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The skin on the upper and lower eyelids is delicate and prone to aging. For many people, the eyes are one of the first places where the skin stretches, wrinkles and sags. When the eyelid skin loses elasticity and firmness, it can result in eyes that make you look older, tired or sad. Blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift surgery, can revitalize the eyes to help them look years younger. At LM Medical NYC in Greenwich Village and the Upper East Side, we offer eyelid lift surgery to rejuvenate the eyes for a more energetic, youthful appearance.

Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty

Both the upper and lower eyelids are prone to excess skin and fat that can impact their appearance. On the upper eyelid, excess skin and fat can sag and fold, making the eyes look droopy and tired. An upper blepharoplasty can tighten and lift the upper eyelid to open the eyes and make them appear more youthful and awake.

The lower eyelid can also have excess skin and fat that sags, creating eye bags that make you appear perpetually fatigued. A lower eyelid lift surgery can remove excess fat and skin while tightening and firming the undereye area. The result is a smoother transition under the eye to the upper cheek for a more youthful and rested appearance.

Upper Blepharoplasty FAQ

Are you an eyelid specialist?

Yes! Dr. Lesley Rabach is a world-renowned, double board certified facial plastic surgeon who has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the complexity and delicacy of eyelid anatomy. She completed her internship and residency in head and neck surgery at Yale New Haven Hospital and followed that with an ABFPRS-accredited facial plastic surgery fellowship. Dr. Lesley uses the most advanced surgical techniques and has an artistic eye, which has allowed her to perfect her upper blepharoplasty technique.

What happens during the consultation?

Every upper blepharoplasty surgery is customized to meet the aesthetic needs of the patient. During the surgical consultation, Dr. Lesley will carefully assess and evaluate the patient’s eye and periorbital anatomy.

Does the surgeon operate on the Asian eye?

Dr. Lesley is also a specialist in Asian blepharoplasty, which is a highly specialized technique.

Will I have eyelid closure issues after surgery?

You will not have any issues closing or opening your eyes post-surgery.

Can I get dry eyes after upper eyelid blepharoplasty?

Dry eyes are not a side effect after surgery. If you are someone who experiences dry eyes at baseline, it will remain that way; the surgery itself does not ever cause dry eyes.

How many cases do you do a year?

Typically, Dr. Rabach conducts over 150 cases a year.

How is an upper blepharoplasty conducted?

Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin from the upper eyelid to decrease sagging skin that develops over time. The majority of patients elect to have this procedure done in our office, and it takes between 35-50 minutes. Precise drawings of the excess skin are made, after which local anesthesia is placed. Once the area is ready, Dr. Rabach removes the skin along the natural fold of the eyelid. Small stitches are used to delicately close the skin edges, which are removed five days later.

Is an upper blepharoplasty strictly a cosmetic surgery?

Upper blepharoplasty is almost always a cosmetic surgery, unless overhanging skin restricts vision.

What does an upper eyelid lift not do?

An eyelid lift will give patients a more youthful peri-orbital appearance. However, an upper blepharoplasty does not remove dark circles, crow’s feet or other wrinkles around the eyes. Typically, surgery is complemented with additional filler and Botox® injections above and around the upper face and forehead.

What is the recovery like?

Stitches are typically removed five days after surgery. There is always some degree of swelling and bruising and minimal/no pain. We have specific patient protocols leading up to and after the procedure to minimize these temporary side effects with excellent results. Our protocol includes a medical-grade scar gel and concealer. They are used almost immediately after surgery so that patients can begin to feel like themselves again and carry about their normal business.

If your eyes look older or tired due to sagging skin, eyelid lift surgery may be the solution to refresh your appearance. To learn more about lower or upper blepharoplasty, contact us at our clinics in Manhattan to schedule a consultation with expert facial surgeon Dr. Lesley.

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