Changing the Deepest Roots,
Leaving No Traces Behind
AVA's detail lies in reconstructing the invisible core structures beneath the skin.
Upper Blepharoplasty
This procedure excises lax upper eyelid skin designed at the eyelid crease and re-fixates the crease. Before the age of 30, it is often sufficient as a standalone procedure; however, from the age of 40 onwards, combining it with a forehead lift, sub-brow lift, or ptosis correction is generally recommended to achieve a natural, youthful result without creating a heavier appearance.
Quick Facts
| Procedure | Upper Blepharoplasty · Upper Blepharoplasty |
|---|---|
| Surgeon | Dr. Kim Seungsoo (Board-certified Plastic Surgeon, 10+ yrs) |
| Key Technique | Custom surgical plan |
| Time | 1 hour |
| Anesthesia | Local / IV Sedation |
| Hospitalization | Not required |
| Stitch Removal | Days 5–7 |
| Follow-up Visits | 1–2 times |
| Recovery | 1–2 weeks |
| Best For | Upper eyelid skin descending to obstruct the visual field · Frequent irritation or maceration of the periorbital skin · Compensatory use of the forehead muscles to open the eyes · Under 30 years of age with only mild laxity · Congenitally thin upper eyelid skin with minimal descent · From age 40 onwards, when combined with a forehead lift, sub-brow lift, or ptosis correction |
Incisional Ptosis Correction — An Important Addition
Mid-life eyelid descent is often caused by weakening of the levator muscle. Ptosis correction to strengthen the muscle must be performed simultaneously for a truly defined, open eye.
Upper Blepharoplasty — Age-Based Guide
As a standalone procedure it is appropriate up to the age of 30; from the age of 40 onwards, combination with other procedures is generally recommended.
Under 30
Standalone procedure may be considered
Where laxity is mild, upper blepharoplasty alone can achieve a satisfying outcome. Excising the lax skin at the eyelid crease naturally restores a defined, refreshed eye appearance.
Age 40 and above
Combination with other procedures recommended
Unless the skin is naturally very thin, standalone upper blepharoplasty is generally less preferred at this stage. Combining it with a forehead lift, sub-brow lift, or ptosis correction allows a return to a youthful appearance without creating a heavier or harsher look.
Age 40 and Above — Two Limitations of Standalone Upper Blepharoplasty
When performed as a standalone procedure with advanced laxity, improvement in some areas may be accompanied by concerns in others.
Lateral Hooding Cannot Be Fully Resolved
Because this procedure involves incision and excision within the eyelid crease, lateral corner laxity falls outside the addressable area. A sub-brow lift or forehead lift is required to resolve lateral hooding.
Risk of a Heavier or Harsher Appearance
When significant laxity is present and only upper blepharoplasty is performed, two simultaneous changes can produce a heavier appearance. (1) As the upper eyelid is refined, the distance between the brow and the eye decreases. (2) The thicker overlying eyelid skin comes to form the crease, making the fold bulkier. The combination of these two effects can make the appearance look stronger and harsher.
Recommended Combinations for Mid-Life and Beyond — Restoring a Youthful Look Without Changing Your Character
Upper blepharoplasty combined with other upper-face lifting procedures produces a natural, rejuvenated result without altering your overall appearance. The most suitable combination is chosen based on each patient's distribution of laxity and muscle condition.
Upper Blepharoplasty + Forehead Lift
Generalised laxity originating from the forehead
Addressing the origin of descent at the forehead level allows natural improvement from top to bottom. Restoration of brow position resolves the concern of 'brow-to-eye approximation' that can occur with standalone blepharoplasty.
Upper Blepharoplasty + Sub-Brow Lift
Lateral hooding + thick overlying upper eyelid skin
Lateral hooding is addressed, and the thick skin below the brow is refined — preventing the eyelid crease from becoming bulkier. A soft and natural appearance is maintained.
Upper Blepharoplasty + Ptosis Correction
Weakened levator muscle (blepharoptosis)
The naturally weakened levator aponeurosis is simultaneously strengthened, restoring iris exposure and creating a defined, youthful eye appearance.
※ Where laxity affects multiple areas, two or more of the above combinations may be performed simultaneously. The distribution of laxity is assessed during consultation to guide the decision.
Check Point Highly Recommended For
Upper Blepharoplasty Procedure
Laxity Assessment
The degree of skin descent, levator function, and brow position are evaluated
Crease Design & Excision
Lax skin and fat are precisely excised following a design along the eyelid crease
Crease Fixation + Ptosis Correction
The levator aponeurosis is tightened as needed to restore eyelid-opening strength
Micro-Suture Closure
Tension-free closure to allow the eyelid crease to settle naturally
Anti-Aging Procedures — At a Glance
The right fit depends on where the laxity is, how deep it runs, and your recovery window.
| Procedure | Area | Time | Anesthesia | Recovery | Key Technique |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Facelift Full Face Lift | Full face, jaw, neck | 3 hours | IV Sedation | From 2 weeks | AVA Plastic Surgery 'Dual-Plane' Lifting |
| Mini Facelift Customised Mini Lift | Mid / lower face (choose) | 2 hours | IV Sedation | 1–2 weeks | Only the Incision Is Shorter — SMAS Dissection Is the Same |
| Forehead Lift Endoscopic Forehead Lift | Forehead, glabella, brow | 1 hour | IV Sedation | From 1 week | '1.5 cm × 4 Minimal Incisions' — No Visible Scarring |
| Sub-Brow Lift Sub-brow Lift | Upper lid, eye corners | 1 hour | Local / IV Sedation | From 1 week | AVA 'Dual-Plane' Sub-Brow Lift |
| Upper Blepharoplasty Upper Blepharoplasty | Upper eyelid | 1 hour | Local / IV Sedation | 1–2 weeks | Incisional Ptosis Correction — An Important Addition |
| Lower Blepharoplasty Lower Blepharoplasty | Lower eyelid | 1 hour | Local / IV Sedation | 1–2 weeks | Surgeon-customized approach |
| Philtrum Reduction Philtrum Reduction | Philtrum (nose-to-lip) | 1 hour | Local / IV Sedation | 1–2 weeks | Dual-Plane Philtrum Reduction |
| Corner Lip Lift Corner Lip Lift | Mouth corners, lips | 30–50 minutes | Local / IV Sedation | From 1 week | Scar Management Is the Essence — Triangular Flap Transposition |
Click a row to open that procedure.
The AVA Difference
AVA Dual-Deep Plane Lifting
Multi-layer dissection of SMAS and deep tissue with tension applied at the SMAS layer.
The incision-site skin is designed to remain tension-free.
Anatomy-Based Long-Term Design
Dissection depth and lift vectors are individually calibrated
based on Mendelson's midcheek anatomy and Jacono's long-term outcome data.
Patient Satisfaction Defines Completion
Surgery is complete not when sutures are removed,
but when the patient smiles in front of the mirror.
Q&A
RELATED · Medical Terms
Post-op Instructions
- Do not rub the surgical area strongly for about a week.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 2 weeks as they delay recovery.
- Swelling and bruising vary individually but will gradually improve.
- Light walking or stretching helps reduce swelling.
Curious About This Procedure?
Our head surgeon provides a one-on-one assessment and a tailored treatment plan just for you. Results and recovery may vary by individual.