Everything You Need to Know About Upper Eyelid Surgery
Wondering if your hooded eyelids could use a little lift? In this We Nose Noses episode, Dr. Samir Undavia from NJENT breaks down upper eyelid blepharoplasty, explaining who it’s for, how the procedure works, and what recovery looks like. From the step-by-step surgical process to realistic expectations, this episode gives you a clear picture of how to achieve a refreshed, youthful look without drastic downtime.
What you’ll learn:
- The surgical process for removing excess skin and fat from hooded eyes
- Recovery timeline, pain management, and returning to daily activities
- How results look natural and long-lasting, often leaving friends wondering if you just got more rest
Ready to refresh your eyes? Schedule your consultation today at njent.com and see if blepharoplasty is right for you.
If you have hooded eyes or excess skin on your upper eyelids, upper eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, may be an option to refresh your appearance. Dr. Samir Undavia from NJ ENT explains how this procedure works, what recovery looks like, and what results you can expect.
What is Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty?
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and sometimes fat from the upper eyelids. It can help you:
- Look more rested and youthful
- Reduce hooding that can make your eyes appear tired
- Improve symmetry if your eyelids have aged differently
Many patients call it an eyelid lift because it can make your eyes look open and refreshed without changing your natural appearance.
How the Procedure is Done
Most patients have this procedure done in the office under local anesthesia. Some prefer a small sedative and a friend to drive them home, but for short drives, most patients can go home on their own.
Step by Step
- Marking the eyelids
- Incisions are planned to follow the natural crease of the eyelid.
- For men, the incision placement may differ slightly due to makeup coverage.
- Local anesthesia injection
- Reduces pain and bleeding during surgery
- Patients may notice temporary heart rate changes from epinephrine
- Skin and fat removal
- Excess skin is carefully removed
- Fat may be reduced if needed
- The eyelid muscle remains intact
- Closing the incision
- Blue sutures are used, with small stitches for symmetry
- Antibiotic ointment is applied, and patients take antibiotics for one week
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery is usually straightforward with minimal discomfort.
- Stitches are removed after one week
- Makeup can be applied after 10 days
- Moisturizer and sunblock are recommended on incisions for several weeks
- Most patients can return to work within a week, especially if working from home
- Avoid lifting more than 25 pounds for two weeks
- Light walking is fine immediately, firm workouts after three weeks
Bruising and swelling are typically limited to the upper eyelids and fade over the first week.
How Long Do Results Last?
- Results are generally long-lasting, giving a refreshed appearance that can make you look 10 years younger
- Skin will continue to age naturally, and some patients choose revisions 15 to 20 years later
- Most people report that friends notice they look rested, not that they had surgery
Is Blepharoplasty Right for You?
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is ideal for anyone with:
- Hooded or droopy upper eyelids
- Excess skin affecting the appearance of the eyes
- Desire for a natural, rested look without major surgery
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in exploring upper eyelid surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Samir Undavia at NJ ENT. Our team will discuss your goals, evaluate your eyelids, and recommend the best approach for a refreshed, natural look. Visit njent.com to book your appointment.
