Blog
Why Dr. Kao Does Not Do Upper Blepharoplasty in Younger Patients
Why Dr. Kao Does Not Recommend Upper Blepharoplasty for Many Younger Patients
Most people think the upper eyelid ages because of extra skin. In many younger patients, the real issue is not excess skin. It is brow descent, deflation, and loss of feminine shape.
Video: Why I Don’t Do Upper Blepharoplasty in Younger Patients
“Young patients rarely need upper blepharoplasty. They desire the shape, not skin removal.”
Table of Contents
Case Overview
This young patient came to Dr. Chia Chi Kao after undergoing an upper blepharoplasty and a previous brow lift elsewhere. Instead of looking refreshed, she felt that her brows had collapsed, her eyes looked hollow, and her expression appeared tired.
She originally wanted a fresher look. However, after skin, muscle, and fat were removed from the upper eyelids, the wound closure contributed to brow descent. The result was a heavier, more tired, and less feminine appearance.
Why Upper Blepharoplasty Can Be a Problem in Younger Patients
Many patients believe the upper eyelid ages because of excess skin. Dr. Kao explains that in younger patients, the issue is often not true excess skin. The upper eyelid and brow area usually age through deflation and descent.
When too much skin, muscle, or fat is removed from a young upper eyelid, the closure can pull the eyebrow downward. This can make the face look heavier, flatten feminine expression, and create a tired appearance rather than a refreshed one.
A dropped brow can change the entire feeling of the face. It may make delicate features look more masculine, reduce the natural feminine arc of the brow, and create hollowing around the eyes.
Dr. Kao’s Solution: Endoscopic Brow Fashioning
Dr. Kao’s solution was Endoscopic Brow Fashioning, a technique designed to restore brow shape through tiny hidden incisions without visible scars or unnecessary tissue removal.
Rather than simply chasing brow height, Dr. Kao focuses on fashioning the brow shape. The goal is to restore a soft feminine arc, improve the relationship between the brow and upper eyelid, and create long-term harmony around the eyes.
Dr. Kao also emphasizes that endoscopic procedures do not fail because the concept is flawed. They fail when the release is incomplete. Without a detailed understanding of the periorbital fascia and retaining ligaments, surgeons may not create the shape or longevity patients want.
7-Month Post-Op Result
At 7 months after surgery, the patient described loving her result. She said she looked refreshed, received many compliments, and found it easier to get ready in the morning.
Her result shows the difference between removing tissue and restoring shape. The brow appears softer and more feminine. The eyes look more supported and refreshed. The overall result is natural, balanced, and consistent with Dr. Kao’s philosophy of Beauty Without a Trace.
Considering Brow or Eyelid Revision?
Dr. Chia Chi Kao specializes in advanced facial rejuvenation techniques designed to restore natural expression, feminine shape, and long-term harmony.
Questions & Answers
Why does Dr. Kao avoid upper blepharoplasty in many younger patients?
Dr. Kao avoids upper blepharoplasty in many younger patients because the issue is often brow descent and deflation, not true excess eyelid skin. Removing skin, muscle, or fat can worsen brow drop and hollowing.
What can happen if too much upper eyelid tissue is removed?
Overly aggressive upper blepharoplasty can cause the brow to descend, increase hollowing around the eyes, and create a tired or heavier appearance.
What is Endoscopic Brow Fashioning?
Endoscopic Brow Fashioning is Dr. Kao’s approach to reshaping and restoring the brow through tiny hidden incisions. The goal is to improve brow shape, feminine arc, and natural expression without visible scars.
Does Dr. Kao focus on brow height?
Dr. Kao does not simply chase brow height. He focuses on brow shape, ligament release, soft tissue support, and the overall harmony of the eyes and upper face.
Who performed this brow and eyelid revision?
This brow and eyelid revision was performed by Dr. Chia Chi Kao at Kao Plastic Surgery in Santa Monica, California.
About Dr. Chia Chi Kao
Dr. Chia Chi Kao is a board-certified plastic surgeon and the founder of Kao Plastic Surgery in Santa Monica, California. He is internationally recognized for advanced facial rejuvenation, the Ponytail Facelift®, endoscopic brow techniques, and natural results that preserve expression and identity.
Individual results vary. This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace a personal consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon.




