Upper Eyelid Lift in Austin | Drooping Upper Eyes | Dr. Amato
×

Upper Blepharoplasty

Upper Blepharoplasty in Austin for a Natural Refreshed Result

Drooping, puffy eyelids can alter your expression, making you look tired or sad; in some cases, they can even obstruct your vision. Eyelid lift surgery, medically known as blepharoplasty, repairs the form and function of eyelids affected by ptosis (drooping eyelid muscle) or sagging skin. An upper eyelid lift, often combined with a brow lift for optimal results, restores a youthful, vibrant look and widens the patient’s peripheral vision. The first signs of aging on the face often occur around the eyes resulting in sagging or wrinkling of skin, if you’ve been told that you look tired and upset, or you feel like you look older than your years, it may be time to consider an upper eyelid lift in Austin with Dr. Malena Amato or Dr. Marie Somogyi.

Is my eyelid lift covered by Insurance?

Blepharoplasty can be performed for cosmetic purposes, but also in some circumstances, it can be considered a medically necessary procedure if the extra skin overhangs your eyelids and reduces peripheral vision. This condition, called dermatochalasis, can be commonly caused by age, heredity and chronic inflammation. Eyelid ptosis is a condition that also causes a drooping upper eyelid, usually caused by a laxity or weakness of the eyelid lifting muscles and can also affect vision. Other symptoms may include headaches, dimming of vision, heaviness and forehead fatigue. If you need an eyelid lift for medical reasons, we can provide the necessary documentation during your exam to submit to insurance who will decide if you are a candidate. We will help you decide which is the best procedure for you. An upper eyelid lift can reduce eye strain and make it easier for you to drive safely and widen peripheral vision.

Patient Experiences

Dr. Amato, did my surgery on my upper eyelid. She walked me through with what to expect and made sure I was comfortable about the surgery. I am so happy with the results, my eyes look so good and natural. I am so happy! She is the best doctor for the eyelid surgery!

How is an Upper Eyelid Lift Performed?

Our surgeons typically use minimally invasive techniques to perform eyelid surgery to minimize scarring and discomfort. These techniques, which utilize tiny incisions and precise instruments, also speed recovery time.

Upper eyelid surgery can be performed under local or IV sedation, often as an office procedure, or in an outpatient surgery setting. Upper eyelid surgery typically takes under an hour. During upper eyelid surgery, a thin incision is made within the natural crease of the eyelid. Through this incision, we remove excess skin and fat; we may also adjust the muscles that support the eyelids due to ptosis.

When brow lift surgery is combined with upper blepharoplasty, a series of tiny incisions are also made along the forehead (just behind the hairline). Endoscopic instruments are then used to tighten the levator muscles within the forehead. Other types of minimally invasive brow lifting can also be performed in conjunction with eyelid surgery. This provides additional support for the upper eyelids while also raising eyebrows that have sagged over time. We may also recommend additional procedures to smooth the skin and fine lines with TCA peel or laser facial resurfacing.

What should I expect after eyelid surgery?

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. Though patients often notice bruising and swelling around their eyes after surgery, pain is minimal and can easily be managed with ice packs and pain medication. Sometimes, patients will also experience mild blurry vision from swelling and antibiotic eye ointment and eye dryness after surgery, but these temporary side effects can be treated with lubricant eye drops. Patients should avoid rigorous activity, bending and heavy lifting the first 1-2 weeks after surgery. We provide all our patients with attentive follow-up care, including the ability to contact us by phone at any time with questions or concerns. If you experience any challenges during your recovery, we’ll be there to listen and assist you. Sometimes, patients will be able to see a faint scar at the incision site, but this will fade after about six months.

ALTERNATIVE TO ICE PACKS AFTER SURGERY

Choosing a Blepharoplasty Surgeon

Though blepharoplasty is a low-risk operation in skilled hands, it’s essential to choose an experienced oculoplastic surgeon to perform this procedure. Dr. Amato and Dr. Somgoyi are oculoplastic surgeons with extensive, specialized training in operating on the delicate tissues around the eyes with board certification in Ophthalmology. Choosing an eyelid specialist with excellent training and experience can minimize the complications associated with eyelid surgery including an unnatural appearance, uneven eyelids, blurry vision, permanently dry eyes, and scarring.

Our surgeons are Austin’s leading experts in the field of oculoplastic surgery, having performed thousands of cosmetic eye procedures. Dr. Amato has completed her medical education at Stanford University in General Surgery and Georgetown University in Ophthalmology, she undertook an accredited two-year ASOPRS Oculofacial Surgery fellowship. Her training has given her the skills needs to perform both male and female blepharoplasty, in addition to Asian blepharoplasty.

Ready to book your procedure?

If you are ready to take the next step, or simply want more information about a procedure, please contact our team! Dr. Amato and Dr. Somogyi look forward to speaking with you soon!

What is the difference between upper eyelid lift/blepharoplasty for men and women?

We understand the natural variations between the male and female eyelid and forehead anatomy. While women tend to have arched brows and thin eyelids, men have low-set eyebrows and fuller eyelids naturally. When performing male eyelid surgery, our surgeons are careful to remove less tissue and retain the curvature of bold brows. This approach ensures that the patient maintains a distinctly masculine look after surgery. 

What is Asian Eyelid Surgery?

Asian eyelid surgery requires specific knowledge of facial anatomy and experience operating on patients of Asian descent. The low upper eyelid crease (or absent crease) that is the hallmark of Asian eyelids can result in visual obstruction as the eyelids sag with age. Sometimes, younger patients also wish to change this genetic feature, either for reasons of personal preference or to make cosmetics easier to apply. After practicing for several years in the San Francisco Bay Area, our team has extensive experience with surgery on Asian patients and a keen understanding of Asian eyelid anatomy. We can alter the position of the eyelid crease in a way that’s flattering to Asian eyelid anatomy while preserving perfect eyelid function.

Contact Us for Your Upper Eyelid Lift Consultation in Austin, Texas

We are committed to providing high-quality care with a friendly, personal touch. Our extensive experience performing eyelid surgery allows us to create natural results while ensuring superior eyelid function and safe, comfortable experience. To learn more about blepharoplasty, contact Eyelid & Facial Plastic Surgery Associates for consultation in our state-of-the-art boutique office in Austin at (512) 501-1010.

We look forward to meeting you and introducing you to the life-changing effects of eyelid and facial surgery!

Blepharoplasty FAQs

Eyelid redness can occur after eyelid surgery from eye irritation, allergies, and pinkish color on the incision lines. It is okay to use mild eye moisturizers, Aquaphor, or Vitamin E oil on the eyelid skin only. If allergic in nature, you can resume or take over the counter allergy eye drops or oral allergy medications.

Itching can occur after eyelid surgery from scar healing, dryness, dry skin and allergies. If allergic in nature, you can resume or take over the counter allergy eye drops or oral allergy medications.

Eye burning, itching, redness and tearing can occur as the eyes adjust to a new eyelid position, or from tightness of the eyelids from mild swelling and scarring that will eventually resolve. Continue to use preservative free artificial tears during the day 2-6 times a day as needed. You can also add a gel nighttime eye lubricant such as Refresh PM or Genteel Gel.

Occasionally, you can have a bruise that just won’t go away. Continue warm compresses on the area for a minute or two a few times a day. Topical Arnica cream can be helpful. This will go away!

The oil glands and scar tissue can leave temporary bumps on the eyelid scars that should go away between 6 and 12 months. Massaging the scars gently twice a day with Vitamin E oil can improve this. If the bumps persist after this time, please come in to see your surgeon. Rarely bumps or prominent scars need to be treated with a steroid injection or removal in the office.

Your eyes may look red and irritated at times especially when tired, at the end of the day, after prolonged reading and with allergies. If so, continue preservative fee artificial tears as needed 2-6 times a day and if necessary, topical allergy drops (e.g. Alaway) twice a day and oral allergy medication.

You may have been looking great then suddenly you notice more swelling than before, often resting on the lashes or below the eye. This can happen with weather changes, as you get more active, and allergies. Ice packs can sometimes help this, as well as allergy medication and time. This will improve but can be a frustrating setback.

Asymmetry is typical just after surgery but if it persists after 6 months, please come in to see your surgeon. In the end, we want to you be pleased with your result and asymmetries should be addressed. An office procedure may be indicated to improve this.

For most, final healing is about a year after surgery. Residual puffiness, redness of the scar, small bumps, asymmetries, should have improved by then. In some cases, you may see mild improvement of the scars up to 2-year s after surgery as healing continues.

Please return to see your surgeon to address your concerns. You should be thrilled you’re your results but results after healing aren’t always perfect or what you expected. We may suggest a scar revision, laser procedure for scarring, or treatment that may improve your appearance, usually a small office procedure.