Would blepharoplasty increase the size of my upper eyelids?

Question

Does blepharoplasty increase the size of the upper eyelids and lift the corners of the eye, or does it simply remove excess skin/fat from around the eye, revealing the eyelid that you had when you were younger? If you never had a big upper lid, can you expect to get a bigger one from a blepharoplasty?

John Park, MD · Answer

If your principal problem is skin that hangs over and covers the area below your upper eyelid crease (also known as dermatochalasis), then upper blepharoplasty would be a good option. Dermatochalasis can give the appearance that your eyes are smaller. If the edge of your upper eyelid sits low, as if you are in a state of half-blinking, then upper eyelid ptosis is present and the eyelid opening is actually smaller. In that case, ptosis surgery is in order to lift the eyelid itself. It is not uncommon for both of these to be present at the same time. Also, with age, the outer corners of the eyes can get rounded and sag. This can be corrected with lateral canthopexy or canthoplasty. I recommend seeing a board certified plastic surgeon, oculoplastic surgeon, or facial plastic surgeon to learn more about what your options are.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The primary goal on the upper blepharoplasty procedure is to remove excess skin and a small amount of fat creating the "hooded" look. For many examples of what can be accomplished with the procedure, please see the link below  to our eyelid surgery photo gallery

Naveen Somia, MBBS, PhD, FRACS · Answer

Thanks for your question. Sorry, I did not understand what you meant by the term ' increase the size of upper lids'. I will try and answer what I think you meant by the term.When you are young there is a space between the eyelid marging and the skin crease just above the margin. This space is used to apply eye shadow.  With ageing the skin and the fat bulge and encroach on this space. So when you apply eye shadow you will lift the skin up to help the application.Upper eyelid surgery removes the excess skin and fat and restores the eye shadow space. If thats what you meant by increase in the size of the upper eyelid then you have your answer.Lifting the corner of the eye is called Canthopexy or Canthoplasty. It is routinely performed with Lower Eyelid Surgery  but not with uppers. You need to speak to your surgeonHope this helps

Roy Ng, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

If I have understood your question correctly, I think there are a few relevant procedures to discuss. As already mentioned, an upper blepharoplasty will remove excess skin and fat in the upper eyelid. This alone will reveal the eyelid that you had when you were younger. However, if desired, the width of the upper eyelid can then be set using the technique of supratarsal fixation, so a wider or narrower eyelid can be created.   A browlift will elevate the drooping tissues above the eyelids and in that sense will rejuvenate and appear to lift the corners of the eyes. However, I get the impression that that is not what you are asking. The actual outer corner of the eye itself can be elevated using a technique called a canthopexy. Beware, however, that it will look unnatural if overdone.A face to face consultation is essential here for you to show your surgeon exactly what result you are hoping to achieve.

Joel E. Kopelman, MD, FACS · Answer

The "size" of your eyelid does not change from an upper eyelid blepharoplasty-what can change is the illusion that your eyelids have gotten bigger.Usually what happens is that many surgeons make an eyelid crease incision above your natural eyelid crease which creates a higher eyelid crease and the illusion that your eyelids have become larger.Unfortunately this often results in a change or unnatural "operated"appearance to your upper eyelids. Therefore the placement of the incision should be placed within your natural crease. In addtion, if your eyelids have a droop called "eyelid ptosis" where you can't fully open your eyelid removing your lax upper eyelid will make you appear different but not necessarily better. In these cases it is often important  to removing both the lax upper eyelid skin and tighten the internal eyelid muscles that raise your eyelid.Then you  will have you a natural and more alert appearance.

George C. Peck, Jr, MD · Answer

A blepharoplasty will remove excess skin and fat on the eyelids, which will reveal a more yourthful eyelid.A blepharoplasty does not raise the eyebrow. If you are interested in raising your eyebrows, you may be a candidate for a brow lift. Without pictures or an exam, it is difficult to give you better advice.The cost for a (4) eyelid blepharoplasty surgery in my NJ practice is $4100. This fee includes the board certified professional fee, board certified anesthesia fee, and Medicare approved surgicenter fee.Consult a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

Rick Rosen, MD · Answer

Upper blepharoplasty will remove the extra skin and fat from your upper eyelid, increasing the area where eye shadow is put. If your brows are low, then you may be a candidate for a brow lift. So if you put your fingers above your eyebrow and lift it, and that is the look you are trying to achieve, you may be a candidate. I would recommend you get a consultation from a board certified plastic surgeon in your area.

Mark Edinburg, MBBCH, FRACS (retired) · Answer

Hello, and thanks for your question.I am not quite sure what you are asking, but I think you mean will you have more open eyelids after surgery? And what do new do that makes them look more open?Surgery is designed to improve the ageing aspects of your eyelid. Some additional changes can be introduced, but these depend on the patient's anatomy, expectations, and what is likely to look 'natural' for your face.It is very important that you and your Plastic Surgeon are in sync about what your expectations are for this surgery. With even the best intentions, online consultations can never substitute for the talking and communicating that goes on in a face-to-face consultation. In my practice, we spend a considerable amount of time discussing so that my patient's expectations, and the options I feel I can offer her, are in alignment.I wish you well in your journey.

Would blepharoplasty increase the size of my upper eyelids?

Answers (8)

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