Upper Eyelid Surgery

Brighter eyes, natural detail

By removing or reshaping extra skin and, when necessary, adjusting tiny pockets of fat, upper eyelid surgery, also referred to as upper blepharoplasty, aims to lessen the weight of the upper lids. Changing who you are is not the aim. Restoring a rested, clear-eyed appearance that still feels like you is the goal.

Because their eyes appear tired in pictures, makeup sits differently, or the upper lids feel “heavy” at the end of the day, many people think about getting this procedure. The extra skin may even begin to obstruct the upper field of vision in certain situations. Dr. Kevin Haddad prioritizes accuracy when performing upper eyelid surgery, aiming for delicate adjustments, crisp lines, and a finished product that looks good from all sides.

The signs people notice first

Most patients don’t wake up one day and suddenly “need surgery.” It builds up slowly, and then you can see it in everyday life:

  • The crease in the eyelid looks less defined or hidden
  • The outer upper lid feels heavier than it used to.
  • Makeup smudges or fades into skin that is folded
  • Pictures make the eyes look smaller or more closed.
  • You don’t even know you’re raising your eyebrows to feel more “awake.”

The most important thing is to know what is causing the change: real skin excess, brow position, eyelid structure, or a combination of these.

What the procedure is designed to improve

Upper blepharoplasty can help with:

  • Excess upper-lid skin that folds or rests over the crease
  • A softer, less defined crease caused by laxity
  • Localised fullness when small fat pads contribute to a puffy look
  • A cleaner upper-lid contour, especially toward the outer corner

What it should not do is “change your eye shape” dramatically. When done well, the improvement looks like you slept better, not like you became someone else.

Personal anatomy matters more than age

Two people who are the same age can have very different eyelids. Anatomy, not the calendar, is what planning is based on.

Dr. Kevin Haddad usually looks at:

  • How much skin is really too much (and how much needs to be kept for safe closure)
  • The natural position and symmetry of the crease
  • Brow’s role in weight
  • Support for the eyelid and quality of blinking
  • How thick your skin is and how well it heals
  • Your goal: a more defined lid line or a more subtle refinement

This is where you set realistic goals for what will look fresher, what will look more open, and what might need a different approach if brows are the main focus.

Where the incision sits and why it fades

Usually, the cut is made in the natural crease of the upper eyelid, so it blends in with a line that is already there. At first, it may look pink and a little hard. It usually gets softer and fades as it heals.

The visibility of a scar depends on things like the type of skin, how much swelling there is, how much sun exposure there is, and how well the area is cared for while it heals. The goal is always a thin line that fades into the crease over time.

How the surgery is performed

Although each case is customised, the steps commonly include:

  • Careful markings while you are upright, so the planned removal matches how your lids sit naturally
  • A fine crease incision
  • Removal of a measured amount of skin
  • Selective adjustment of fat only when it genuinely contributes to heaviness or puffiness
  • Closure with fine sutures to support a clean, even crease

The most important part is restraint. Removing too much can create tightness, hollowness, or discomfort. The goal is refinement, not an aggressive change.

Recovery in practical terms

Healing is usually straightforward, but it still needs planning.

First few days
  • Swelling and bruising are common
  • The lids may feel tight or mildly irritated
  • You may feel dryness or increased tearing for a short time
  • Light activity is fine, but rest helps the swelling settle faster
Week one to two
  • Bruising fades significantly
  • The crease starts to look clearer
  • Stitches, if present, are usually removed early in this period depending on technique
Weeks to months
  • Residual swelling continues to reduce
  • The scar softens and becomes less noticeable
  • The final “natural” look often becomes clearer as tissues relax

If you want to feel comfortable on camera or in social settings, it helps to allow enough time for bruising to fade rather than forcing a tight schedule.

What it should look like when it is done well

A good upper blepharoplasty usually looks like:

  • Eyes look more awake, not different
  • The crease is cleaner but not harsh
  • The lid does not look hollow or overly tight
  • Symmetry improves, while still respecting natural differences
  • The face still expresses emotion normally

The most successful results are often the least obvious to others. People might say you look rested, not “operated”.

Things that can affect the plan

Sometimes the heaviness you see is not just skin on the eyelids; it is also skin on the brow. Eyelid surgery can still help in that case, but it might not completely restore openness if the brow stays low.

Sometimes, dryness, loose eyelids, or previous eyelid surgery also change the way things are done. This is why it’s important to look closely before deciding what to keep and what to throw away.

Safety and trade-offs to understand

Even though the procedure is routine, things can still go wrong. Some of these are:

A careful plan, a careful technique, and good aftercare all lower the risk, but the most important thing is to keep the eyelid function while making it look better.