Blepharoplasty FAQs

Increased droopiness of the upper eyelids is a common change with increasing age. It is frequently a result of ageing of the eyelids and increased laxity in the soft tissues.

Non-surgical treatment options for droopiness of the upper eyelids include lifestyle changes (healthy sleep, reduced stress), the use of wrinkle injections in the forehead area, limited skin tightening with radiofrequency or laser resurfacing. However non-surgical options are usually of only modest effect with a short and limited improvement. Only a surgical correction will improve the appearance after the changes are more readily apparent.

Assessment of the eyelids is crucial to exclude other factors that may be influencing the position of the upper eyelids including ptosis, dry eyes or thyroid eye disease. Ptosis is a condition where the fine muscle that elevates the eyelid has become weak or detached, requiring ptosis correction surgery to improve it. Patients who have undergone previous laser refractive surgery should have an evaluation to exclude dry eyes before considering upper eyelid surgery.

Upper blepharoplasty helps improve the shape of the eyelids by rejuvenating their appearance. Most changes in the upper eyelids and lower eyelids are a consequence of facial ageing. However some changes are related to both genetics and the environment (e.g. sun damage and smoking). Blepharoplasty in the upper eyelid involves trimming excess skin and shaping the underlying soft tissues, including the orbicularis oculi muscle and orbital fat.