How to Fix Hooded Upper Eyelids

Causes and Treatment of Excess Upper Eyelid Skin

Excess upper eyelid skin is characterised by the presence of small flaps of excess skin under each eyebrow. In most cases, it is a hereditary trait. However, it can also occur with ageing. While this can be a cosmetic concern, in some cases, it can impair your vision especially if there is excessive skin on your upper eyelid.
If you are experiencing vision problems due to excess upper eyelid skin, you may consider a surgical procedure called upper blepharoplasty or Upper Eyelid Surgery.
Dr Scott Turner is a specialist plastic surgeon who performs upper blepharoplasty for excess upper eyelid skin – find out more about his Blepharoplasty Surgery and look at his

Common Causes of Excess Upper Eyelid Skin

Several factors can lead to the development of this eye condition, such as:

• Age-related changes in the facial structures
• An underlying medical condition called ptosis (drooping of the eyelid due to nerve damage)
• Genetics

What is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a surgery that helps address descending upper eyelid skin. This surgical procedure involves the removal of excess skin, muscle, and fat from the eyelids. Blepharoplasty can also address vision problems by removing the extra skin that partially covers the eyelid.

Are you a Potential Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

During your consultation, your general health and expectations will be carefully assessed to determine if you are a good candidate. In general, the procedure is right for you if:

• The excess skin in your eyelid obstructs your vision.
• The excess skin in your eyelid causes tension headaches.
• You have realistic expectations and a positive outlook.
• You are in good overall health.

Risks and Complications of Blepharoplasty

Like any surgery, blepharoplasty is also associated with potential risks and complications such as:

• Allergic reaction to anaesthesia (e.g. difficulty breathing, severe itching, or rashes)
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Difficulty closing your eyes or other eyelid problems
• Dry, irritated eyes
• Eye muscle injury or damage
• Infection
• Noticeable scarring
• Poor cosmetic results that require another surgery
• Skin discolouration
• Temporarily blurred vision or, in very rare cases, loss of eyesight

The Blepharoplasty Procedure

During the procedure, you will receive intravenous sedation and local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia to minimise discomfort. Dr Turner will recommend the best choice for you depending on your overall health. Once the anaesthesia has taken effect, Dr Turner will create an incision in your eyelid to allow the removal of fat deposits and excess skin and the tightening of muscles. Dr Turner will then reposition the skin. The incisions will be then closed using sutures or skin glue.

What to Expect After Blepharoplasty

After undergoing blepharoplasty, you will likely experience mild to moderate soreness and tightness in your eyelid area. In addition, you will also have some bruising and swelling around your eyes. Other discomforts such as blurred vision, watery eyes, light sensitivity, double vision, eyelid numbness, and pain can also occur. These are expected and are part of your body’s healing process.
You will need to spend some time in a recovery room where you are monitored. Once your condition is stable, you will be discharged from the clinic or medical facility. After a week, you can gradually resume your daily routine but you need to wait 2-3 weeks before engaging in strenuous exercises or activities. Read the blog on Resuming Exercise after Eyelid Surgery.

FAQs about Eyelid Surgery

How do you get rid of excess upper eyelid skin?

Excess upper eyelid skin can be corrected with blepharoplasty, a type of surgery that involves the removal of excess skin, muscle, and fat from your eyelids.

Do eyelid exercises work?

There is no evidence that exercises for excess upper eyelid skin actually work. Surgery is necessary if you want to remove the excess skin, fat, or muscle from your eyelids.

How can I lift my eyes without surgery?

If you’re looking to lift your eye area without surgery, there are some options that you can choose from. Non-surgical treatments such as the following can create a lifting effect:

Botox: It is a substance that is injected into the treatment area to block the transmission of signals going to the muscles, thus, reducing the appearance of fine lines, creases, and wrinkles.

Dermal fillers: This is a naturally occurring substance in your body that is used to fill in sunken facial areas via injections. They add volume and fullness.

Radiofrequency treatments: They use radiofrequency energy to stimulate the production of a skin protein known as collagen.

Laser therapy: It uses controlled laser energy to remove the outer layers of your skin and stimulate the natural wound-healing process.

How can I address excess upper eyelid skin without surgery?

Non-surgical eyelift treatments such as Botox, dermal fillers, radiofrequency treatments, and laser therapy may help address excess upper eyelid skin. Dr Turner will determine the best treatment for you after a thorough assessment of your overall health and expectations.

What causes descending eyelids?

They can be present at birth but they can also occur later in life due to several factors such as:

• A complication of anti-wrinkle injections
• A complication of eye surgery
• Ageing
• Injury or damage to the muscles or ligaments of your eyelids

Can you fix a lazy eyelid?

A lazy eyelid is characterised by excessive eyelid descent. This eye condition can be corrected with blepharoplasty.

Are scars visible after blepharoplasty?

The incision lines for blepharoplasty are created within the natural folds of your eyelid region. Because of this, the resultant scars will be less noticeable. Over time, the surgical scars will lighten as they undergo a maturation process.

Can blepharoplasty change the shape of the eyes?

This surgical procedure is not designed to change the shape of your eyes. It removes excess fat, skin, or muscle from your eyelids.

How should I prepare for blepharoplasty?

To prepare for the surgery:

• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
• Arrange for someone to help you with the house chores once you get home.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol a few weeks before the procedure.
• Avoid medications and herbal supplements that can increase your risk of bleeding such as aspirin.
• Avoid nail polish on the day of the surgery.
• Avoid sun damage and wear sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the procedure.
• Do not wear any makeup on the day of the surgery.
• Get the prescribed lab testing or medical evaluation.
• Prepare a recovery area at home.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes on the day of the surgery.

What is the age limit to undergo blepharoplasty?

There is no correct age for undergoing the surgery. If you have excessive skin in your upper eyelids or bulging fat in your lower eyelids, this procedure is right for you as long as you are in good overall health condition. During your consultation, Dr Turner will thoroughly assess your health and expectations to determine if the procedure is right for you.

Can blepharoplasty be a medical necessity?

If excess upper eyelid skin affects your field of vision and you have proof from an opthamologist, the surgery may be considered “medically necessary.” In this case, your health insurance may be able to cover some of the costs associated with the surgery. However, if blepharoplasty is performed for purely cosmetic purposes, it is not medically necessary and you won’t be eligible for an insurance claim.

How long does blepharoplasty take?

The length of the surgery will depend on several factors such as the complexity of the procedure, the condition of the eyelids, and the skills of your surgeon. In general, blepharoplasty can take an hour to finish.

Can I drive myself home after blepharoplasty?

No, you should not drive after the surgery because you will likely experience swelling in your eye area which can impair your vision. In addition, you will feel groggy especially if general anaesthesia is used during the procedure. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you.

How soon can I go back to work after blepharoplasty?

Recovery time after the surgery varies and will depend on the complexity of the procedure and your body’s ability to heal. In general, you can return to work after a few days but make sure to wear protective glasses. If the nature of your job requires heavy lifting and other strenuous activities, you may need a few weeks off before you can return to your work.

When can I wear contact lenses after blepharoplasty?

You may need to wait at least 2 weeks before wearing contact lenses to prevent further injury to the eyelid area.

Next Steps

Always Do Your Research

• Enquire to find out more about your surgery.
• Please read our website to learn more about your intended procedure.

Do you need a Medical Referral to see Dr Turner?

• A medical referral is helpful but NOT essential for purely cosmetic consultations.
• Please obtain a referral from your GP or Specialist if you want a consultation for an MBS item number surgery.
• Please note that your Medicare Rebates will NOT be claimable without a valid recent Medical Referral.

Making The Most of Your Consultation

• Please arrive early for your in-person consultation.
• You are welcome to bring a friend or relative to help consider the information and discuss your options.
• Ensure you also take a lot of notes during the consultation and thoroughly examine all the documents provided.

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

• Find out more about pricing and payment plans
• Request more information about the procedure – call or contact us

How to Book Your Consultation

• You can book your initial consultation by paying the $350 cosmetic consultation fee in advance – when you make your appointment.

Book a Phone Call For More Info

• To find out more information about surgery you can book a FREE 15-minute phone conversation with our Friendly Patient Care team via Calendly- Book Consultant 1 or Book Consultant 2.

Contact us or call 1300 437 758 to arrange your surgeon consultation in Sydney.
Email us for more information: enquiries@drturner.com.au