An Upper Eyelid Lift May Have The Biggest Cosmetic ROI

Renata Khelemsky, MD, FAACS

If tired-looking eyes are making you feel older than you are, it might be time to consider a quick, effective solution. Enter the upper eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty. This straightforward procedure can refresh your appearance and take years off your look—making it one of the best investments in your appearance you can make.

The Drooping Upper Eyelid

Heavy upper eyelids aren’t just a cosmetic issue; they can make you look tired, even when you’re feeling great. The upper eyelid consists mainly of skin, but also has muscle and fat behind it. With age and other aging-related factors, these tissues can become excessive at various rates. Youthful eyes tend to have an almond-shaped contour along the upper crease, while aging eyelids appear more “drooping”and sad due to the skin fold that develops. For anyone who uses eyeshadow or liner, heavy lids can cause smearing and smudging throughout the day. In severe cases, they can even interfere with your peripheral vision. If you’re dealing with saggy, baggy lids, you’re not alone. Many people, sometimes as early as their 30s, face this issue and are looking for effective solutions.

An Upper Eyelid Lift May Have The Biggest Cosmetic ROI

Why Do Eyelids Sag?

We all know that aging isn’t always kind, especially when it comes to our skin. As we age, our skin loses elasticity, which leads to that inevitable crepey and stretched quality. But aging isn’t the only factor at play:

Genetics: Sometimes, it’s just in your DNA. If your family has a history of folded, heavy upper eyelids, chances are you might, too. I have seen patients in their late 20s who have genetically heavy upper eyelids!
Sun Damage: All those sunny days can take a toll on your skin, especially the delicate skin around your eyes. This is due to constant squinting and muscle activity.
Health Issues: Conditions like chronic seasonal allergies can also contribute to sagging eyelids.
Contact Lenses: Prolonged use of contact lenses can cause wear and tear on the eyelids due to mechanical stretching and pulling.
Eyelid Rubbing: Frequent eye rubbing can further stretch and pull the skin, leading to damage over time. This also commonly occurs during sleep, for anyone who prefers sleeping on their side or face-down. It’s not surprising that patients may notice one side looks more droopy than the other.

The good news is that there is a simple solution. In terms of surgery, "simple" means lower risks compared to more extensive procedures, though it's important to remember that no surgery is completely risk-free. However, an upper eyelid lift is truly a quick, effective procedure that addresses the excess tissues weighing your lids down. Think of it as a refresh button. In just a short time, you can rewind decades of changes to the upper eyelids. It’s no wonder this procedure is so popular; it offers a significant return on a relatively small investment.

What does the procedure entail? An upper eyelid lift typically takes about an hour and is commonly done in the office under local anesthesia. To ease anxiety, patients often receive an oral medication, enhancing comfort. Recovery is usually quick, with most people returning to their normal activities within a week. Considering the healing time, an upper eyelid lift is a small procedure with a significant payoff.

An Upper Eyelid Lift May Have The Biggest Cosmetic ROI

Why Upper Eyelid Lifts Are Worth It

An upper eyelid lift may seem like a small cosmetic tweak, however it has shown to have multiple positive effects on patients who have gone through this procedure:

Look Refreshed: The eyes appear brighter, more awake, and with a restored youthful almond shape.
Boost Confidence: When you look good, you feel good. It’s that simple.
Feel Younger: A little lift can make a big difference in turning back the clock.
Natural Results: Most people won’t pinpoint the exact change, but they will notice your refreshed and improved appearance..
Better Botox: If Botox in your forehead has made your upper eyelids feel heavier, or you've been told you're not a candidate for forehead smoothing with Botox due to excess upper eyelid skin, an upper eyelid lift can enhance your Botox results. This procedure allows for more precise dosing to smooth lines and wrinkles without the risk of droopy lids.
Improved Vision: If droopy lids were obstructing your peripheral vision - something objectively tested by your ophthalmologist - this procedure will improve this too.
Smudge-Proof Makeup: If smudging and smearing from crepey skin rubbing against the upper lid crease prevented you from using eyeshadow, liner, or mascara, restoring the upper eyelid platform to a smooth, "uncrowded" appearance will allow you to enjoy your favorite eye makeup again.

An Upper Eyelid Lift May Have The Biggest Cosmetic ROI

Why Your Surgeon Makes a Difference

The first step in deciding whether you’re ready for an upper eyelid lift is to consult with a skilled plastic surgeon experienced in cosmetic procedures. Every upper eyelid surgery is unique—some patients may need a small “pinch” of skin removed, while others require adjustments to muscle, fat, and brow position to achieve symmetry. These delicate, millimeter-level changes can make all the difference! Having revised many upper eyelid surgeries performed by relatively inexperienced surgeons, I remain acutely aware of the details that elevate results from good to great.

An upper eyelid lift provides a long-term solution for heavy, excessive eyelids, addressing everything from minor skin issues to more advanced signs of aging like fatty deposits and sagging muscles. Unlike treatments that require constant touch-ups, this simple procedure provides a refreshed, youthful look that lasts for years, boosting your confidence and enhancing your overall appearance.

An Upper Eyelid Lift May Have The Biggest Cosmetic ROI

So I leave you with this: if you're tired of looking tired, an upper eyelid lift could be the perfect solution. It’s a small investment with a big payoff.