Are There Alternatives to Surgical Upper Blepharoplasty?
By Teresa Alasio, MD | Intentional Self Aesthetics, New Canaan, CT
Yes, and for the right candidate, non-surgical options can produce meaningful improvement without the recovery, cost, or permanence of surgery.
Upper blepharoplasty, surgical eyelid lifting, addresses excess skin on the upper eyelid that has descended with age, sometimes to the point of affecting vision. It is a highly effective procedure, but it is surgery, with anesthesia, incisions, recovery time, and all that entails. Not every patient needs or wants that.
For patients with mild to moderate upper eyelid heaviness, there are several non-surgical approaches worth considering:
Botox for the brow: Strategic placement of neuromodulator in the muscles that depress the brow can lift the brow and open the upper eyelid area without touching the lid itself. This is one of the most underutilized and effective techniques in aesthetic medicine.
Emface: By strengthening the frontalis muscle, the muscle responsible for brow elevation, and tightening the overlying skin, Emface can contribute to a more lifted brow position over time.
RF Microneedling: Can improve skin laxity and crepiness in the upper eyelid area, particularly the fine texture changes that come with aging skin.
Plasma treatment (Plexr): A minimally invasive option that can tighten skin in delicate areas including around the eyes.
It is important to be honest: if there is significant excess skin on the upper eyelid, non-surgical treatments will improve the appearance but will not fully replicate the result of surgery. I will assess your eyelid anatomy at your consultation and give you an honest opinion about whether non-surgical approaches are likely to give you the result you’re looking for, or whether a surgical referral would better serve your goals.
Wondering whether a non-surgical approach is right for your eyes? Request a consultation with Dr. Alasio.
Teresa Alasio, MD is a board-certified physician in Pathology, Cytopathology, and Aesthetics and the founder of Intentional Self Aesthetics at 23 Vitti Street, New Canaan, CT.
