PROCEDURES
Upper Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty)
Upper Blepharoplasty, also referred to as an upper eyelid lift is a cosmetic procedure that aims to reduce the appearance of hooded or ‘sagging’ eyelids. Patients opt for an upper eyelid lift to minimise signs of ageing and achieve a more youthful and revitalised appearance. Combating signs of ageing with upper lid blepharoplasty to achieve a natural result is an area of speciality at Yapa Plastic Surgery.
Book your consultation for blepharoplasty in London.
The Secret To Youthful Transformations
Upper lid blepharoplasty is a meticulous procedure designed to address both functional and aesthetic concerns of the upper eyelid. Focusing on the precise removal of excess skin and management of fatty tissue around the eye, you can expect a restored youthful appearance following upper lid surgery.
Ageing is inescapable, but the barriers of insecurity and discomfort it presents can be managed with the correct treatments. The eyes are one of the most expressive features of the face as well as being a central component of the overall appearance. Opting for blepharoplasty in London can restore the freshness that perhaps was once lost, enhancing your self-confidence.
At a glance
Procedure Length:
Approximately 1 to 2 hours.
Cost:
Starting at £3,500 (local anaesthetic), £4,500 (general anaesthetic)
Hospital Stay:
An outpatient procedure; no overnight hospital stay is required.
Anaesthesia:
Typically a local anaesthetic. A mild sedation may be offered.
Showering:
Avoid showering on the face for one week. Gentle face washing is permitted from the second day.
Sleeping:
Sleep with the head elevated for the first few nights to minimise swelling.
Make-Up:
Refrain from using eye make-up for the first 10-14 days to prevent irritation.
Driving:
Avoid driving for the first 24-48 hours post-surgery or until vision is clear and unobstructed.
Smoking:
Avoid smoking for at least 2 weeks before and after the procedure to promote better healing.
Direct Sun Exposure:
Should be minimised for the first 2-3 weeks. Use a high SPF and wear sunglasses when outdoors.
Kshem Yapa For Upper Lid Blepharoplasty
Kshem Yapa is an award-winning surgeon trained in all aspects of cosmetic surgery, with sub-specialisation in advanced rejuvenation techniques such as deep plane facelifts and ultrasonic rhinoplasty. For upper eyelid surgery, Mr Yapa has an abundance of experience in transforming the ‘tired’ appearance that excess eyelid skin can present, and completely revitalising the appearance subtly.
As a member of the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) to name a few of his accreditations, Mr Yapa is extremely qualified in performing such treatments. His surgical approach consistently raises standards, with facial rejuvenation results that build upon a patient’s natural aesthetic.
Ideal Candidates For Blepharoplasty in London
The question of what type of patient is a good candidate for upper lid blepharoplasty can depend on both environmental and hereditary factors. For a majority of the population, our eyes can be the first facial feature to experience the effects of ageing, with drooping developing as a result of the skin losing elasticity and depletion of collagen. As a result, confidence can deter with the eyes being a more notable sign of one’s age.
Individuals who suffer from excess fat deposits on their upper lid may also be good candidates, as this can cause the impairment of vision due to excess skin obstruction. Medical considerations are also accounted for, as candidates in overall good health, with healthy eyes and realistic expectations are more likely to qualify, but this can all be discussed during a consultation with Kshem Yapa.
Benefits of Upper Eyelid Lift Surgery
Choosing an upper eyelid lift, or upper blepharoplasty, can be transformative for both your appearance and self-confidence. Understanding the benefits of this procedure can help you make a more informed decision as to whether this surgery is right for you:
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Rejuvenate Youthful Eyes:
The skin on your upper eyelids, vulnerable to age and gravity, can sag over time. Upper lid blepharoplasty works to remove this excess skin and tighten what remains, revealing a brighter, younger look around your eyes.
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Reduces Signs Of Tiredness:
The tired appearance is something that unfortunately comes hand in hand with excess upper lid skin. Blepharoplasty aims to carefully reshape the areas, resulting in a much more awakened and vibernat appearance.
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Improved Self-Confidence:
Self confidence can be diminished as we experience signs of ageing such as excess eyelid skin. Upper lid blepharoplasty provides authentic results with the simple removal and reshaping of the upper eyelid, resulting in improved confidence.
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Reduced Forehead Lines:
If you’ve found yourself raising your eyebrows to offset drooping eyelids, you might be encouraging forehead wrinkles. With your eyelids lifted, you’ll naturally relax your brow, which could slow the appearance of those lines.
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Enhance Your Field of Vision:
Beyond aesthetics, drooping upper eyelid skin can, for some, obstruct vision. Correcting this not only improves how you look but can also provide clearer, unobstructed vision, making everyday tasks more effortless.
Surgical Techniques Used
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a meticulous procedure tailored to address specific concerns of the upper eyelids. Your unique needs and goals determine the approach and techniques employed. The surgical technique used can be determined during a consultation with Kshem Yapa. There are two main surgical techniques used for upper eyelid surgery:
An incision is made along the natural crease of the upper eyelid. This enables the removal or repositioning of fat deposits, tightening of muscles, and excision of excess skin, ensuring scars remain hidden.
In cases where the eyelid droops significantly, a ptosis correction might be necessary. This involves tightening the muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid. The technique of ptosis correction used will depend on the strength of the eyelids muscle.
For most corrections, the levator aponeurosis, the fibrous tissue connecting the levator muscle to the eyelid, will be carefully tightened or shortened to achieve a natural appearance. If the levator muscle is too weak, a different technique will be used.
A small incision will be made to take a thin layer of strong tissue (fascia) from your forehead. This fascia becomes a sling, meticulously crafted to connect the underside of your brow muscle (frontalis) to your eyelid. Essentially, lifting power is ‘borrowed’ from your brow to raise your eyelid.
Upper Eyelid Lift Procedure Steps
Upper eyelid lifts are generally considered a straightforward, minor procedure given that there is no extensive skin removal involved and it can be performed under local anaesthesia. Mr Kshem Yapa performs all eyelid surgeries with diligent care in a sterile environment, safeguarding your well-being throughout the procedure. For a blepharoplasty in London, you should expect the following procedure:
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Anaesthesia
You will be comfortably seated in an adjustable surgical chair. To ensure you remain at ease during the surgery, a local anaesthetic is administered, numbing the eyelid area. You may also be offered some mild sedation to put you more at ease during the procedure.
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Incision Making
After tilting your head backwards on a head supporter, you’ll be asked to close your eyes. Your surgeon, Mr Kshem Yapa, will then make precise markings on the eyelid to guide the incision. These marks are meticulously placed within the natural crease of your upper eyelid to ensure minimal visible scarring. He then proceeds with a carefully shaped incision, based on the amount of skin and fat to be adjusted.
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Adjustments and Refinement
With the incision made, Mr Yapa delicately removes the necessary excess skin and, if required, any puffy fat pads beneath.
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Closing the Incisions
Once adjustments are complete, the incisions are closed using sutures that promote healing and produce minimal scarring.
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Results and Recovery
Once the procedure is completed, you’ll be able to open your eyes immediately, with the initial outcome already evident.
Upper Lid Lift Vs Lower
Although blepharoplasty is the umbrella term, there are two types of eyelid surgeries to consider. The upper eyelid lift differs from the lower lift in a number of ways. Whilst the upper eyelid lift aims to combat excess skin and fat deposits on the upper lid, the lower lid lift addresses concerns such as excessive eye bags, wrinkles and the constant presence of puffiness. Both procedures can be performed safely and effectively in the hands of an experienced plastic surgeon such as Kshem Yapa. Determining which eyelid lift is right for you is best solidified during a consultation.
Risks and Complications
As with all cosmetic surgeries, upper lid blepharoplasty comes with inherent risks that patients should be aware of. All risks and complications will be outlined in detail by Kshem Yapa and his dedicated team, to maintain transparency and keep you informed. Within your bespoke treatment plan, you will also be equipped with advice on pre-op care and how to streamline the recovery process at home. Keep in mind the following side effects and risks:
Often temporary, these are typical post-operative reactions. The effects typically go away within one to two weeks post-surgery.
While Mr Yapa takes great care to make incisions in the most discreet locations, it’s important to understand that scarring can still occur. However, any resultant scars are usually faint and within the natural crease of the eyelid.
Some patients might experience dryness in their eyes following the procedure. This condition is generally temporary and can be managed effectively with appropriate eye drops or medications.
It may feel odd or difficult to close your eyes for the first couple of days. This typically resolves as healing progresses.
A transient numbness or change in sensation around the eyelid region is possible, but this sensation usually restores naturally over time.
Everyone’s body heals differently, and on very rare occasions, there might be slight discrepancies in the appearance of the two eyelids.
While exceedingly uncommon, especially in upper blepharoplasty, potential complications could include wound infections, minor bleeding, prolonged eye irritation, and issues with eye movement and vision.
Upper Eyelid Lift Recovery
After your upper blepharoplasty, it’s common to experience temporary symptoms such as a burning sensation in the eyes, sensitivity to light, watery or itchy eyes, and mild discomfort. These symptoms typically subside within a few days.
In the initial recovery phase, you might notice some swelling and bruising around the eye area, which will gradually lessen over two to three weeks. Cold compresses can help alleviate these symptoms, and over-the-counter pain relief can manage any discomfort.
While you may feel ready to return to work after 2-3 days, it’s worth noting that visible signs of the procedure, like bruising, might still be evident. Wearing sunglasses can both shield your eyes from the sun and discreetly hide any initial postoperative signs. It’s also advised not to drive immediately after your surgery due to potential vision compromise, so please ensure you have arrangements for someone to pick you up.
Longer-term, the scars from the incisions, typically discreetly located in the natural crease of the eyelid, might take a few months to reach their final state. It’s essential to protect these healing areas from sun exposure during this time. Should you have any concerns during the recovery phase, always reach out to your healthcare provider.
24-hour Response Team
Following your blepharoplasty in London, you will have a direct phone line to our 24-hour cosmetic nurse who will assist with any questions or concerns you may have. We understand the stress that comes with undergoing surgery, and that is why we support our patients every step of the way, from your initial consultation all the way through to recovery.
Upper Lid Blepharoplasty FAQs
For upper lid blepharoplasty, we encourage patients to get in touch with Kshem Yapa to ensure all advice is tailored to their unique circumstances. As a general overview, please see the following FAQs as some of the most common questions we receive regarding upper lid surgery:
The cost of upper lid blepharoplasty is determined by the type of anaesthetic used and can vary per individual circumstances. The cost for upper lid blepharoplasty starts at £3,500 using local anaesthetic, and £4,500 for general anaesthetic. Please bear in mind that the cost may vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, and more specifically if a combination of treatments are required.
Upper lid blepharoplasty is a long-term solution for drooping eyelids, providing notable yet natural results. Individual results can vary from person to person, but on average patients can expect to maintain their upper blepharoplasty results for 10-15 years. With excess skin and fat deposits removed, it will be a number of years before patients start to consider repeat surgery, with most being satisfied with the one treatment.
Certainly, lifestyle choices may hinder the long-term effects of upper-lid blepharoplasty, such as excessive sun exposure. Maintaining a good skincare routine, consisting of SPF, collagen and moisturiser can maintain your upper blepharoplasty results for longer.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to an upper lid lift, and requirements can vary per each individual’s age. Blepharoplasty is opted for to reduce signs of ageing. Some patients start to see more notable drooping in the upper lid from ages 40 and above.
It is normal however for patients of a younger age to opt for this surgery due to genetic factors causing the upper lid to impair vision. We always recommend consulting with your trusted surgeon to configure whether this treatment is right for you and to discuss all possible treatment pathways.
Kshem Yapa will create a bespoke treatment plan for you to follow during your upper blepharoplasty journey. Here are some general guidelines that all patients should follow in preparation for their blepharoplasty in London:
Stop Smoking: You should avoid smoking at least 2 weeks before treatment to promote better healing. Neglecting this advice can lead to surgical risk, and likely the postponement of your upper lid treatment.
Adjust Medications: All medications need to be disclosed to your surgeon to determine if they will interfere with surgery. You may be advised to stop certain medications.
Arrange Post-Op Aftercare: You will be advised to not drive for 24-48 hours post-surgery. Due to this, it is recommended to have transportation arranged. You will also need support at home during this period to help you with essential tasks with your vision being obscured.
Follow Your Surgeon’s Guidelines: The best method of preparation is listening to your surgeon’s advice. Kshem Yapa will provide a comprehensive treatment plan as to how you can best prepare for surgery.
Upper lid lifts can often be combined with brow lifts to target droopy (ptotic) brows, removing excess skin and heaviness in the upper eyelid area. Although blepharoplasty removes excess upper eyelid skin, it does not combat signs of ageing such as wrinkles that may be present around the eye. For ‘crows feet’ for example, an anti-wrinkle treatment may be recommended in combination to further enhance the awakened appearance.
In addition to this, surgical combinations may also be considered. For example, a lower lid lift is often combined for a comprehensive solution to excess skin around the eyes. Or, if patients wish to target features such as jowls and midface sagging, a facelift may also be recommended to achieve the desired results. A long-lasting, natural rejuvenation of the face is what we constantly achieve for patients here at Yapa Plastic Surgery.
