Upper Eyelid Lift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Houston, TX and The Woodlands, TX

An upper eyelid lift (upper blepharoplasty) is a procedure that removes excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle from the upper eyelids to correct a drooping or hooded appearance. Patients choose this treatment to restore a more youthful, brighter upper face and, in some cases, regain optimal peripheral vision.

Dr. Sanaz Harirchian, M.D., is a fellowship-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon who has dedicated her career to aesthetic and reconstructive facial surgery. Dr. Harirchian has a deep understanding of complex techniques and specializes in refined procedures with an emphasis on personalized care. Through her finely tuned approach to facial aesthetics, Dr. Harirchian endeavors to create lasting, natural-looking results that empower all of her patients to age with grace and confidence.

To explore your potential for an upper eyelid lift and schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Harirchian, contact our offices in Houston and The Woodlands by phone at (713) 701-7269 or submit our online contact form.

About Upper Eyelid Lifts

An upper eyelid lift is a surgical procedure that addresses the signs of aging that affect the upper portion of the eye area. (1) As we age, this delicate skin loses its elasticity, and the muscles supporting the eyelids begin to weaken. This often results in the accumulation of excess skin and fat, creating a heavy, hooded, or tired expression. Dr. Harirchian uses her extensive training to perform precise extractions and adjustments, ensuring that the results of each upper eyelid lift appear natural and refreshed. By meticulously removing sagging tissue, she helps patients achieve a more alert and youthful aesthetic while preserving the unique character of their eyes.

Benefits

An upper eyelid lift offers numerous advantages that address both aesthetic and functional concerns. Dr. Harirchian focuses on delivering results that respect the natural shape of the eye while providing a meaningful refreshment. Some notable benefits include:

  • Improved Vision: For many patients, significantly drooping eyelids can sag over the lash line, obstructing the superior and peripheral fields of vision. Removing this excess tissue can literally open your eyes to a clearer world. (2)
  • Rejuvenated Upper Face: By eliminating eyelid “hooding,” the procedure resolves a perpetually tired, heavy, or solemn expression, allowing the eyes to appear brighter and more open.
  • Natural, Refreshed Look: Dr. Harirchian’s technique emphasizes conservative tissue removal to ensure you still look like yourself, just more rested.
  • Long-Lasting Results: While the aging process continues, the structural improvements made during an upper eyelid lift can last for years, typically a decade or more.

Candidates

Dr. Harirchian will determine your candidacy for an upper eyelid lift during your personal consultation. This procedure is designed for patients with significant skin laxity or fatty deposits that create a heavy or drooping appearance to the upper eyelids and may obstruct vision. Potential candidates should be in overall good health, free of any conditions that could increase surgical risk. Candidates should be non-smokers, or willing to abstain from nicotine use for an extended period of time before and after surgery. All patients should hold realistic expectations about what surgery can help them achieve.

Personal Consultation

Your treatment journey begins with a comprehensive meeting with Dr. Harirchian at either her Houston or Woodlands office. Here, she will perform a thorough facial analysis, examining the skin quality, muscle tone, and fat composition of your eyelids. She will listen closely to your specific concerns and goals, ensuring that her recommendations align with your vision. She will also review your complete medical history, including any previous surgeries or eye conditions. This collaborative environment allows Dr. Harirchian to curate a customized treatment plan specific to your unique anatomy and goals, whether you need a simple skin excision or a more complex fat repositioning.

To get started and request a consultation with Dr. Harirchian, call our offices at (713) 701-7269 or contact us online.

Preparation

To help you prepare for a successful procedure and smooth recovery, Dr. Harirchian will provide you with detailed instructions, which typically include:

  • Discontinuing use of certain blood-thinning medications and supplements.
  • Scheduling time off from professional and personal commitments to recover.
  • Arranging personal transportation and care for the day of surgery and 24-48 hours of initial recovery.

Procedure

Dr. Harirchian performs each upper eyelid lift as an outpatient procedure with general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. She marks the incision line carefully, placing it strategically within the natural crease of the upper eyelid to minimize visible scarring. Through this incision, Dr. Harirchian removes excess, sagging skin and carefully addresses any protruding fat pads. In some instances, she may tighten underlying muscles to create a firmer, smoother contour.

Finally, she closes the incision with fine sutures, designed to minimize trauma and promote smooth healing. Dr. Harirchian’s artful and conservative approach emphasizes symmetry and natural-looking results.

Recovery

Most patients find the recovery from an upper eyelid lift to be quite manageable. During the first week, you can expect some swelling and bruising, which you can manage with cold compresses and elevating your head. Many patients feel comfortable returning to non-strenuous work within 7 to 10 days. While Dr. Harirchian encourages light walking early on to promote healthy blood flow, you should avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for at least three weeks or until she provides clearance. It is vital that you protect your healing eyelids with sunglasses and hats when outdoors. Dr. Harirchian will monitor your progress during follow-up appointments to ensure everything is healing as expected.

Results

The results of an upper eyelid lift are designed to be subtle yet significant. You will notice a brighter, more open eye area that looks refreshed rather than “operated on.” Your friends and coworkers may think you just returned from a much-needed vacation! Because the incisions are hidden within the natural folds of your lids, the scars fade remarkably well over time. While surgery cannot stop the natural aging process, the improvements made to the eyelid structure are long-lasting, helping you maintain a youthful appearance for many years to come.

Corresponding Procedures

For a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation, Dr. Harirchian may recommend combining an upper eyelid lift with other treatments. Depending on your goals, these procedures can help create a balanced and harmonious result across your upper and mid-face.

Lower Eyelid Lift

A lower eyelid lift (lower blepharoplasty) focuses on the area beneath the eye to address concerns such as puffiness, under-eye bags, and dark circles caused by shifting fat pads. By carefully repositioning or removing excess fat and tightening the lower eyelid skin, Dr. Harirchian creates a smoother, more continuous transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek.

Brow Lift

A brow lift corrects sagging of the eyebrows that can contribute to heaviness or hooding of the upper eyelids. By elevating the brow line to a more youthful, natural position, Dr. Harirchian can open up the eyes and create a more alert, energetic appearance. This procedure is an excellent companion to an upper eyelid lift, as it addresses the structural cause of upper-face heaviness, ensuring long-lasting and optimal aesthetic results.

Facelift

A facelift (rhytidectomy) addresses significant signs of aging in the lower two-thirds of the face. This procedure tightens the underlying facial tissues and removes excess skin, which effectively addresses jowls, jawline laxity, and deep nasolabial folds. When performed alongside eyelid surgery, a facelift ensures that the rejuvenation of the upper face is balanced by a firmer, more contoured, and harmonious lower face.

Cost of an Upper Eyelid Lift in Houston and The Woodlands, TX

The cost of your upper eyelid lift will depend on factors specific to your unique treatment plan, including anesthesia requirements, the complexity of your case, and whether or not you choose to include any corresponding procedures. During your consultation, Dr. Harirchian will provide you with a full price estimate that reflects all the details of your treatment plan.

To schedule your consultation and learn more about the rejuvenative power of an upper eyelid lift, call (713) 701-7269 or submit our online contact form.

FAQ

Will an upper eyelid lift leave visible scarring?

Dr. Harirchian is careful to place incisions within the natural folds and creases of the upper eyelid. As a result, any scarring is typically well-hidden and becomes virtually imperceptible once fully healed.

Will an upper eyelid lift help improve my vision?

Yes, if your upper eyelid skin is severe enough to hang over your eyelashes and obstruct your upper or peripheral vision, removing that excess tissue can significantly improve your visual field.

Is upper eyelid surgery painful?

The surgery itself is painless, thanks to anesthesia. Most patients report only mild, temporary discomfort during initial recovery, which can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Can an upper eyelid lift be combined with other procedures?

Absolutely! Many patients choose to combine their upper eyelid lift with other facial procedures to achieve a more comprehensive rejuvenation and take advantage of combined downtime. Dr. Harirchian can help you explore which additional treatments may be right for you.

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. An SH, Jin SW, Kwon YH, Ryu WY, Jeong WJ, Ahn HB. Effects of upper lid blepharoplasty on visual quality in patients with lash ptosis and dermatochalasis. International Journal of Ophthalmology. 2016;9(9):1320-1324. doi:10.18240/ijo.2016.09.15