COVID-19 UPDATE: As of May 11, 2020, we have re-opened our office to regular in-person appointments. We are operating at a lower-than-normal capacity in order to respect social distancing advisories and best protect the health of our patients. We are still offering telemedicine as an option. For more information please call us at (314) 996-8800.

UPPER-EYELID SURGERY (BLEPHAROPLASTY)

What Is an Upper Blepharoplasty, and Why Choose Our St. Louis Practice?

West County Plastic Surgeons performs upper-eyelid surgery for St. Louis patients, removing excess skin, muscle and fat that can make the eye look hooded, tired, heavy or droopy. During the procedure, an incision is placed in the eyelid crease so that the scar remains hidden when the eyes are open and extremely faint when they are closed. Also known as upper blepharoplasty, upper-eyelid surgery rejuvenates the eye area, helping patients look younger, more alert and well rested.

Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Terry Myckatyn and Dr. Marissa Tenenbaum specialize in upper-eyelid surgery, and they have performed thousands of successful procedures. As Washington University School of Medicine faculty members, they stay current on the most advanced techniques and technologies in plastic surgery. Drs. Myckatyn and Tenenbaum have not only training and experience that lead to technical mastery, but also warm and approachable personalities that lead to good communication. At West County Plastic Surgeons, we pride ourselves on being good listeners because we understand that only when we fully comprehend your concerns can we meet your expectations and help you achieve beautiful, satisfying, safe results.

To speak with one of our plastic surgeons about upper-eyelid surgery, contact our St. Louis office by phoning (314) 996-8800, requesting your consultation online, or emailing us today.

Click here to view a video on upper-eyelid blepharoplasty.

EYELID-SURGERY
Dr. Terry Myckatyn, MD and Dr. Marissa Tenenbaum, MD

Dr. Terry Myckatyn and
Dr. Marissa Tenenbaum:

Trusted. Experienced. Committed.

What Are My Options for Upper Blepharoplasty?

For most of our patients, we perform a traditional upper-eyelid surgery, which involves removing excess skin and fat to create a more alert, youthful-looking eye area. However, this is not always the case, and at West County Plastic Surgeons, we customize your procedure to meet your needs. For instance, some patients who have a condition called dermatochalasis, or excess eyelid skin, require a procedure that removes skin only. Others have bulging fat pads along the lid, which can be removed from their discrete fat compartments. Occasionally, a thin strip of muscle called the orbicularis oculi is also removed to reduce bulk in the eyelid.

In some cases, excess skin on the eyelid can lead to straining, causing an individual’s eyelids to work harder than normal to remain open. In this case, health insurance often covers upper-eyelid surgery to remove the redundant skin and optimize the field of vision.

Upper-Eyelid Surgery: What You Should Know

Anesthesia: Upper blepharoplasty is typically performed with the patient under local anesthesia, which is administered in the office. The procedure can also be performed with the patient under general anesthesia, if requested by the patient or if the surgery is combined with other procedures.

Length of procedure: 30 to 60 minutes.

Estimated recovery time: Patients may return to work after a few days, but should avoid vigorous activities for 1 week. You may have visible sutures in the eyelid for 5-6 days. Visible bruising or swelling should resolve within 1 to 2 weeks. To learn how to prepare for this procedure and what to expect afterwards, click here to download our patient instructions.

Side effects: Common side effects include bruising, swelling, a well-hidden scar, and possibly some eye irritation. Click here to download a detailed consent form from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons that lists the risks and benefits of this surgery.

Before-and-after photos of eyelid lifts and brow lifts (forehead lifts): Click here 

Before & After

Visit our Photo Gallery to see our patient results.

*Results may vary.

View Patient Results

Procedures That Complement Upper-Eyelid Surgery

Upper-eyelid surgery is one of the most effective procedures for improving the overall appearance of the eye area. However, in certain patients, combining upper blepharoplasty with the following procedures produces the most aesthetically pleasing results:

  • Droopy eyelid or “ptosis” repair. On occasion, one eyelid droops lower than the other. This condition is known as ptosis, and it has several possible causes. Surgical correction of this condition using a technique called levator advancement may be possible at the time of upper-eyelid surgery.
  • Brow lift for forehead lift. A brow lift can often be performed at the same time as upper-eyelid surgery, or even instead of it, to rejuvenate the upper lid. In addition to treating forehead creases, the brow lift can raise the eyebrows, opening the eye area and creating similar results to an upper blepharoplasty. The brow lift can be performed endoscopically, using minimally invasive techniques, through the upper-eyelid incision (transpalpebral brow lift), or through a scalp incision (open brow lift) to achieve the most pleasing results.

Schedule a consultation today to speak with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons about combining upper-eyelid surgery with other procedures or treatments to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Request your appointment by contact our St. Louis office by phoning (314) 996-8800, requesting your consultation online, or emailing us today.


If you have questions or would like to book a consultation with one of the surgeons at West County Plastic Surgery, please call (314) 996-8800.

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