Upper Eyelid Lift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Miami, FL

An upper eyelid lift is a facial rejuvenation procedure that restores a more defined and youthful appearance by removing, tightening, and repositioning the tissues of the upper eyelids. (1)

As we age, the thin tissues around the eyes lose elasticity, causing the sagging skin. In some cases, the upper eyelids can become so heavy and ptotic that the patient’s peripheral vision becomes impacted. With an upper eyelid lift, Dr. Maercks can address these concerns and redefine your look.

Dr. Rian A. Maercks is an internationally recognized, board-certified plastic surgeon at The Maercks Institute with more than 20 years of experience. Dr. Maercks approaches each procedure through a combined lens of science and artistry, using proprietary tissue dissection techniques he has pioneered and refined throughout his career.

If you are ready to learn more and start working with Dr. Maercks, we invite you to request a consultation online. You may also call our Miami office at (305) 328-8256.

About Upper Eyelid Lifts at The Maercks Institute

The eyelid skin is the thinnest skin on the body, making it more susceptible to early signs of aging. (2) While some topical treatments and over-the-counter anti-aging solutions may boast effective results, these options cannot address loose or sagging skin as effectively as an upper eyelid lift.

Dr. Maercks employs his concept of histiocentricity in every procedure he performs at his revered institute. Histiocentricity is the philosophy of using the most minimally invasive techniques possible when performing a surgical procedure, all the while providing exceptional, transformational results. This allows Dr. Maercks’s patients to avoid excessive or unnecessary tissue damage and see a quicker recovery.

Benefits of an Upper Eyelid Lift

Upper eyelid lifts have several notable benefits, including:

  • Improved Definition: Dr. Maercks can restore a tighter and smoother look and feel to the upper eyelids by removing and repositioning sagging or protruding tissue.
  • Restored Aesthetics: You will notice a more open, alert look after undergoing an upper eyelid lift.
  • Widened Field of Vision: An upper eyelid lift may improve your field of vision if drooping tissue is causing obstruction.
  • Tailored Treatment Plan: At The Maercks Institute, there is no such thing as a cookie-cutter procedure. Dr. Maercks will design your treatment plan around your specific needs and goals.
  • Boosted Confidence: When patients address sagging eyelid skin, they often feel more confident about their appearance.

Candidates

You may be a good candidate for an upper eyelid lift if you are experiencing:

  • Sagging eyelid skin
  • Puffiness or bulging fat
  • Impacted peripheral vision or strain
  • Ptosis caused by weak levator muscles. (1)

To qualify for your procedure, you should be in good general health and have realistic expectations regarding your results. You should also be nonsmoking or willing to cease nicotine use for an extended period of time. Dr. Maercks will determine your candidacy during your consultation.

Personal Consultation

Upper eyelid lifts are highly customized procedures, which is why every patient needs to attend a personal consultation before scheduling their treatment. During this consultation, Dr. Maercks will meet with you one-on-one to discuss each aspect of your treatment. He will ask you about your medical history and your aesthetic goals. He will also perform a physical evaluation to assess your natural facial anatomy and skin quality.

Dr. Maercks will use these details to create a customized solution for each of your concerns.

To learn more about the pricing of your tailored treatment plan, please schedule a consultation online or call our office at (305) 328-8256.

Preparation

Once you have scheduled your personal consultation, you will need to make certain preparations. To guide you, Dr. Maercks will provide you with a full set of pre-operative directions, which may include:

  • Medication Adjustments: You may need to discontinue the use of certain medications or supplements that thin the blood.
  • Arranging Time Off: Prepare to take some time away from your daily activities and responsibilities to allow yourself time to heal. However, with Dr. Maercks’s techniques, recovery is often very minimal, and patients can return to their daily activities rather quickly.
  • Preparing Transportation: Make sure someone is ready to drive you to and from the office.
  • Filling Your Prescriptions: We recommend picking up any medications you may need for your recovery in advance.
  • Avoiding Alcohol: Refrain from consuming any alcohol for several days before and after your scheduled appointment.
  • Ceasing Nicotine Consumption: Abstain from using any nicotine in the weeks leading up to your procedure and prepare to refrain while you’re healing as well.

Procedure

Dr. Maercks performs upper eyelid lights in his state-of-the -art surgical suite on an outpatient basis. Before he starts, you will receive a long-acting anesthetic that will improve your comfort even after the procedure is over.

Using a histiocentric approach, Dr. Maercks will meticulously place an incision that follows the crease of your upper eyelids. This placement allows any post-operative scarring to discreetly blend into the natural contours of your eyelids as it fades. Dr. Maercks will then tighten weakened muscles, excise excess eyelid skin, and reposition tissue to restore support and achieve a smooth lift.

Recovery

Dr. Maercks’s patients experience an exceptionally quick and easy recovery. After your upper eyelid lift, it is normal to experience some minor swelling and tenderness. These effects will resolve quickly on their own, but you may manage them with medications Dr. Maercks prescribes and plenty of rest. Dr. Maercks uses Exparel, a long-acting, non-opioid local anesthetic, which safely reduces discomfort after the procedure.

You may return to most of your daily activities as soon as you feel ready, which may be just a few days, but you will need to avoid participating in more strenuous or physically demanding activities until Dr. Maercks clears you to return. You should also avoid wearing contact lenses or makeup for a bit to avoid irritation.

Results

The results of an upper eyelid lift are long-lasting, with effects that you can enjoy for several years to come. While the procedure does not stop the natural aging process, patients can see results that remain stable over time and age gracefully. Dr. Maercks’s patients often see their eyelid lift results last for 10 years or longer.

Cost of an Upper Eyelid Lift in Miami, FL

Dr. Maercks tailors each aspect of your eyelid lift around your goals and anatomy, which means the cost of your procedure will be unique to you. Once Dr. Maercks has met with you to discuss and establish your treatment plan, he will provide you with an accurate cost estimate. The Maercks Institute also offers financing for those who qualify.

To learn more about the pricing of your tailored treatment plan, please schedule a consultation online or call our office at (305) 328-8256.

FAQ

What concerns can an upper eyelid lift address?

An upper eyelid lift can effectively address the appearance of sagging or lax upper eyelids, eyelash ptosis, headaches caused by the constant eye strain, and even obstructions in your peripheral vision caused by loose eyelid skin.

Will I be able to wear makeup or contact lenses after my upper eyelid lift?

We typically recommend avoiding makeup or contact lenses directly after your procedure, as these could cause irritation. Dr. Maercks will let you know when you can incorporate these back into your routine.

How long will it take to recover from an upper eyelid lift?

Dr. Maercks’s patients are often pleasantly surprised by the exceptionally short recovery period after his procedures. The upper eyelid lift is no exception—patients typically only need to rest for a few days before returning to most aspects of their normal routine.

How long will the results of my upper eyelid lift last?

While your upper eyelid lift cannot stop the natural effects of aging, your procedure will yield long-lasting results that you can enjoy for many years to come. Dr. Maercks patients often see their results last for 10 years or more.

Can Dr. Maercks perform an upper and lower eyelid lift together?

Yes, Dr. Maercks can combine the techniques of an upper and lower blepharoplasty together to achieve more comprehensive results. This may also be known as a quad blepharoplasty. We recommend scheduling a personal consultation for tailored recommendations and further information.

What anesthesia does Dr. Maercks use for the upper eyelid lift?

Dr. Maercks uses Exparel, a long-acting, non opioid local anesthetic that improves patient comfort after their procedure is over.

Am I a good candidate for an upper eyelid lift?

You may be a good candidate for an upper eyelid lift if you are experiencing sagging upper eyelid skin, puffiness caused by protruding fat, or impacted peripheral vision due to heavy, drooping eyelids. A personal consultation with Dr. Maercks can help determine the best approach for your needs.

References

  1. Patel BC, Malhotra R. Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty. Nih.gov. Published July 24, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537078/#article-18383.s4
  2. Cochran ML, Lopez MJ, Czyz CN. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Eyelid. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482304/