As we age, the delicate skin around our eyes can begin to droop or appear heavy, which often gives us a tired appearance and, in some cases, can affect our vision. An upper eyelift, or upper blepharoplasty, is a well-established surgical procedure designed to address this concern.
By removing excess skin and restoring a natural contour to the upper eyelids, the procedure can help you achieve a more refreshed and youthful look.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the upper eyelift procedure at Reflect Clinic, from its key benefits to the process and aftercare.
What is an Upper Eyelift?
An upper eyelift, known in medical terms as an upper blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, and sometimes a small amount of fat, from the upper eyelids.
It addresses the ‘hooded’ or heavy look that can develop over time. By making a precise incision along the natural eyelid crease, our surgeon can remove excess tissue, creating a smoother, more defined, and more open eye area.
This procedure is suitable for adults who are unhappy with the appearance of their upper eyelids or find that drooping skin is impacting their vision. A good candidate is in good general health, a non-smoker, and has realistic expectations about the outcome.
However, it’s important to distinguish between excess eyelid skin and a lowered eyebrow position.
During your consultation, our specialist will assess your facial anatomy to determine if a blepharoplasty or a brow lift is the most appropriate procedure for your needs.
Benefits of the Procedure
Patients who undergo an upper eyelift at Reflect Clinic report a wide range of benefits that significantly improve their quality of life. The results go beyond just a cosmetic enhancement.
Refreshed Appearance
The most immediate result is a more rested and youthful look. Friends and family often comment that our patients look younger and more refreshed, boosting self-confidence.
Improved Vision
For many, the procedure offers functional benefits. By removing the heavy skin that can hang over the eyelashes and pupils, an upper eyelift can restore a clear, unobstructed field of vision.
Easier Makeup Application
Ladies often find that applying makeup becomes a pleasure again. Without excess skin folds, eyeshadow can be applied smoothly, and mascara is less likely to smudge onto the skin above the lash line.
The Procedure
The upper blepharoplasty is a relatively straightforward day-case procedure, performed with meticulous care by our expert surgeon.
Anaesthetic
The surgery is typically performed under a local anaesthetic. This means the area around your eyes will be completely numb, but you will remain awake and comfortable throughout. You can opt for a general anaesthetic, particularly if the eyelift is part of a combined procedure, though this involves a longer recovery from the anaesthesia itself.
Duration
The procedure itself is quite quick, usually taking around 45 minutes to complete.
During Surgery
Your surgeon will make a fine incision in the natural crease of your upper eyelid. This placement is key to ensuring the resulting scar is discreetly hidden once healed.
The excess skin is then carefully removed and the incision is then closed with a very fine running stitch.
Recovery and Aftercare
A smooth recovery is vital for achieving the best possible results. Following the aftercare instructions provided by our clinic is essential.
- Immediately After: You can expect some bruising and swelling, which is completely normal for such a delicate area. This subsides quite quickly over the first week.
- Stitches and First Appointment: Your stitches will be removed at the clinic approximately one week after your surgery.
- Time Off Work: We recommend taking around two weeks off for sedentary roles to allow the initial healing process to complete.
- Driving: You cannot drive home on the day of your operation and should wait until you fully healed in around two to three weeks post op.
- Makeup: You can start applying light makeup to the area after your one-week post-op appointment. Many patients find they can effectively conceal any lingering bruising at this stage.
- Exercising: To avoid elevating blood pressure in the face and straining the healing tissues, you should refrain from strenuous exercise for about 8 weeks.
- Bathing: You can bathe normally but should keep the surgical area dry until it has fully healed.
Risks and Considerations
All cosmetic surgery carries a degree of risk, and it’s important to be fully informed. The main issues associated with an upper eyelift are bleeding and bruising.
More serious, but rare, complications include damage to the muscle which opens the eye. At Reflect Clinic, we minimise these risks through expert surgical techniques and thorough pre-operative assessment.
The procedure is not suitable for everyone. We advise against cosmetic surgery if you have a BMI over 32, smoke or vape, are in poor health, or have certain medical conditions like diabetes or are on anti-coagulant medication.
A comprehensive consultation with Mr Lambe will determine your suitability and ensure this is the right and safe choice for you.
Why Choose Reflect Clinic?
Choosing where to have your surgery is one of the most important decisions you will make.
At Reflect Clinic, your journey is led by Mr Gerard Lambe, a highly respected and experienced cosmetic surgeon. His focus is on delivering natural-looking results that make you look like the best version of yourself, not a different person.
We pride ourselves on patient care, honesty, and transparency. From your first contact with our Clinic Manager, Jayne, you will feel supported and informed.
We offer a clear, set price for your upper eyelift procedure, with no hidden costs. For those who wish to spread the cost, you can click on our website to link to MoneySupermarket.com to get the best finance deal for you.
How to Book a Consultation
Taking the next step on your journey to a more refreshed you is simple. A one-on-one consultation with Mr Gerard Lambe is the best way to have your questions answered and receive a personalised assessment.
He will discuss the results you can expect and provide you with a clear, fixed price for your procedure.
To book your appointment, please get in touch with our Clinic Manager, Jayne.
Phone: 07434572794
Email: hello@reflectclinic.co.uk
