Patients choose upper eyelid surgery at Peak Skin Center in Fuquay-Varina for various cosmetic and functional reasons. Some of the most common include:

Excess or Sagging Upper Eyelid Skin

As collagen and elasticity decrease with age, skin begins to droop. When this occurs in the upper eyelids, it may create hooding or folds that weigh down the eyes. This is one of the primary reasons patients seek blepharoplasty.

Tired or Aged Appearance

Heavy eyelids can make you look fatigued, even when you feel rested. Upper blepharoplasty opens and brightens the eyes, restoring a more energetic, youthful appearance.

Difficulty Applying Makeup

Patients often notice that excess eyelid skin interferes with makeup application, causing smudging or hiding the natural eyelid crease. Surgery restores a smooth, defined eyelid surface.

Obscured Vision

In more advanced cases, sagging eyelid skin can block the upper field of vision. Eyelid surgery can remove this obstruction, improving both appearance and function.

Upper blepharoplasty is a highly individualized procedure. Before surgery, your provider evaluates the eyelid anatomy, brow position, skin elasticity, and specific goals to determine the most natural and effective approach.

Consultation and Design

A personalized exam with board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Thomas Knackstedt helps determine how much skin should be removed and whether there is excess fat contributing to heaviness. Photographs are often taken for planning and symmetry.

The Procedure

• Local anesthesia is typically sufficient, making it an outpatient procedure with minimal downtime.
• Excess skin is removed with meticulous precision to avoid overcorrection. As needed, the eyelid fat pads are adjusted or repositioned. Modern techniques prioritize natural contour rather than hollowing and fat pad removal is uncommon.
• The incision is closed with fine sutures to minimize scarring.

The key to a successful blepharoplasty is achieving a natural result without exaggeration. The goal is to reduce heaviness, highlight the natural eyelid crease, and create a smooth, youthful contour without changing your underlying eye shape or character.

Recovery from upper blepharoplasty is generally smooth and well-tolerated.

Immediately After the Procedure

Patients may experience mild swelling, puffiness, or tightness. Cold compresses and head elevation help minimize swelling. Most return to normal activities within a few days, although strenuous exercise should be avoided for about one to two weeks. Sutures are usually removed after seven days. Keeping the incision clean and following aftercare instructions is essential for optimal healing. The incision is hidden within the natural eyelid crease, making it barely noticeable once healed. Over time, any scar typically fades significantly.

Results

Short-term results become visible within two weeks as swelling decreases. Full results revealing smoother eyelids, improved eye openness, and a more youthful, refreshed appearance continue to refine over several weeks to months. Upper blepharoplasty results are usually long-lasting. While aging continues naturally, most patients enjoy their improved eyelid contour for many years.