Upper Eyelid Lift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Honolulu, HI

An upper eyelid lift, or upper blepharoplasty, is a procedure that rejuvenates the area above the eyes by removing excess skin, muscle, and fat. (1)

Over time, the skin around the eyes begins to droop, often creating a tired or aged appearance that does not reflect how we truly feel. In some cases, this sagging skin can even interfere with peripheral vision.

Dr. Robert Peterson and his skilled team at Athena Clinic Plastic Surgery specialize in creating natural, balanced results with procedures like the upper eyelid lift. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Peterson has spent years refining his surgical techniques to ensure optimal outcomes with minimal recovery time. He brings meticulous attention to detail to each upper eyelid lift, allowing patients to enjoy results that feel true to them.

To begin your journey toward a brighter, more youthful look, schedule your personal consultation at Athena Clinic Plastic Surgery today by calling (808) 944-8551 or contacting us online.

About Upper Eyelid Lift

An upper eyelid lift focuses on restoring the natural contour of the upper eyelids by removing and repositioning sagging skin and fat.

As we age, collagen production declines, and the delicate skin around the eyes begins to lose its elasticity. (2) In some cases, these changes may even cause discomfort or interfere with the line of sight, prompting patients to seek both cosmetic and functional improvement.

With an upper eyelid lift, Dr. Peterson restores youthful definition to the upper eyelids and helps patients achieve a more well-rested and confident appearance. Patients often report high satisfaction rates with this procedure. (3)

Candidates

The upper eyelid lift best suits individuals who notice:

  • Drooping skin that causes heaviness above the eyes
  • A tired or angry appearance despite feeling alert and well-rested
  • Puffiness or bulging above the eyes
  • Reduced visibility of the upper eyelid crease
  • Peripheral vision obstruction caused by sagging skin

Patients should be in good overall health with no conditions that might impair healing, as well as have realistic expectations about surgical results. It is important that patients be nonsmokers or willing to quit nicotine well before their surgery, and continue to refrain from use for an extended period afterward. Nicotine can have adverse effects on the healing process.

During your consultation, Dr. Peterson will determine if you are a candidate for this procedure.

Personal Consultation

During a personal consultation at Athena Clinic Plastic Surgery, Dr. Peterson will take the time to listen carefully to your concerns and evaluate your upper eyelids in detail. He will assess skin elasticity, fat distribution, and muscle tone to design a customized treatment plan that complements your unique features.

To schedule your personalized consultation with Dr. Robert Peterson, call (808) 944-8551 or contact Athena Clinic Plastic Surgery online.

Preparation

Preparing for an upper eyelid lift is simple but important for achieving the best results. Dr. Peterson and his team will provide a set of preparatory guidelines that typically include:

  • Avoiding smoking and nicotine products
  • Discontinuing certain medications and supplements that can thin the blood
  • Arranging transportation to and from the surgery
  • Scheduling time off work
  • Adjusting skincare regimen as needed

By closely following all the preparation steps you receive, you will help set the foundation for a smooth and successful treatment and recovery.

Procedure

Anesthesia will be administered for this procedure to ensure your comfort.

Dr. Peterson will make precise markings to prepare for incision placement. Using microsurgical techniques, Dr. Peterson will make incisions in these sites to carefully remove and reposition tissues. In some cases, he will adjust small portions of muscle to achieve smoother contours and bolster the eyelid support structures.

Recovery

The details of the recovery phase following an upper eyelid lift may differ between patients; Dr. Peterson and his staff will provide a list of personalized preoperative instructions to guide you through this process.

Keeping the head elevated while resting will help minimize swelling and other side effects during the early stages. Most patients feel ready to resume light daily activities and work within just a few days. It is important to continue avoiding strenuous exercise, excessive bending, or heavy lifting until Dr. Peterson approves.

Throughout your recovery, you will attend follow-up visits during which Dr. Peterson will monitor your healing progress and remove sutures as necessary.

Results

While you will notice changes in your appearance immediately, results will become clearer as swelling subsides. Patients notice that their eyes appear more open and that they look overall more rested and rejuvenated. Thanks to Dr. Peterson’s emphasis on creating exceptionally natural results, it is often not possible to tell that a patient has even had an upper eyelid lift—the people in their lives know they look better, but cannot pinpoint exactly why!

Most patients enjoy the benefits of their upper eyelid lift for many years, as Dr. Peterson’s techniques support long-term stability and graceful aging.

Corresponding and Combination Procedures

Many patients choose to pair their upper eyelid lift with other facial procedures to achieve even more comprehensive rejuvenation. Dr. Peterson often performs these procedures in combination with upper eyelid lifts:

Lower Eyelid Lift (Lower Blepharoplasty)

A lower eyelid lift targets under-eye puffiness and sagging by removing or repositioning skin and fat beneath the eyes. In conjunction with an upper eyelid lift, it provides complete periorbital rejuvenation for a balanced, youthful look. When these procedures are performed together, it is known as a quad blepharoplasty.

Brow Lift

For patients whose drooping brows contribute to upper eyelid heaviness, a brow lift can elevate the forehead tissues and smooth horizontal lines. Combining a brow lift with an upper eyelid lift subtly enhances the openness of the eyes and creates a more refreshed expression.

Facial Fat Transfer or Skin Rejuvenation Treatments

To complement the results of an eyelid lift, treatments such as facial fat transfer, laser resurfacing, or chemical peels can further smooth fine lines and improve skin texture around the eyes and upper face.

Cost of an Upper Eyelid Lift in Honolulu

The cost of your upper eyelid lift at Athena Clinic Plastic Surgery will depend on your individual concerns, anesthesia type, and whether you include additional procedures in your plan. During your consultation, Dr. Peterson will provide a personalized quote that includes all the necessary costs associated with your treatment plan. Athena Clinic Plastic Surgery offers several financing options; our team would be happy to review these with you.

Schedule your consultation today or call our office at (808) 944-8551 to learn more about the associated costs.

FAQ

How long do the results of an upper eyelid lift last?

Results from an upper eyelid typically last for many years, especially when performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Peterson. Although aging continues naturally, most patients find that their eyes maintain a youthful and refreshed appearance for a decade or longer, and their results age gracefully.

Will I have visible scars after surgery?

Dr. Peterson places the incisions within the natural crease of the upper eyelid, which makes them much less obvious. Scars typically continue to fade over time.

How soon can I return to normal activities after an upper eyelid lift?

Most patients return to non-strenuous work after a few days. Exercise and other vigorous activities can resume with Dr. Peterson’s approval.

Is an upper eyelid lift painful?

Discomfort after an upper eyelid lift is usually minimal and well-controlled with prescribed medication. Most patients describe the sensation as tightness or mild soreness rather than pain—many are actually surprised by how tolerable recovery is. Anesthesia is administered to keep you comfortable during the procedure itself.

Can an upper eyelid lift improve vision?

Yes, for some patients, removing sagging upper eyelid skin that obstructs the visual field can improve peripheral vision and overall sight quality.

Will my upper eyelid lift results look natural?

Absolutely. Dr. Peterson’s technique focuses on achieving natural-looking outcomes that enhance your existing features without making you look “overdone.” Patients simply look like a more rejuvenated, alert version of themselves after the procedure.

How long does an upper eyelid lift take?

Most upper eyelid lift procedures take between one and two hours, depending on the complexity and whether other treatments are performed during the same appointment. Can I undergo an upper eyelid lift and a lower eyelid lift at the same time? Yes, you can! This is often referred to as a quad blepharoplasty. This procedure is best for patients who have significant sagging or puffiness in the regions both above and below the eyes.

References

  1. Patel BC, Malhotra R. Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537078/
  2. Hollander MHJ, Schortinghuis J, Vissink A, Jansma J, Schepers RH. Aesthetic outcomes of upper eyelid blepharoplasty: a systematic review. International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2020;49(6):750-764. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijom.2019.10.014
  3. Guo F, Song J, Wang L, Xia Y. Upper Eyelid Skin Laxity in Elderly Patients. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 2022;89(6):610-614. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/sap.0000000000003289