Upper Blepharoplasty

Upper blepharoplasty is a procedure to remove selected excess skin from the upper eyelids and adjust underlying fat or muscle when needed. It may be considered when the lids start to feel heavy, the natural crease becomes less pronounced or loose skin changes the openness of the eye area.

The procedure improves the upper lid without changing the identity or expression of the patient. The goal is a lighter contour without impact on eyelid function, keeping everything balanced with the brow and other surrounding facial features.

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When the Upper Eyelid Begins to Obscure Its Natural Fold

With age the skin can lose its elasticity and the upper eyelid skin can loosen. Hereditary anatomy can also play a role in early hooding and changes in brow position can add more weight over the eyes.

In some patients the excess skin is mainly cosmetic, while in others it can extend to the outer eyelid and cause visual obstruction. Dr Mishal Al Shammari, who looks at the eyelid and brow together, says it is important to identify the source of the heaviness before surgery.

Changes That May Bring Patients to Consultation

If one or more of the following changes are present, an upper blepharoplasty is an option:

Loose upper-eyelid skin or hooding
Less visible natural eyelid crease
Outer eyelid heaviness

Tired or weighed-down eye appearance
Asymmetry in upper-eyelid contour
Excess skin affecting part of the visual field

The degree of correction is different for each patient. Some need only a little bit of skin removed, while others may need careful fat or muscle adjustment to improve contour without creating a hollow appearance.

Planning Conservative Tissue Removal

Planning is more than measuring the amount of excess skin. This approach may be affected by factors such as brow height, eyelid crease position, fat distribution, skin quality, eye shape, facial symmetry, and history of dry-eye symptoms or previous eye surgery.

Dr. Mishal Al Shammari in Riyadh will determine during consultation how much tissue can be safely removed while still allowing for comfortable eyelid closure. The design is specific to the individual as too much removal can impact function or result in a too tight result.

Using the Natural Crease to Access the Upper Lid

The incision is usually made in the natural crease of the upper eyelid, following an existing fold. Access is gained to remove the desired amount of skin and, if necessary, alter certain fat or muscle.

Removal of tissue is conservative and based on patient anatomy. The goal is to create more defined and less heavy eyelid folds, as well as a smooth transition from the eyelid to the brow and outer eye region.

Details That Shape the Extent of Correction

Several findings help determine the surgical plan, including:

The scar usually lies within the upper-eyelid crease and may extend slightly beyond it when outer skin requires correction. It can appear pink during early healing before gradually softening, although scar maturation varies between individuals.

The amount and distribution of excess skin
Position of the brow and eyelid crease
Upper-lid fat fullness and soft-tissue quality
Ability to close the eye comfortably after correction

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Protecting the Eye Area During Early Healing

Swelling, bruising, tightness, watering, dryness or temporary light sensitivity may occur in early recovery. Cold compresses, head elevation, and prescribed eye care and incision protection may be suggested depending on the surgical plan.

Reading, screen use, contact lenses, strenuous exercise and activities that cause swelling may be temporarily limited. Dr. Mishal Al Shammari can evaluate eyelid closure, incision healing, swelling and symmetry as activities are resumed during follow-up visits.

Expression Preserved While the Eyes Look Less Heavy

The goal of upper blepharoplasty is to achieve a cleaner upper-eyelid contour without changing the natural shape of the eyes and character of the face. Results are evaluated by the enhanced visibility of the crease, reduced hooding and improved harmony of the eyelids and brows.

The final result occurs gradually as the swelling recedes and the scar matures. Ageing will continue to take its toll on the brow and eyelid tissues but with careful planning, realistic expectations and appropriate aftercare a refreshed result consistent with the patient's expression can be supported.

What our clients say

Read about the experiences of patients who received plastic and aesthetic treatments from Dr Mishal Al Shammari.

Honestly, I didn't follow my own advice and looked around. I saw my friend's amazing results with him, so I immediately went to him for a consultation. My arms were bothering me, and he did it for me. The result was perfect.

Maram 6 month ago