Upper Eyelid Surgery

As noted above, there are multiple reasons why people are interested in an upper eyelid lift. Below, we have included some of the benefits of having Miami upper eyelid surgery.

• Many of our patients say that Miami upper eyelid surgery by Dr. Lewen provides them more self-confidence
• The procedure can instantly make you look younger and refreshed, taking years off your face.
• Upper eyelid surgery may help your eyes appear brighter and more open, especially if there is skin hanging over your upper eyelids.

If you are not happy with the appearance of your upper eyelids, you may be a candidate for upper blepharoplasty. The most common complaints are due to heavy upper eyelids, or the feeling like there is too much skin hanging in the upper eyelid area. Sometimes, the main complaint can be more asymmetry between the two eyes. Dr. Lewen will answer any questions you may have regarding an upper eyelid surgery during your consultation and will evaluate each individual case to determine the most appropriate and effective treatment that will address your concerns while providing you with the most natural-appearing results. If Dr. Lewen determines that an upper blepharoplasty is a good surgical option for you, he will provide you with an individualized treatment plan that includes this procedure, as well as any additional procedures to help give you the refreshed look that you desire.

Upper eyelid surgery usually takes about one hour of time, although you will need to arrive a little early and spend a little extra time after surgery before you can go home. The incision is carefully hidden in the upper eyelid fold so that it is virtually unnoticeable when the eyes are open. This surgery can be performed in an outpatient surgery center (where you go home the same day) or in the office, depending on the individual patient. If performed in the surgery center, IV anesthesia is frequently given to induce a twilight sleep, and then local anesthetic injections are administered to the upper eyelid area. If performed in the office setting, Dr. Lewen may give a light oral sedative to help relax you so that local anesthetic injections can be administered to the upper eyelid area. If your surgery is performed in an outpatient surgery center, a standard medical clearance is required. This clearance typically includes basic blood work, a history, and physical exam, a recent EKG, and a urine pregnancy test (if you are female and of reproductive age) from your primary care physician or your cardiologist.

Upper blepharoplasty is generally a very safe procedure. When considering any eyelid surgery, it is important to inform your surgeon of any abnormalities of your eyes, your vision, or your general medical health. Dr. Lewen requires all cosmetic eyelid surgery patients to have a full eye exam with dilation completed within the last 6 months before the day of surgery.

The eyebrow position can frequently also affect the appearance of the upper eyelids. For this reason, brow lifting procedures are often combined with upper eyelid surgery in order for patients to obtain the most complete rejuvenation in this area of the face. Dr. Lewen will evaluate your brow position and may make recommendations for rejuvenating the brows in combination with your upper eyelids during your consultation. When appropriate for an individual patient, Dr. Lewen may utilize the revolutionary CO2 laser, which can be used for both blepharoplasty surgery and skin resurfacing for the eyelids and the surrounding areas of the face.

Surgery should be scheduled for a time when you can relax for at least one to two weeks. It is important to avoid any strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or bending down during this time to avoid complications and to promote the best healing situation. It is also important to avoid taking any blood-thinning medications for at least two weeks prior to surgery. Dr. Lewen and his staff will review a list of common medications, supplements, and vitamins that can cause your blood to be thinner.

Please note: If you have been placed on a blood-thinning medication by your doctor for a medical reason, you will have to ask your doctor’s permission before stopping any such medications.

Dry eyes are the most common side effect of any eyelid surgery. Dr. Lewen typically advises all eyelid surgery patients to use artificial tear drops at least three to four times per day before and after eyelid surgery for best results and comfort.

Sutures are placed in the incision line and are commonly taken out in the office in a manner that is virtually painless at about one week after surgery. The average patient has most of the swelling and bruising healed in about one to two weeks.

With the development of the CO2 laser, upper blepharoplasty surgery is a more sophisticated procedure than ever before. The CO2 laser provides Dr. Lewen with extremely precise control, and generally leads to less bleeding and bruising than surgery by conventional means. For most patients, the recovery time is shorter overall. Although sometimes preferred, laser surgery is not always appropriate for individual patients.

While upper eyelid surgery can be expected to correct certain conditions more permanently, your body will continue to age naturally. Life-long sun protection and good skincare are important to help maintain your results.