How do the Upper Eyelids age?

Aging of upper eyelids is fascinating. It is an entirely unpredictable affair as can be seen from the following:

Everything ages:

Some things age but the upper eyelids hardly at all!

More generalized aging in all races

Analysis of Upper Eyelids

Aging of upper eyelids occurs with surrounding changes

1. ​Medial ptosis of the upper eyelid is common
2. Central fat pad prolapse
3. Dermatochalasis with temporal hooding
4. Medial fat pad prominence
5. Lacrimal gland prolapse will produce a bulge
6. Lash ptosis
7. Brow descent and brow fat pad loss with secondary dermatochalasis (not true dermatochalasis)
8. Lateral collapse of brow with crow’s feet and temporal hooding and terminal lash ptosis
9. Vertical rhytids between the brow and upper eyelid which are common with aging (and have not been given a name but deserve one as we are always ensuring we treat them in conjunction with upper blepharoplasty
10. Loss of skin crease: skin crease may be high, low or missing
11. A deep sulcus may occur because of aging-related rotation of fat within the orbit
12. Kissing puncta may be present because of medial ptosis. A much under-recognized entity

"Well, the last time I had a picture taken I could hardly see my eyes because of the weight of heavy eyelid. Then I paid attention to how I was actually using my eyes and I really noticed when I was looking at anything especially the computer I was straining my forehead to see better. Since I have had it done I no longer have to lift the forehead and tilt my head to see. It is amazing! I love..."  D. Rock  63 Yrs Old with Fat Droopy Eyes - Salt Lake City, UT

how do Upper eyelids age?

Upper eyelids are complex structures, the aging of which is related to changes of the skin as well as deeper structures. Furthermore, they are secondarily affected by the position and aging of the forehead and the brows. If that is not enough, not only the height, but also the curve, the eyelash position, the skin crease, the tarsal platform and the sub-brow fullness are all important and change with age. To that end, it is vital, if one is to avoid unintended consequences, to analyze carefully and plan accurately. With upper and lower eyelids, there is no substitute for a punctilious approach to detail and planning. Experience with different ages, sexes and races is vital to ensure one does not change the appearance untowardly. A substantial portion of our practice is seeing patients for second, third and fourth opinions after surgery performed elsewhere: it is always more difficult to put things right than to get them right the first time. ​

Contrary to popular belief, upper eyelids don't always accumulate fat and become fuller. As seen in these photographs taken 50 years apart, we often get loss or recession of upper eyelid fat AND loss of the brow fat pad. Therefore assessment of these structures need to be accurate so as not to age the eyelids further. We often "refill" upper eyelids to give them a more youthful look and almost always augment brows with fat to recreate the fullness of days gone by...

Treatment Options

Upper blepharoplasty

Ptosis repair

Botox

Fillers

Double Eyelid creation

CO2 laser

Chemical Peels

Before & After

"I had a excellent eye lift done by Dr. Patel. He knows what he is doing and is very pleasant. Dr.Patel was easy to get an appointment and he works with you. The office staff was very pleasant and made you feel calm."  D. Gull Highly recommended for eye lift surgery - Salt Lake City, UT

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Locations: 
​Dr. BCK Patel MD, FRCS
​1025E 3300S
Salt Lake City, Utah 84106, USA

(801) 413-3599 (phone/text)
E: [email protected]
bckpatel.info

Dr. BCK Patel MD, FRCS
617 E Riverside Dr Suite 101
​Saint George, UT 84790, USA
(435) 215-0014
​E: [email protected]
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