What happens if you remove too much fat in upper eyelid surgery?

You can get a hallowed out look if too much fat is removed. The idea is to contour the upper eyelid crease so the skin will lie down properly. Additionally, as we age we can start to lose some fat around the orbit which will exacerbate the problem. This is where the art of plastic surgery comes in. This is not an exact science. Less is more in many cases.

Eyelid surgery is never a one-size-fits-all approach -- and you should avoid any surgeon who tells you otherwise.  State-of-the-art eyelid surgery is a complex, artful approach which involves multiple techniques including removal of excess tissues, sculpting and contouring, tightening and lifting of certain areas, removal of some fat (sometimes, but not always), and repositioning of fat at other times -- and that's just a simplified version of the many steps I take when I perform cosmetic eyelid surgery.  Here in the U.S. I'd recommend you see a board-certified, fellowship-trained Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon with specific expertise and extensive experience in cosmetic upper eyelid surgery. Best wishes.
Damon B. Chandler, MD
Harvard-Penn Trained Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon

The removal of excess skin and/or fat may cause hollowing of the upper eyelids and orbit.  Please post a photo for a more in-depth discussion about your situation or see a specialist to learn more.  

Thank you for excellent question.  If too much fat is removed from the upper eyelids  it will create a very Hollow look of the upper eyelids referred to an medical terms as a cadaveric appearance.  Modern blepharoplasty technique emphasizes  preservation of fat  in both the upper and lower eyelids removing only what is definitely protruding out and causing puffiness.   Today most upper blepharoplasty surgery involves primarily removal of excess skin.