Upper Eyelid Lift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Antonio, TX

Upper Eyelid Lift in San Antonio

An upper eyelid lift, also known as an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to restore a brighter, more alert appearance to the eyes by addressing excess skin and sometimes herniation of fat. It is one of the most popular cosmetic facial procedures performed in the country. (1)

Dr. Lisa Brostrom is a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in delivering exceptional, patient-focused care. She brings a wealth of skill and personalized care to every patient at New Image Plastic Surgery.

To schedule a consultation and learn more about upper eyelid lifts, please submit the online contact form. Alternatively, you may reach Dr. Lisa Brostrom at (210) 640-6310.

About Upper Eyelid Lifts

The eyes are considered to be the “windows to the soul.” They are the central focus of your face, and most often, they are what others notice first. Because the eyelid skin is the thinnest in the body, it can lose elasticity over time, leading to drooping or hooded lids, excess skin that obscures the natural crease, and a tired or aged appearance. (2) An upper eyelid lift refines and rejuvenates the eye area by removing excess skin and sometimes fat, creating a smoother contour and more open, refreshed look. Dr. Lisa Brostrom performs upper eyelid lift procedures with precision and artistry to help restore a naturally youthful, rested appearance while maintaining each patient’s unique eye shape and expression. Because the upper eyelid skin is the thinnest in the body, it heals beautifully with an almost imperceptible scar.

Personal Consultation

Before scheduling your procedure, you will need to attend a personal consultation with Dr. Brostrom at New Image Plastic Surgery. During this consultation, you will learn more about what an upper eyelid lift entails. Dr. Brostrom will discuss your medical history, current prescriptions, concerns, and treatment goals, and evaluate your eyelids. She will also use these details to determine your candidacy and develop your tailored treatment plan. As patients age and notice excess upper lid skin, there is often a contribution from loose attachments between the eyebrows and underlying browbone, which results in drooping or sagging eyebrow position. Often, a browlift is combined with an upper eyelid lift to comprehensively rejuvenate the eye area.

To schedule your consultation, please submit the online contact form. Alternatively, you may reach Dr. Lisa Brostrom at (210) 640-6310.

Preparation

To prepare for your upper eyelid lift, Dr. Brostrom will likely ask you to keep the following guidelines in mind:

  • Discontinue certain medications and supplements, especially those with blood-thinning properties, as advised by Dr. Brostrom.
  • Avoid alcohol for several days before your procedure.
  • Stop nicotine use for at least six weeks before and after surgery to support proper healing.
  • Arrange time off from work to allow for adequate rest and recovery.
  • Plan transportation home from your procedure, as you will not be able to drive afterward.
  • Fill any prescribed medications in advance and complete necessary errands before your appointment.
  • Follow any additional personalized instructions provided during your consultation.

Procedure

During your upper eyelid lift, Dr. Brostrom begins by making a precise incision along the natural crease of your upper eyelid to minimize visible scarring. Next, Dr. Brostrom carefully removes and repositions excess skin and fat to smooth and rejuvenate the upper eye area. After achieving your desired appearance, she will meticulously close your incisions. You will then rest comfortably under the care of the New Image Team until you are ready to return home.

Recovery

After your procedure, you will need to take a break from work and other commitments to rest and focus on your recovery. You may experience temporary effects such as swelling, bruising, or tenderness, but they are easily managed with pain medications prescribed by Dr. Brostrom and by following aftercare instructions. She will recommend that you rest with your head elevated to minimize swelling.

Most patients may return to work after one week, but you will need to continue to refrain from any high-intensity physical activities until you have been cleared to return (approximately 1 month). You will need to attend all follow-up visits as directed so that Dr. Brostrom can monitor your progress.

Results

Once you have fully recovered, you will be able to enjoy the results of your upper eyelid lift. Your eyes will look rejuvenated and alert, with the surrounding skin appearing smoother, firmer, and tighter. Many patients also report an improvement in their self-esteem and confidence after seeing the results of their upper eyelid lift. (3)

While the natural aging process will continue, the results of your upper eyelid lift are designed to be long-lasting, allowing you to enjoy your renewed look for years.

Corresponding Procedures

Several procedures can be performed in conjunction with an upper eyelid lift to achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation and balanced results.

Brow Lift

A brow lift can elevate drooping brows and smooth forehead lines, making it a natural complement to an upper eyelid lift. Together, these procedures can refresh the upper third of the face and restore a more awake, youthful appearance while relieving the appearance of tension over the forehead.

Lower Eyelid Lift

A lower eyelid lift (lower blepharoplasty) targets puffiness, under-eye bags, and excess skin beneath the eyes. When combined with an upper eyelid lift, it contributes to a brighter, more well-rested look.

Facelift

A facelift addresses sagging tissue, deep folds, and loss of definition along the face. By tightening and lifting underlying dense connective tissue and skin, this procedure enhances facial contours and delivers long-lasting rejuvenation.

Dr. Lisa Brostrom offers tailored combinations of these procedures to meet each patient’s unique goals and anatomy. For more information about complementary treatments that can enhance your upper eyelid lift results, please explore the blog or schedule a consultation.

Cost of an Upper Eyelid Lift in San Antonio

The cost of your upper eyelid lift will vary depending on the details of your personalized treatment plan. Dr. Brostrom considers several factors, such as the extent of correction, the condition of your skin, whether or not any additional treatments are performed, and more. During your consultation, Dr. Brostrom will discuss the cost of your upper eyelid lift and provide a comprehensive price estimate for your procedure.

New Image Plastic Surgery also offers several flexible financing options to make your procedure more accessible.

To discuss the cost of your upper eyelid lift, please schedule a consultation online. Alternatively, you may reach Dr. Lisa Brostrom at (210) 640-6310.

FAQ

Is there a difference between an upper and lower eyelid lift?

Yes, there is a difference. An upper eyelid lift aims to restore the appearance of the upper eyelids, while a lower eyelid lift addresses concerns found around the under-eye area. These procedures can be performed separately or during the same appointment as a “quad blepharoplasty.”

How long does it take to perform an upper eyelid lift?

The duration of each upper eyelid lift can vary depending on the concerns being addressed, but it typically takes about 1 hour.

Will I need to worry about any visible scarring after my upper eyelid lift?

The upper eyelid lift requires an external incision, meaning a scar is inevitable. However, Dr. Brostrom takes great care to place incisions discreetly so that they are hidden within the natural fold of the eyelid. Additionally, scarring fades as you recover, becoming less visible over time.

Are there any side effects I may experience after undergoing an upper eyelid procedure?

After your upper eyelid lift, you may experience effects such as swelling, bruising, or tenderness. Dr. Brostrom will provide you with instructions and guidance on how to manage these effects.

How long will the results of an upper eyelid lift last?

The results of an upper eyelid lift are designed to be long-lasting, especially when paired with healthy lifestyle habits. Most patients see benefits for 10 years or more.

Will I be able to wear makeup or contact lenses after my upper eyelid lift?

You will need to wait at least one week before applying makeup or using contact lenses to avoid irritation.

Is it painful to undergo an upper eyelid lift?

Local and oral anesthesia ensure a pain-free procedure; most patients experience minimal discomfort during their recovery.

Will an upper eyelid lift change the shape of my eyes?

This procedure can enhance the shape of your eyes, but it is not intended to change their fundamental appearance.

Can an upper eyelid lift improve my vision?

If you have excess skin that droops into your line of sight and obstructs your visual field, removing it during an upper eyelid lift may improve your peripheral vision.

Can I combine an upper and lower eyelid lift for comprehensive rejuvenation?

Yes, many patients combine an upper and lower eyelid lift and browlift to comprehensively address their concerns. You can discuss these options with Dr. Brostrom during your consultation.

References

  1. Patel BC, Malhotra R. Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty. Nih.gov. Published July 24, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537078/#article-18383.s4
  2. Cochran ML, Lopez MJ, Czyz CN. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Eyelid. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482304/
  3. Rodrigues C, Carvalho F, Marques M. Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty: Surgical Techniques and Results—Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2023;47(5):1870-1883. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-023-03436-6