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Facial surgery & treatments

Upper Eyelid Lift

Services in Chesterfield, Kirkwood, and O’Fallon, Missouri

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About the treatment

Upper Eyelid Lift

An upper eyelid lift, also known as an upper blepharoplasty, is a procedure that rejuvenates the appearance of the region above the eyes. The eyes are a central facial feature—they are often one of the first things people notice. (1) If the upper eyelids begin to sag, this can cause a tired or aged look that cannot effectively be addressed with simple creams or topical rejuvenation therapies. The upper eyelid lift aims to refresh and rejuvenate your upper face by removing excess skin and removing/repositioning sagging fat, reducing sagging above the eyes.

Dr. Robert T. Cristel is a double board-certified surgeon at Synergi Facial Surgery who specializes in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, as well as head and neck surgery. He has more than 12 years of experience and has performed more than 20,000 procedures, giving him extensive knowledge in his field and a talent for achieving impressive yet natural-looking results.

If you are ready to learn more about how you can benefit from an upper eyelid lift, please submit our online contact form or call (314) 907-1841.

Care type
Surgical procedure
Provider
Robert Cristel, MD, FACS
Planning
Consultation

Treatment guide

Upper Eyelid Lift

01

About Upper Eyelid Lifts

As you get older, the eyelids are often one of the first areas of the face to show signs of aging. This is because the eyelid skin is the thinnest layer of skin on the body, making it more susceptible to the effects of gravity and the natural processes of aging. (2) As a result, the eyelids often take on a droopy look, sometimes even encroaching on the peripheral vision. Through an upper eyelid lift, Dr. Cristel can address these changes and restore both your appearance and your confidence.

02

Benefits

There are several benefits associated with upper eyelid lifts. These include:

  • Refreshed Appearance: An upper eyelid lift aims to restore a more refreshed, alert, and youthful look by removing/repositioning skin and fat in the upper eyelid region.
  • Improved Facial Balance: An upper eyelid lift can improve your facial balance by opening up the eyes.
  • Lasting Results: The results of this procedure are long-lasting, offering effects that can be seen for several years.
  • Discreet Scarring: Dr. Cristel places incisions in inconspicuous areas to help minimize the appearance of scarring post-healing.
03

Candidates

Ideal candidates for an upper-eyelid lift include most patients experiencing sagging or puffy upper eyelid tissue who wish to improve their appearance.

All candidates interested in this procedure should be in good general health and hold realistic expectations for their results. Candidacy will be finalized during a consultation with Dr. Cristel.

04

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, you will meet with Dr. Cristel; he will explain what an upper eyelid lift entails and discuss your medical history, current prescriptions, aesthetic concerns, and desired results. He will also examine your eyelids, as well as your overall facial structure. He will use these details to determine your candidacy for an upper eyelid lift and develop your treatment plan.

Dr. Cristel will tailor every aspect of your treatment plan around your unique facial anatomy, ensuring that results appear natural. Dr. Cristel will also provide a set of preparation and recovery instructions, as well as a cost estimate for the procedure.

To schedule this consultation and receive your customized treatment plan, please submit our online contact form or call (314) 907-1841.

We offer consultations at our offices in the following locations:

  • Chesterfield, MO
  • Kirkwood, MO
  • O’Fallon, MO
05

Preparation

Proper preparation is key to facilitating a smooth procedure and optimal outcomes. Dr. Cristel will provide you with a list of detailed preparation instructions before your procedure. Instructions may vary for each treatment, but general guidelines typically include:

  • Discontinue medications and supplements that contain blood-thinning properties (with approval from your primary care physician)
  • Avoid nicotine and alcohol for the designated period of time
  • Arrange transportation home from the procedure
  • Prepare to take time away from work and other commitments
  • If necessary, arrange for at-home care for your initial recovery
06

Procedure

Dr. Cristel begins the upper eyelid lift by cleansing and sterilizing your skin, and then you will receive anesthesia for your comfort. (1) The procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia. After the anesthesia takes effect, Dr. Cristel will make an incision along the natural crease of the upper eyelid to access the tissues. The incision location is discreet, and Dr. Cristel’s expert techniques further minimize potential scarring.

Dr. Cristel will remove or reposition excess tissue as needed to help restore an alert and refreshed appearance. He may also target lax muscles if they are contributing to eyelid sagging.

After making the necessary adjustments, Dr. Cristel will carefully close the incisions.

07

Recovery

During your recovery, you may experience bruising, swelling, or discomfort in the treated areas. These effects are temporary, and you can effectively manage them by following aftercare instructions and using the pain medications Dr. Cristel prescribes as directed. During this time, it is recommended to rest with your head elevated to help minimize any additional swelling that may occur.

Most individuals can return to work after about one to two weeks—depending on the physical demands of the job—but you should continue to avoid strenuous activities until Dr. Cristel approves.

Throughout your recovery, you will return to the office for standard follow-up appointments. Here, Dr. Cristel and his team will check in on your healing progress and provide ongoing support.

08

Results

Once you have fully recovered, you will be able to enjoy the results of your upper eyelid lift. Your eyes will look more refreshed, awake, and alert. Scarring will likely fade significantly as time goes on. The results of an upper eyelid lift are long-lasting, with patients continuing to see results for 10 years or longer in most cases.

It is important to keep in mind that the skin of the eyelids will continue to age as normal after your procedure. We recommend protecting your skin from the sun and following a personalized skin care routine to maintain the health and elasticity of your skin.

09

Corresponding Procedures

Lower Eyelid Lift

A lower blepharoplasty, or lower eyelid lift, is a popular counterpart to the upper eyelid lift. When these procedures are performed together, this is known as a ‘quad’ blepharoplasty.

The lower eyelid lift focuses on the region below the eyes to remove or reposition skin and fat, and potentially tighten lax muscles. Dr. Cristel can make these adjustments through either an external incision just below the lash line or through an incision inside the lower eyelid, depending on the primary concerns. Like the upper eyelid lift, Dr. Cristel can perform this as a standalone procedure or combine it with additional ones for more comprehensive results.

For more information about the other procedures we offer, please read our blog!

10

Cost of Upper Eyelid Lifts in St. Louis, MO

Dr. Cristel tailors each upper eyelid lift to your facial anatomy and aesthetic goals, and pricing will reflect these considerations. Several factors can influence the cost of the procedure, including the surgical techniques Dr. Cristel uses, the extent of corrections, and whether he performs additional procedures. After establishing the details of your treatment, Dr. Cristel will provide you with a cost estimate. Pricing is also listed on the website for the procedure, excluding any possible surgery center or anesthesia fees.

To learn more about the cost of your upper eyelid lift, please schedule a consultation online or call (314) 907-1841.

Common questions

Upper Eyelid Lift FAQ

What is an upper eyelid lift?

An upper eyelid lift is a procedure that surgically removes excess tissue from the upper eyelids to restore a more youthful appearance.

Who is a good candidate for an upper eyelid lift?

Suitable candidates for upper eyelid lifts include most patients experiencing sagging or drooping upper eyelids. All patients should be in good general health and be willing to go through a recovery period. Dr. Cristel will determine each patient’s candidacy during their personal consultation.

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

Each patient’s recovery time can vary depending on the details of their procedure and the rate at which their body naturally heals. Generally speaking, most patients return to work within one to two weeks, depending on the physical demands of the occupation, and return to physical activities within four to six weeks (with Dr. Cristel’s approval).

Are there any risks associated with upper eyelid lifts?

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved. Dr. Cristel will discuss these risks during your consultation to ensure you are fully informed. Choosing an experienced double-board-certified surgeon like Dr. Cristel will ensure that any risks are greatly minimized.

Can my upper eyelid lift be combined with another cosmetic procedure?

Yes, many patients choose to combine their upper eyelid lifts with another facial rejuvenation procedure. For example, Dr. Cristel can perform an upper eyelid lift alongside a lower eyelid lift. If you are considering combining your treatment, please schedule a consultation so that our team may provide you with more information.

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Request a consultation

Our team is here to answer questions and help you take the next step in your care. To request a consultation, call us at (314) 907-1841 or complete the form below. Availability will vary depending on your request, and a member of our staff will call you to confirm your appointment.

For cosmetic surgery consultations, a $100 non-refundable consultation fee is due at the time of scheduling. This fee is applied toward the cost of your surgery.

Surgical quotes provided during your consultation are honored for six months and may be subject to change after that time.

Please use this form for general inquiries and appointment requests only. Do not send personal health information through this form. Questions regarding your specific medical care should be addressed during your appointment.

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