Refresh tired-looking eyes and restore a naturally open expression with upper blepharoplasty in Palo Alto. At Leader Plastic Surgery, Dr. Brittany Leader, our double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, removes excess eyelid skin that causes heaviness, hooding, or vision obstruction. With an artistic eye, she helps you look like yourself again, just brighter and more rested.
What Is Upper Blepharoplasty?
Restore a Brighter, More Open Eye Contour
The upper eyelids are made up of delicate skin, muscle, and supportive connective tissue that work together to open and protect the eyes. Over time, genetics, aging, and sun exposure can cause the thin eyelid skin to stretch and lose elasticity. This can lead to excess skin that folds over the eyelid crease, creating a hooded appearance or interfering with peripheral vision.
Upper blepharoplasty removes this excess skin and, when appropriate, adjusts the underlying muscle or small fat pockets to restore a more defined eyelid contour. During surgery, Dr. Leader places an incision within the natural eyelid crease so the scar is well hidden once healed. By precisely reshaping the upper eyelid structures, the procedure restores a smoother, lighter-looking eyelid while preserving natural function and expressions.
Quick Glance
Treatment Time
45 - 60 Minutes
Patient Downtime
10 - 14 Days of Initial Recovery
Treatment Series
Single Surgical Procedure
Procedure Type
Outpatient Facial Surgery
Concerns Treated
- Excess upper eyelid skin causing a hooded appearance
- Heavy or drooping upper eyelids that make the eyes look tired
- Skin folding that obscures the natural eyelid crease
- Upper eyelid skin interfering with peripheral vision
- Asymmetry between the upper eyelids
- An aged or fatigued appearance around the eyes
Dr. Leader’s Approach
Precision Surgery, Guided by Artistic Vision.
Dr. Leader approaches eyelid surgery with the understanding that the eyes are one of the most expressive features of the face. Her goal is never to change the character of your eyes, but to gently restore the natural openness that may have been hidden by excess skin over time. With a careful eye for facial harmony, she designs every procedure to look balanced and subtle.
Dr. Leader is a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon who completed advanced fellowship training in Beverly Hills under the renowned surgeons Dr. Babak Azizzadeh and Dr. Paul Nassif. That elite surgical training is paired with a warm, thoughtful approach to aesthetic care shaped by her Midwestern roots. She takes time to listen closely to your goals, ensuring your results feel refined, natural, and unmistakably like you, just brighter and more refreshed.
Benefits of Upper Blepharoplasty:
- A brighter, more refreshed eye appearance
- Reduction of excess skin that creates hooding over the eyelids
- A more defined and visible upper eyelid crease
- Improvement in peripheral vision when sagging skin obstructs sight
- A smoother, lighter-looking upper eyelid contour
- Restoration of balance between the eyes and the rest of the face
- Long-lasting rejuvenation with a single surgical procedure
- Natural-looking results that preserve facial expressions
Upper Blepharoplasty FAQs
Who Is a Good Candidate for Upper Blepharoplasty?
Upper blepharoplasty is often a great option if you notice excess skin along the upper eyelids that creates a heavy or hooded appearance. Some patients feel their eyes look tired, stressed, or stern, even when they feel well rested. Some patients report eye strain at the end of the day, and others find that sagging upper eyelid skin actually begins to interfere with their upper field of vision.
Good candidates are generally healthy with realistic expectations who want to restore a more open, refreshed look to their eyes. During your consultation, Dr. Leader carefully evaluates your eyelid anatomy, skin quality, and facial balance to determine whether upper eyelid surgery is the right solution for you.
Will My Results Look Natural?
The goal of upper blepharoplasty is not to change the character of your eyes, but to restore what time or genetics may have gradually hidden. Dr. Leader focuses on removing just the right amount of skin while preserving the eyelid’s structure. By maintaining the normal proportions and contours, you achieve a brighter, more open look that still feels completely like you.
What Is Recovery Like After Upper Blepharoplasty?
Recovery after upper eyelid surgery is very manageable. Most patients experience mild swelling and bruising around the eyes during the first week. However, cold compresses, keeping your head elevated, and following Dr. Leader’s aftercare instructions can help minimize swelling. Many patients feel comfortable returning to work or social activities within about 10-14 days.
How Long Do Results Last?
Upper blepharoplasty provides long-lasting improvement. Because the procedure removes excess skin rather than temporarily tightening it, the results typically endure for many years.
Of course, the natural aging process continues over time. That said, most patients enjoy their results for a decade or longer, and many never feel the need for another upper eyelid surgery. Dr. Leader ensures results that age gracefully and remain natural-looking over time.
Schedule Your Consultation
Dr. Brittany Leader is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes exclusively in surgery of the face, nose, and neck. At Leader Plastic Surgery, she takes time to understand your goals and thoughtfully design results that look natural, balanced, and true to you. Patients throughout Silicon Valley appreciate her warm, personalized care. If your eyelids feel heavy or hooded, schedule your consultation for upper blepharoplasty in Palo Alto today.
