured strip of excess skin and, when appropriate, a small amount of the orbicularis muscle. If bulging fat contributes to puffiness, he opens the thin membrane covering the fat compartments and removes or repositions the tissue.
Throughout the procedure, Dr. Mehta preserves enough skin for comfortable eyelid closure. He then closes the incisions with fine sutures, carefully aligning the skin edges to maintain your natural eyelid contour. The procedure typically takes approximately 45 to 90 minutes.
The Recovery Process
Following upper eyelid surgery, you can expect mild swelling, bruising, tightness, and temporary dryness around your eyes. Applying cold compresses and keeping your head elevated during the first 48 hours can help manage swelling. You should avoid rubbing your eyes, strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and activities that increase pressure around your eyes.
Your sutures are removed within five to seven days, and you may feel comfortable returning to work and daily activities within one to two weeks. Bruising and swelling gradually improve, although subtle changes can persist for several weeks. You’ll receive personalized aftercare instructions, including guidance on incision care and follow-up appointments. Your final eyelid contours become more apparent as swelling resolves and the incisions mature.
Upper Eyelid Surgery Aftercare Guidelines:
- Apply cold compresses as directed to minimize swelling and bruising
- Keep your head elevated, including while sleeping, for the first several days
- Gently clean your incisions and apply prescribed ointments as instructed
- Avoid rubbing, scratching, or putting pressure on your eyelids
- Take prescribed medications according to your postoperative instructions
- Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and bending over until cleared
- Limit screen time if it causes eye strain, dryness, or discomfort
- Avoid contact lenses and eye makeup until your surgeon approves
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your healing eyelids from sunlight and wind
- Avoid smoking and nicotine products, which can interfere with healing
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery
- Contact Dr. Mehta promptly if you experience unusual swelling or signs of infection
Meet Dr. Karan Mehta
Dr. Karan Mehta is a board-certified plastic surgeon dedicated to achieving natural, elegant results. He takes a personalized approach to upper eyelid surgery, carefully refining your contours while preserving your unique features. His commitment to patient care extends beyond surgery, as he personally reaches out several times during recovery to monitor your healing. Schedule your consultation for upper eyelid surgery in Manhattan to explore your options.