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About Upper Eyelid Surgery

Upper eyelid surgery, also called upper blepharoplasty, addresses excess skin and fat in the upper eyelid. Through careful incisions hidden within the natural crease, tissue is removed or repositioned to open the eyes and refresh appearance. This procedure helps with:

  • Drooping or sagging eyelid skin
  • Hooding that hides the eyelid crease
  • Fatty deposits that create puffiness
  • Impaired vision caused by eyelid heaviness
  • A tired or aged expression

Why Choose Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa

Patients choose Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa because they trust our reputation for safe, authentic results. Dr. Kara Criswell brings the rare perspective of a female surgeon in Charlotte, understanding patient concerns with empathy and expertise.

Dr. Bryan Criswell’s reconstructive and cosmetic background ensures precision even in challenging cases. Together, their collaborative approach balances artistry with surgical skill. Supported by skilled RN injectors and estheticians, the team provides comprehensive, long-term care beyond the operating room.

At Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa, recommendations are guided by ethics and safety, not fleeting trends. Patients know they will be listened to, guided honestly, and supported throughout their entire journey.

My results from a recent Brow Lift, Blepharoplasty, and Ellacor procedure are FANTASTIC!! Two months out and I am thrilled with how everything has healed and looks so natural. Dr. Kara Criswell performed the procedures, and the attending staff was wonderful. Dr. Criswell is incredibly skilled and caring. I love my new refreshed and happy face!

M.T.

Benefits of Upper Eyelid Surgery

This procedure delivers subtle yet transformative changes, allowing patients to look brighter and more alert while maintaining their individuality. Benefits of upper blepharoplasty in Charlotte at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa include:

  • More youthful, open eyes
  • Removal of sagging or heavy skin
  • Improved symmetry of the eyelids
  • A refreshed, rested appearance
  • Long-lasting, natural results
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Before & After Upper Eyelid Surgery

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I had a breast reduction done by Dr. Bryan Criswell at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience. My recovery has gone very smoothly, and my results already look amazing.

Dr. Kara Criswell was both professional and caring. I went to her for a BBL and could not be happier with my results. I highly recommend Dr. Criswell and will most definitely be going back to her for future procedures!

My experience with Dr. Kara and her staff has been amazing. They all are so caring and helpful. After my breast reduction, she continued to call and check on me.  I am extremely satisfied with everything.

I love Dr. Criswell and his staff. 3-4 years after he did my neck lift and tummy tuck, I am still doing great. What a boost to my self-esteem! He is very honest and direct, and he ensured that everything went well.

Dr Criswell and the team were extremely kind and professional and went above and beyond for me during my liposuction. I am now 3 months post-op and get so many compliments about my midsection. I am very happy with the results. I highly recommend him!

Dr. Bryan Criswell performed my Lower Abdominal Lipo and Butt Augmentation and he gave me exactly what I wanted and more. His staff is absolutely amazing and the quality of the work is priceless. I absolutely love my results and I get a lot of compliments!

I had reconstructive surgery following my bi-lateral mastectomy after my breast cancer diagnosis. Dr Criswell has been my surgeon and ally and my cheerleader ever since! I am beyond pleased with the services of Criswell and Criswell.

Dr Criswell was phenomenal. I got a tummy tuck and am now almost four months post op and am so thrilled with my results.  I wore a bikini for the first time in 20+ years!! I would absolutely recommend them to anyone!

Dr. Kara Criswell is fantastic! She listens to your concerns and honestly tells you your surgical options and the possible outcomes. I just had a breast reduction that she performed and I am thrilled with the results!

This was absolutely the best experience I could have ever imagined for my Breast Augmentation with Dr. Criswell. The doctors and staff are wonderful and I am very pleased with the results.

I have been going to Criswell & Criswell for different services since 2022. The staff is so kind, so happy and easy to talk to and makes every experience great. I’ve also been happy with every service I’ve ever received!

My experience with Criswell & Criswell has been nothing short of amazing. From the first call (zoom) last year I knew that I had made the right decision. Dr Criswell and his staff are awesome.

I have only had a virtual appointment so far. Dr. Criswell was professional, knowledgeable and had a great bedside manner. I enjoyed meeting him!!

Dr. Kara Criswell is absolutely amazing and I highly recommend her to anyone who will listen! I really wanted a female surgeon and she has exceeded all of my expectations.

All was excellent! Dr Kara Criswell and her staff wonderfully collaborated to carry my medical intervention!

From the reception staff to the doctor, everyone was very kind and made me feel comfortable.

Dr. Criswell and his staff are top notch! Very kind and professional.

I had a virtual appointment with Dr Bryan Criswell yesterday. He is fabulous!!

Dr Criswell is always Amazing. They have beautiful offices and operating rooms. The staff is always exceptionally helpful and kind.

Incredible Experience & Beautiful, Natural Results Dr. Bryan Criswell and his entire team at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery were absolutely amazing from start to finish.

From consult to recovery, the care was incredible.

They made me feel cared for, not just treated.

They treated me like family from start to finish.

My results are amazing and I am so happy.

They made me feel comfortable and confident.

Incredible experience and beautiful,
natural results.

Everything turned out perfect and looks so natural.

The surgery itself went smoothly, and the aftercare was amazing.

Upper Blepharoplasty Candidacy

Candidates for upper eyelid surgery are healthy adults who experience drooping or excess skin around the upper eyelids. Some seek surgery for cosmetic improvement, while others find that sagging eyelids interfere with their vision.

During consultation at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa, your anatomy, health, and goals are assessed. This ensures a tailored plan that delivers safe, natural results aligned with your expectations.

What Happens During the Procedure

Upper eyelid surgery follows a precise process designed for safety and natural outcomes:

  1. Local or general anesthesia is administered.

  2. A discreet incision is placed in the eyelid’s natural crease.

  3. Excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle are removed or repositioned.

  4. The incision is carefully closed to minimize visibility.

  5. Recovery begins immediately following surgery.

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Healing and Recovery

Swelling and mild bruising are common in the first week but improve quickly. Most patients return to normal activities within 7 to 10 days, with makeup used to camouflage healing if desired. As recovery continues, eyes appear brighter, smoother, and more youthful. Final results typically last 10 years or more, though natural aging will still progress.

Different Surgical Approaches

  • Traditional Upper Blepharoplasty: Removal of excess skin and fat through the crease.

  • Fat Repositioning: Redistribution of fat for smoother contours.

  • Functional Eyelid Surgery: Performed when sagging lids obstruct vision.

Other Complementary Options

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Frequently Asked Questions Upper Eyelid Surgery

How long is the recovery?

Most patients resume daily activities within 7 to 10 days, with complete healing over several weeks.

Are the results permanent?

Results last for many years, though aging will continue. Many patients never need repeat surgery.

What are the risks?

Risks include infection, asymmetry, or temporary dryness, though complications are rare when performed by experienced surgeons.

Can it be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Upper eyelid surgery is often paired with lower eyelid surgery or a brow lift for complete rejuvenation.

Schedule a Consultation

If heavy or sagging eyelids make you look tired or impact your vision, upper eyelid surgery in Charlotte may be the solution. Schedule a consultation with Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa today to learn more about your options.

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Begin your transformation with confidence, care, and expertise.

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