Upper Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift)

With upper blepharoplasty, also called upper eyelid surgery, you can restore a lively and alert look to your eyes. Most people would agree that our eyes are the most important and noticeable feature of the face. But your eyes and surrounding structures go through many changes throughout life. Unfortunately, these changes can often decrease the liveliness and beauty of the eye area. Common changes include:

Loss of elasticity
Skin stretching
Sagging
Fat redistribution
Increased or decreased pigmentation
Puffy or excess skin

Some of these changes can cause the eye to be covered and create an older, tired eye appearance.

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty (sometimes referred as an “eyelid lift”) involves removing excess loose skin (and sometimes fat), giving the eyes a more youthful appearance with a more visible eyelid platform. Upper blepharoplasty may be combined with other reconstructive or cosmetic eyelid procedures, such as upper eyelid ptosis surgery (droopy eyelid surgery) and brow lifting, as each can contribute to a “heavy” or “droopy” upper eyelid area. For instance, if the eyebrow has drooped, it causes more skin to be “pushed” down to the upper eyelid area, causing excess skin, hence brow lifting may be necessary for such patients.

Upper Blepharoplasty Technique

29 year old female, with hooded upper eyelids, undergoes upper blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) under local anesthesia. Her whole journey, including preop, surgery, and postop recovery is shown (includes more graphic surgery clips).

Young beautiful woman with loose upper eyelid skin and upper eyelid deflation and hollowness due to fat loss, underwent combined upper blepharoplasty and upper eyelid filler injection under local anesthesia with oral sedation. Her entire journey is shown. Note more youthful rested eye appearance.

What Is Upper Eyelid Surgery?

Upper eyelid surgery is also sometimes referred to as an eyelid lift. The procedure involves removing excess loose skin (and sometimes fat). The goal is to give the eyes a youthful appearance with a more visible eyelid platform. It may be combined with other reconstructive or cosmetic eyelid procedures in many cases. Doing so can create a fully rejuvenated and fresh outcome.

Your eyes greatly impact how people perceive your attractiveness, youthfulness, and beauty. Unfortunately, as we age, the skin around our eyelids changes. In fact, it tends to become less firm, droopier, and puffier. Occasionally, the situation is severe enough to affect patients’ vision or cause them discomfort. Upper eyelid surgery can correct all of this.

Common combinations include droopy eyelid surgery and brow lifting. Each of these works to treat a “heavy” or “droopy” upper eyelid area. For instance, if the eyebrow has drooped, it causes more skin to be “pushed” down to the upper eyelid area. The result causes excess skin, so brow lifting may be necessary for such patients. Dr. Taban approaches each patient’s situation, focusing on finding the right surgeries to reach their goals.

Read Article Published by Los Angeles’ Dr. Taban About Combined Upper Blepharoplasty with Upper Eyelid Filler Injection

Read Article Published by Los Angeles’ Dr. Taban About Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty Techniques.

Am I A Good Candidate For Eyelid Lift Surgery?

Upper eyelid surgery is often performed for cosmetic reasons, giving the eyes a more youthful, rested appearance. However, reconstructive upper blepharoplasty is done for patients who:

Have significantly sagging upper eyelids
Have skin covering the eyelashes
Want to improve eye comfort
Want to improve peripheral vision

It is extremely important to NOT remove too much skin (or fat) from the upper eyelids. Doing so can lead to a dreaded unnatural, surgical look. It can also cause an inability to close the eyes, dry eyes, and more. Even less skin removal is recommended for male upper eyelid surgery. This technique allows us to preserve their natural masculine appearance.

During your consultation with Dr. Taban, he will evaluate your eyes and face. He then comes up with a detailed surgical plan, customized to each individual patient. Every feature of it depends on your unique situation and desired goals. Dr. Taban will discuss any other complementary cosmetic procedures, such as:

Lower blepharoplasty (eye bags removal)
Droopy eyelid (ptosis) surgery
Double Eyelid Surgery
Canthoplasty
Brow lift
Eyelid fat injection
And more

Your plan may include any of these to achieve the best NATURAL looking, youthful cosmetic result.

Prior health issues may make the patient not a good candidate for the procedure. Factors that make surgical complications more likely are:

Severe dry eyes
Thyroid Disease
Diabetes

Upper Blepharoplasty Procedure Overview

Excess loose upper eyelid skin is removed through a hidden incision. To minimize any visible scarring, Dr. Taban places this incision in the natural upper eyelid crease line. He takes care to preserve existing fat in this region as fullness in the upper eyelids can look more youthful. In fact, this procedure is sometimes combined with fat or filler injection. When injected into the upper eyelid/brow area, it can boost volume and reduce hollowness. If the eyelid is droopy, the muscle that raises the lid can also be tightened. Upper eyelid surgery is also often combined with lower aesthetic blepharoplasty. When combined this way, we call the procedure “Quad-blepharoplasty.”

Upper eyelid surgery is performed in a way to ensure optimal patient comfort. Your options include:

In the office under local anesthesia with oral sedation (similar to having a dental procedure)
In an outpatient surgical center with local anesthesia and IV sedation
Both options can lead to rapid recovery. With the patient relaxed, the eyelid is numbed. The patient can open and close their eyes during the procedure with comfort. This factor actually helps the surgeon achieve the best possible result.

Post Upper Blepharoplasty Recovery

The recovery process after upper eyelid surgery is very mild. You can expect some bruising/swelling for about 7-10 days but minimal discomfort. Vision remains intact during recovery since no patch is needed. The sutures are taken out about one week after surgery (although absorbable stitches can also be used). Once your stitches are out and you receive approval, you can resume normal activities.

Photo showing healing 1 week after upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty in a beautiful woman.

38 year old female, with saggy and deflated aged upper eyelids, underwent combined upper blepharoplasty and upper eyelid filler injection. Note quick healing with more youthful eye appearance.

Young woman underwent upper blepharoplasty and upper eyelid filler injection. Note healing during the first week after surgery.

Photos show the average healing of UPPER BLEPHAROPLASTY during the first one of surgery.

Photo shows subtle scar in a young woman who underwent upper blepharoplasty. The scar is hidden in the natural crease line.

Removal of stitches 1 week after upper blepharoplasty.

Who Should Perform Upper Blepharoplasty Surgery?

Natural results are key to any cosmetic procedure, especially for the eyes. Dr. Taban is an oculoplastic specialist and a reconstructive and cosmetic eyelid plastic surgeon. His expertise lies directly in cosmetic and revision blepharoplasty surgery.

He is double board-certified by:

The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS)
The American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO/AAO)

He also stands as a diplomat of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS). It is highly recommended that all eyelid procedures be performed by a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon. General ophthalmologists and surgeons are permitted to perform the procedures. However, they often do not have the skill set required to achieve optimal results! Dr. Taban fits all the qualifications for delivering an optimal outcome to every patient.

Schedule Your Consultation

Dr. Taban is one of the leading oculoplastic eye surgery doctors in the LA region. Your eyes are one of your most important features. Give them the medical care they deserve and contact our Greater Los Angeles Area offices. You can set up a consultation for upper eyelid surgery with board-certified oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Taban. Contact us via online support form or telephone at (310) 278-1836.

Before & After Surgical Treatment Photos

*See disclaimer below

Young woman underwent upper blepharoplasty (to correct loose saggy upper eyelid skin folds) and lacrimal gland repositioning (to correct lacrimal gland prolapse) and upper eyelid filler injection (to correct upper eyelid hollowness). Her before and selfie after photos are shown.

African American gentleman with asymmetric upper eyelid hooding underwent male upper blepharoplasty. His before and 2 months after selfie photos are shown. Note the scar is hidden in the crease and subtle and it will get even better with time.

40 year old woman, with tired eye appearance due to eyelid aging, underwent cosmetic upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty (transconjunctival technique with skin pinch), droopy upper eyelid ptosis surgery, and upper eyelid filler injection. Note more youthful eye appearance. Note the scar is healing nicely and hidden in the natural upper eyelid crease.

Photos of a 42 year old woman show 3 months after upper blepharoplasty with eyes open and eyes closed. Note the scar is hidden in the natural crease line and is very subtle.

Before (left) and 3 months after (right) underwent cosmetic eyelid surgery including upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, and lateral brow lift.

Before (left) and 3 months after (right) cosmetic upper blepharoplasty (skin removal).

Before (left) and 3 months after (right) cosmetic eyelid plastic surgery, which included upper eyelid ptosis surgery, upper eyelid blepharoplasty, lateral brow lift, and lower transconjunctival blepharoplasty.

Before (left) and after (right) 68-year-old female, with saggy upper eyelids and brows, underwent cosmetic upper blepharoplasty and lateral pretrichial brow lift.

48 year old female with hooded saggy upper eyelids underwent upper blepharoplasty (eyelid lift). Before and 1 month after eyelid surgery photos are shown.

Young beautiful lady with hooded upper eyelids (with skin touching the lashes) underwent upper blepharoplasty (eyelid lift). Before and 2 months after eyelid surgery photos are shown.

Before (left) and after (right) 55 year old female, with droopy forehead/brows and excess upper eyelid skin, looking tired and angry, underwent endoscopic forehead lift and upper blepharoplasty. Before and 3 months after cosmetic surgery photos are shown.

Before (left) and 3 months (after) cosmetic upper blepharoplasty (skin removal) and lateral brow lift (outer brow lifted using temple hairline incision).

Before (left) and 3 months after (right) bilateral ptosis surgery, upper and lower blepharoplasty, and pretrichial lateral brow lift.

Young woman, with hooded saggy loose upper eyelid skin underwent upper blepharoplasty. Before, 1 week after, and 1 month after surgery results are shown.

45 year old woman, with upper eyelid aging with loose eyelid skin and fat loss creating sunken hollow upper eyelids, underwent combined upper blepharoplasty and upper eyelid filler injection. Note more rested youthful eye appearance.

Lower 60+ year old female, looking tired and older, underwent droopy upper eyelid ptosis surgery, upper blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), lower blepharoplasty, and lateral brow lift. Before and 2 months after cosmetic eyelid surgery photos are shown. Note more youthful natural results.

Young beautiful woman, with loose upper eyelid skin and upper eyelid hollowness, underwent upper blepharoplasty plus upper eyelid filler injection plus canthoplasty. Note resultant more youthful eye appearance.

VIEW MORE PHOTOS

CONTACT THE LOS ANGELES OCULOPLASTIC EXPERT

Dr. Taban is one of the leading oculoplastic eye surgery doctors in the LA region. Contact us via online support form, or via telephone at: (310) 278-1836

Next, read about the lower blepharoplasty surgery.

*Disclaimer: Results vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed.

Dr Taban and his staff are wonderful. I had my upper and lower eyes done, June 2017. I was under local anesthesia. I was awake during surgery but didn’t feel any pain. The recovery was great. I had bruising and swelling for a few weeks but no pain. I was back to work in two weeks. I look refreshed and younger. I’m very glad I did the surgery. I would recommend Dr. Taban to my friends and family.

Anna Gerardo

January 2018 Read More Reviews

I am so grateful and excided Dr. Taban has given me the advise and confidence for the upper and lower blepharoplasty procedure. The outcome is so remarkable my eyes look more refresh. Now I can continue on my retirement and not look tired. lol I can’t thank you enough Dr. Taban …

Marnie S.

December 2017 Read More Reviews

I saw Dr. Taban at his Beverly Hills office about six weeks ago to get a blepharoplasty because my eyelids have always been very droopy to the point where when I am tired it affects my vision. My cousin had been having a problem with bleph spasm a while back, and after he got his corrective surgery, he told me that it’s really important to see an oculoplastic surgeon because they have the best training to fix whatever issue you’re having with your eyes.”

“After doing some internet research and googling different oculoplastic surgeons in the area, I found Dr. Taban. I checked out his website to make sure he was a board certified oculoplastic surgeon and his patient testimonials to make sure they were ok –they were more than good, they were great! I decided to schedule my initial consultation for eyelid surgery to learn more about the procedure and the best chances of fixing my issue. I actually scheduled several consults with a few oculoplastic surgeons in the area to see who I felt the most comfortable with.”

“I was really impressed by Dr. Taban’s before and after pictures as well as the fact that he educates other surgeons. When I met Dr. Taban, he was completely open about the surgery and answered any questions that I had. He could tell I was nervous, but he assured me that it was an easy procedure with very little down time. He explained that a bleph can be done in-office it doesn’t require an operating room and surgery center! I was pretty surprised but that made me feel even more comfortable because its not as big of a procedure. He said I’d be feeling fine in just a few days and that healing should be completed in 1-2 months. He was very candid and I felt more comfortable with him because he addressed my concerns rather than dodge them. After speaking with him about eyelid surgery further, I decided that he was the best eyelid surgeon for the job and scheduled my appointment for my bleph.”

“When I arrived for surgery, I had gotten a little nervous again, but Dr. Taban assured me everything would go smoothly. In just over an hour, I was heading back home to recover, curl up on the couch, and watch a good movie! Dr. Taban was right, my eyelid surgery went great and I didn’t have any issues! I’m so happy that I choose Dr. Taban, because he’s great!”
“He even called me later that day to see how I was feeling and make sure everything was ok. I was really impressed by this. He did all of the post op care himself, no assistant or anything and so that made me very comfortable as well. He is so thorough and I have been taken care of very well before and after surgery. The results have been phenomenal and no one can tell I had a bleph! They just comment that I look well rested and fresh! I’m so glad I took the plunge!”

“If you’re looking for the best eyelid surgeon in Beverly Hills, I suggest Dr. Taban. He’ll help ease your mind about surgery and any questions that you might have. He’s dedicated and professional and actually cares about his patients. He’s definitely the best eyelid surgeon in my book!

By Markie L.

September 13, 2012 Read More Reviews

Dr Taban did my surgery 2/4/13 in his office using local anesthesia. He did a ptosis and blepharoplasty on my left upper eyelid, a blepharoplasty on my right upper eyelid, and vein stripping around both eyes. He also tightened a muscle that he noticed was lax during the surgery at no extra charge. The blepharoplasty on my right upper eyelid was done in a way that made a browlift unnecessary. Other surgeons had proposed doing a browlift to remedy my droopy right upper eyelid. They also said they could not strip the unsightly veins. The ptosis was done primarily to cause my left eyebrow to drop. Doctor T did innovative and remarkable work.”

By Katie S.

Violet Torossian

6/6/2015 Read More Reviews

Dr. Taban and his team are very professional in the service they provide … I am very satisfied with my eyelid surgery, blepharoplasty procedure, … I highly recommend Dr. Taban to all my friends and family.

Aliz Rez

1/2016 Read More Reviews

Dr. Taban came highly recommended by a client of mine. … In the first a few minutes of the consultation I was convinced that Dr. Taban is the real deal. …. I never felt a thing. Dr. Taban is genius, he’s also an artist which he has to, to do this amazing job. He doesn’t do the ‘surprise look’, his work is very natural, …

Sara W.

2/4/2015 Read More Reviews

I had an upper and lower blepharoplasty done by Dr Taban a week ago and I’m compelled to share my experience (this is my first ever review on Yelp). Of course, the final result cannot be appreciated yet, it’s only been a week, but it looks VERY promising and I am confident I’ve chosen the best Dr possible for this cosmetic surgery (I’m 48 and the bags under my eyes always bothered me). I just love the approach of Dr Taban which is conservative wanting you to preserve a natural look. He is extraordinary in terms of Dr-patient relationship calling personally from his cell phone the evening of the surgery to check everything was fine and answering the various questions I had for him via e-mail or text within hours if not minutes the following day. His staff is great, his prices more than fair. I am thrilled to recommend him to anyone. Being an eye specialist is a big + in terms of trust I placed in his judgement and operating skills. He also does face treatments including chemical peels which proved to work great on me. I think you can trust his judgement “blindly”, pun intended!!!

By Phillip

July 02, 2013 Read More Reviews

He is so thorough and I have been taken care of very well before and after surgery. The results have been phenomenal and no one can tell I had a bleph! They just comment that I look well rested and fresh! I’m so glad I took the plunge! If you’re looking for the best eyelid surgeon in Beverly Hills, I suggest Dr. Taban.

by Markie L.

Debbie

February 22,2013 Read More Reviews

I explained to Dr. Taban that I did not want to drastically change my appearance, but rather, I wanted to look refreshed … I’m so glad I did this because the procedure (upper and lower blepharoplasty) was pretty much painless… So far, I love the fact that I don’t see anymore bags and my upper lids are exactly how I wanted them to look! … …THANK YOU ….

kaalena

5/20/2015 Read More Reviews

… I not only needed upper and lower eyelifts but also surgery to repair ptosis or droopy upper eyelids… During my initial consultation Dr. Taban fully explained the surgery to me and answered all my questions. … It is more than one month after my surgery now and the results are amazing… Dr. Taban is truly a miracle worker… THANK YOU Dr. Taban for the incredible job you did on my eye surgery!!! YOU’RE THE BEST!!!!!

onesmartcookie

9/13/2013 Read More Reviews

Very natural look after quad blepharoplasty. Approaching my 50s I have decided to finally take care of my eye bags that have been bothering me for years. I have naturally heavy eyelids but with age the issue has become more and more visible. I live in Toronto and I have been scouting local plastic surgeons but I was not convinced by any of them and I was surprised by the high quotes I have received for a quad blepharoplasty. One of my goals was obviously to find a surgeon with lot of expertise in eyes surgery. So I have expanded my search to include the US and I finally picked Dr Taban. I had a first consultation by Skype and I was confident that he would be the right choice for me. … his approach seemed conservative enough and was meeting my expectations in term of keeping a natural look, without going too extreme to avoid hollow eyes or feminine look. I booked my surgery and flew to LA. The surgery was done with local anesthesia. … Surgery went well. The usual swelling and bruises but I was able to attend an important meeting exactly 9 days after the surgery without anyone noticing and with the help of a good concealer. Result is completely meeting my expectation. Natural, no visible scar, the shape of my eyes is intact, just a refreshed , bagless look. … I would definitely recommend Dr Taban to my friends and in fact I did. One of my close friend will get a quad done in a couple of months. Dr Taban is not extrovert but responded to all my questions and has very good bedside manners. He is also following up very quickly to questions by email. If you are looking for an eye specialist, Dr Taban is the right surgeon.