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Functional Upper Eyelid Surgery
IN SAN DIEGO
Restore vision. Relieve heaviness. Enhance eye comfort.​
Functional upper eyelid surgery treats excess skin and drooping lids that interfere with vision and daily life. At Oculofacial Surgical Arts in Del Mar, Dr. Jean-Paul Abboud provides expert blepharoplasty and ptosis repair to restore comfort, clarity, and a naturally refreshed appearance.
What Is Functional Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty?
Functional blepharoplasty involves the surgical removal of redundant upper eyelid skin that interferes with the visual field. It is performed to improve peripheral vision and relieve associated symptoms, such as:
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Forehead strain and headaches from chronically raising the brows
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Reduced ability to read or drive safely
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Constantly lifting the eyelids by hand to see better
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During surgery, Dr. Abboud carefully removes the excess skin, preserving natural eyelid closure and symmetry while expanding your visual field.
What Is Functional Upper Eyelid Ptosis Repair?
In some patients, the issue isn’t just excess skin (dermatochalasis), but a drooping of the upper eyelid itself, caused by a weakened or stretched eyelid muscle (levator aponeurosis). This condition is known as ptosis and often coexists with dermatochalasis.
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Functional ptosis repair tightens or repositions the eyelid muscle to raise the height of the eyelid and improve vision. Unlike blepharoplasty, which removes skin, ptosis repair targets the muscular structure that lifts the lid.
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Dr. Abboud frequently performs both procedures in a single surgery to achieve an optimal outcome, restoring both function and a natural, refreshed appearance.
Am I Candidate for Functional Upper Eyelid Surgery?
You may be a candidate for functional upper eyelid surgery if drooping upper lids or excess eyelid skin are obstructing your vision or interfering with daily activities like reading, driving, or working on a screen.
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Common symptoms include:
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A sensation of heaviness or fatigue around the eyes
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Reduced peripheral vision, especially in the upper outer fields
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Frequent eyebrow-raising to lift the lids and improve sight
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Manually holding the eyelids up to see more clearly
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One or both eyelids sitting lower than normal (ptosis)
During your consultation, Dr. Abboud will evaluate whether your visual obstruction is due to excess skin (dermatochalasis), true eyelid droop (ptosis), or a combination of both. While both conditions often coexist, insurance typically only covers one procedure at a time, whichever is determined to be the primary cause of the functional deficit based on visual field testing and clinical documentation.
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If both conditions are contributing, Dr. Abboud can often treat them together in a single surgery to restore clear vision and natural eyelid positioning, even if only one portion is covered by insurance.
Benefits of Functional Upper Eyelid Surgery
Functional upper eyelid surgery, whether blepharoplasty or ptosis repair, offers more than aesthetic improvement. For many patients, it restores comfort, vision, and confidence.
Key benefits include:
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Clearer Vision: Lifts excess skin or drooping lids that block the upper and side fields of vision.
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Less Eye Fatigue: Reduces forehead strain and tension headaches from constantly raising the brows.
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Improved Comfort: Makes everyday tasks like reading and driving easier.
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Natural Appearance: Eyes look more open, rested, and alert, without looking “done.”
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Lasting Results: Enjoy long-term functional and aesthetic benefits with proper care.
Performed by an oculofacial specialist, this medically necessary procedure helps you see (and feel) like yourself again.
Why Choose Dr. Abboud for Functional Upper Eyelid Surgery?
When it comes to eyelid surgery, precision matters. Dr. Jean-Paul Abboud is a fellowship-trained oculofacial plastic surgeon who specializes exclusively in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the eyelids and face.
What sets Dr. Abboud apart:
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Specialized Expertise: Unlike general plastic surgeons, Dr. Abboud has advanced training in eyelid anatomy, function, and aesthetics.
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Balanced Approach: He combines meticulous surgical technique with a natural, conservative aesthetic to ensure your eyes look and feel their best.
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Personalized Care: Every procedure is customized to your unique anatomy, functional needs, and long-term goals.
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Trusted by Patients and Physicians: Known for his results and integrity, Dr. Abboud is the surgeon of choice for patients and referring doctors alike.
With Dr. Abboud, your vision, comfort, and confidence are in expert hands.
The Procedure: Functional Upper Eyelid Surgery
Functional upper eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure designed to restore your visual field and relieve eyelid heaviness. Depending on your needs, it may involve blepharoplasty (removal of excess skin), ptosis repair (lifting a drooping eyelid), or both.
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What to Expect:
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Before surgery, Dr. Abboud carefully marks your eyelids and determines exactly how much skin or muscle needs to be adjusted.
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The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with light sedation for your comfort.
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Using fine surgical instruments, he removes excess skin and/or tightens the eyelid muscle with precise technique, always preserving natural lid function and symmetry.
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Sutures are placed carefully, and no eye patch is required — your eyes will remain open after surgery.
The entire process typically takes under an hour, with most patients returning home the same day.
Before & After: Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty & Ptosis Repair Results
View our Before & After Gallery to see real patient results from upper eyelid blepharoplasty and ptosis repair.
Each result reflects a personalized approach to restoring vision and eyelid function, while preserving natural contour and facial balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is functional upper eyelid surgery the same as cosmetic upper eyelid surgery?
No. Functional upper eyelid surgery is performed to improve vision by removing excess skin or lifting a drooping eyelid that obstructs your sight. It is medically necessary and may be covered by insurance if certain criteria are met.
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Cosmetic eyelid surgery, on the other hand, is elective and designed to enhance appearance. It often involves additional techniques, such as fat sculpting, brow contouring, or laser resurfacing, that are not covered by insurance.
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Can I combine functional upper eyelid surgery with a cosmetic eyelid procedure?
Yes. Many patients choose to combine functional surgery with additional cosmetic enhancements — such as lower eyelid blepharoplasty, brow lift, or laser resurfacing — to achieve both improved vision and aesthetic rejuvenation in a single procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Abboud will guide you through the best options based on your goals and anatomy.
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Will insurance cover my procedure?
Insurance may cover either blepharoplasty or ptosis repair, but typically only the one that contributes most significantly to your visual obstruction. Coverage is based on clinical documentation, including photographs, visual field testing, and a physician’s evaluation. Our office will help coordinate the pre-authorization process to determine your eligibility.
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Will I be able to see right after surgery?
Yes. Your eyes will remain open after surgery, and no patches are used. You may experience temporary blurred vision from lubricating ointment or mild swelling, but this resolves within a few days.
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Your Functional Upper Eyelid Surgery Recovery
After functional upper eyelid surgery, patients can expect:
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Mild swelling and bruising for several days
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Cold compresses and head elevation to reduce inflammation
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Return to light activities within 2–3 days
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Sutures are often dissolvable, but if not, they are typically removed within 6–8 days
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Avoiding strenuous activity or heavy lifting for 1–2 weeks
Most healing occurs within the first few weeks, although subtle improvements in eyelid contour and symmetry may continue over several months.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to replace a medical consultation, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Each individual’s treatment and/or results will vary, and no guarantee is stated or implied by any photo or statement used on this website.
Schedule Your Functional Upper Eyelid Surgery Consultation
If you’re experiencing droopy upper eyelids or excess skin that obstructs your vision or causes discomfort, functional upper eyelid surgery may help restore both clarity and comfort. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Abboud at Oculofacial Surgical Arts in Del Mar to explore your options and determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs.