Upper Blepharoplasty

Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Antonio, TX

Upper Blepharoplasty Dr. Suresh Koneru San Antonio

Upper blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that carefully removes small amounts of fatty tissue and skin to rejuvenate the upper eyelid. Often referred to as an upper eyelid lift, this surgery restores the shape of the eyelid to improve a patient’s contour and visual field. Blepharoplasty safely revitalizes the upper eyes by extracting tiny amounts of the fat pads located by the crease and corner of the eyelid. It can also significantly reduce signs of aging in this area.

Plastic surgery of the upper eye can improve both the aesthetic appearance of the upper third of the face and a patient’s quality of life. Dr. Suresh Koneru is a board-certified plastic surgeon who performs all types of cosmetic procedures and treatments for patients in and around San Antonio, TX. With 25 years of experience, his training and proven approaches result in long-lasting and natural-looking cosmetic outcomes.

Schedule an upper blepharoplasty consultation today by filling out this online form or calling Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery at (210) 499-5900. We look forward to hearing from you!

All About Upper Eyelid Lifts

With the passage of time and extended exposure to UV light, our facial skin can start to show signs of aging. One of the most obvious signs is hooding(sagging) of the eyelid, a common occurrence that eventually happens to everyone as they age. The muscles surrounding the eyes start to weaken, leading to herniated fat pads and excess skin along the upper eyelid. The optimal treatment to correct these signs is upper eyelid blepharoplasty.

Types of Upper Eyelid Lifts

Dr. Koneru performs different types of blepharoplasty procedures depending on the patient’s eyelid contour and signs of aging. The first option is to remove only skin. If an eyelid is sagging and no fat pads are protruding, he places a simple crescent-shaped incision along the skin of the upper eye and removes the sliver of tissue. This type of eyelid lift is appropriate for those with smooth, supported internal eye muscles, but who have saggy eyelids due to genetics. (1) It can often be performed under local anesthesia in the office. For those with less support around the eye, Dr. Koneru can repair the orbicularis muscle that surrounds the eye socket and closes the eyelids. This often provides more support and improves the area’s contour.

Lastly, upper blepharoplasty can also remove sections of protruding fat. This leads to excess bulk along the upper eyelid. There are two main fat pads located in this area beneath the eyelid muscle: the central and nasal pads. Dr. Koneru makes a small incision inside the lid to access either or both of these fat deposits, then, he removes the sections that are causing extra bulk. This type of blepharoplasty can significantly improve the upper eye contour and shape, along with providing the patient with a more complete visual field. (2)

Benefits of Upper Blepharoplasty

An upper eyelid lift provides both medical and cosmetic benefits for qualifying patients. These include:

  • Contouring of the upper eyelid
  • Reducing bulk and excess skin
  • Brightening the eye
  • Broadening the eye shape
  • Improving the visual field
  • Enhancing the facial upper third
  • Concealable scarring
  • Anti-aging capabilities
  • Safe and effective procedure
  • Long-lasting results

Ideal Candidates

Upper blepharoplasty candidates often have excess skin and bulging along the upper eyelid. This may negatively impact their visual field and make them look more tired than they actually are. To qualify for this procedure, patients should be in good overall health with no underlying eye conditions that may hinder recovery. They are non-smokers or are willing to quit at least one month before their surgery date. Candidates should also have realistic and reachable goals for what an eyelid lift can achieve. Dr. Koneru will assess this and your candidacy during a private consultation at Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery.

Personal Consultation with Dr. Koneru

Dr. Koneru will meet with you to discuss your medical history and expectations before scheduling an upper eyelid lift. During your private consultation, he will explore and explain his surgical approach and create a personalized treatment plan to address your cosmetic needs. He will inquire about current medications and perform the necessary blood tests to determine your health. Please prepare a detailed description of your medical history beforehand which is easy to complete through our patient app.

If you are a good candidate for the procedure, he will then walk you through the entire process. Dr. Koneru will create your treatment plan and further explain your surgery step-by-step to prepare you. At the end of this meeting, a member of his staff will help you schedule your upper blepharoplasty and provide preparation instructions.

How Do I Prepare for Upper Eyelid Surgery?

To best prepare yourself for any cosmetic surgery, we recommend that you:

  • Create a comfortable space in your home where you can relax and heal during the recovery period.
  • Pick up any new prescriptions from Dr. Koneru before your surgery date, these can usually be sent in electronically prior to your surgery for your convenience.
  • Schedule time off of work to comfortably relax after your upper eyelid lift. Most patients take at least one week to rest.
  • Arrange transportation by asking a trusted friend to drive you to and back home from our surgery center.
  • Avoid NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen, as these blood-thinning medications can cause complications.
  • Refrain from smoking tobacco and nicotine products to avoid delayed healing.
  • Avoid alcohol consumption as these products can negatively impact surgery recovery and results.
  • Refrain from taking certain medications like the herbal supplements vitamin E and ginkgo. These can also thin your blood.

Upper Blepharoplasty Procedure

Upper Blepharoplasty Dr. Suresh Koneru San Antonio

Dr. Koneru and his surgical team first administer the appropriate anesthetic (general or topical anesthesia with sedation) to ensure your comfort during surgery. He then carefully places his incision along the natural crease of the upper eyelid. Next, he navigates toward the internal structures of the eyelid to find the fat pads and muscle. If the fat is herniated, he removes sections of tissue carefully through a small internal incision.

After he reaches the preferred contour and corrects muscle sagging, he removes any excess skin to tighten the lid structure. Lastly, Dr. Koneru places a thin suture along the incision to carefully stitch the area without creating a noticeable scar. Depending on the patient’s circumstances, upper blepharoplasty takes 1 to 2 hours to complete.

Recovery

The recovery period for upper blepharoplasty varies between patients depending on their personal healing rates. You may experience some bruising and swelling for up to three weeks after your surgery. Dr. Koneru may recommend cold compresses or other remedies to reduce these symptoms. To promote quick healing, those with physically demanding jobs should refrain from returning to work for two weeks. After 5 to 7 days, you may feel well enough to complete simple daily tasks. If you wear contact lenses, please wear your glasses instead while your eyelids heal.

Long-Lasting Results

The results of upper blepharoplasty are typically long-lasting and immediately noticeable. As your swelling subsides, the lids become tighter and smoother, and your visual field may improve. The final contour will be visible after 4 to 6 weeks of recovery. Your eyes will look brighter and more awake, often leading to a more cheerful expression. An upper eyelid lift can lead to a youthful-looking complexion as the results can last for 10 to 15 years, depending on your skin’s elasticity.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

Lower Blepharoplasty

To address the lower lids, Dr. Koneru can perform a lower eyelid lift on its own or at the same time as an upper eyelid blepharoplasty (quad blepharoplasty). This procedure removes bulk and corrects dark circles underneath the lower lash line. He places a discrete incision either inside or outside of the lower eyelid. He then moves toward the fat pads under the eye and extracts small sections to smooth the area. To finish the procedure, Dr. Koneru sutures the eyelid carefully in a similar fashion to an upper blepharoplasty. Combining these two surgeries allows patients to achieve a more complete eye rejuvenation.

Brow Lift

A brow lift is a surgical cosmetic procedure that lifts the eyebrow region and smooths the forehead area to revitalize the facial upper third. Dr. Koneru places small incisions along the hairline above the brows. Next, he places internal sutures to secure the sagging tissue and reduce wrinkles along the forehead. For those who qualify, he can perform an endoscopic brow lift using small surgical tools and a camera to lift the tissue underneath the skin. This more conservative and advanced technique allows smaller incisions hidden behind the hairline and shorter recovery times.

Read our blog to learn more about other popular plastic surgeries at Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery.

How Much Does Upper Blepharoplasty Cost in San Antonio?

Dr. Koneru determines each individual’s total cost according to their eyelid condition, complexity of the surgery, and their desired outcome.

To receive a direct quote from Dr. Koneru, please schedule a private consultation at Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery today. Call our office at (210) 499-5900 or fill out this form to take the first step.

FAQ

Does an upper eyelid lift require anesthesia?

Upper blepharoplasty can be performed using local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s preferences and the surgeon’s recommendation. Local anesthesia with sedation is commonly used as it provides optimal comfort while ensuring patient safety.

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

The results of upper blepharoplasty are long-lasting; however, individual experiences may vary. While the natural aging process will continue, the improvements achieved through surgery can provide significant and enduring benefits. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and protecting the skin from damage can contribute to longer-lasting results.

Can upper blepharoplasty be combined with other procedures?

Yes, upper blepharoplasty can be combined with other cosmetic procedures to achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Commonly combined procedures include lower blepharoplasty, facelift, or brow lift.

References

  1. 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
  2. Patel BC, Malhotra R. Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty. PubMed. Published 2020. Accessed April 10, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537078/