At the Jonathan Britto Clinic, the Papillon Procedure™ represents the union of artistry, anatomy, and innovation. Developed by Jonathan Britto, this signature approach restores harmony to the upper and midface by refining the relationship between the eyelids, midface, and underlying muscle structures. It is designed to rejuvenate the region from the eyebrow to the cheek, improving both appearance and comfort with natural, lasting results.

The Papillon Procedure™ is particularly effective in addressing orbicularis muscle festoons, which are folds and shadows that descend from the upper eyelid through the lower eyelid and onto the cheek. By restoring smooth, balanced contours, the technique re-establishes the brightness and vitality of the midface.

Understanding Midfacial and Eyelid Ageing

The eyes and midface are central to expression and vitality. Over time, changes in the skin, muscle, and fat layers can alter the way light interacts with the face.

Common features of ageing in this area include:

• Loss of upper eyelid definition due to drooping skin and muscle laxity, leading to heaviness and visual fatigue
• Puffiness or “bags” in the lower eyelids from herniated fat pads and loosened orbicularis muscle
• Cascading folds and shadows extending from the lower eyelid onto the cheek
• Deepening of the tear trough and malar crescent, creating a visible separation between eyelid and cheek
• A Y-shaped pattern of shadow caused by orbicularis muscle festoons

These changes can give the face a tired or heavy appearance, even when overall health and energy are good.

The Philosophy Behind the Papillon Procedure™

The Papillon Procedure™ was created as a comprehensive solution to restore both function and form to the eyelids and midface. The word “Papillon”, meaning “butterfly” in French, symbolises symmetry, lightness, and transformation.

Rather than focusing only on removing excess skin, the technique addresses the deeper structural layers. The procedure refines and repositions the orbicularis muscle, rebalances fat distribution, and re-drapes the skin with natural tension. This approach restores the smooth flow of the eyelid-cheek junction and reintroduces the gentle reflection of light that conveys youth and vitality.

Jonathan Britto’s philosophy of restorative precision and aesthetic harmony guides every stage of treatment. The aim is to achieve a refreshed and balanced appearance while preserving the individual’s natural character and identity.

The Technique

The Papillon Procedure™ forms part of the clinic’s Twilight Anaesthesia Series, performed under local anaesthetic with light sedation. This allows patients to remain comfortable and relaxed while avoiding the need for general anaesthesia.

It is carried out as a day-case procedure, meaning there is no overnight stay, no drains, and generally minimal swelling or bruising.

During surgery, the focus is on restoring structure and balance through several key steps:

• Upper eyelid refinement: Excess skin and redundant muscle are adjusted to restore clear eyelid definition and reduce the sensation of heaviness.
• Orbicularis muscle sculpting: The orbicularis oculi muscle is released and redraped to smooth festoons and remove the folds and shadows that travel from the eyelid onto the cheek.
• Volume balancing: Protruding fat pads are reshaped or repositioned to harmonise the lower eyelid contour while preventing hollowness.
• Lid–cheek continuity: The transition between the eyelid and cheek is refined to soften the tear trough and malar crescent, creating a smooth surface that reflects light evenly across the midface.

These refinements are achieved with no visible scars, preserving the natural texture of the skin and the fine detail of the periorbital region.

The Aesthetic and Functional Outcomes

The Papillon Procedure™ produces a natural and balanced result that restores light and symmetry to the midface. Typical outcomes include:

• Defined and youthful upper eyelids
• Relief from eyelid heaviness and fatigue
• Smooth continuity between the eyelid and cheek, reducing tear troughs and festoons
• Balanced lower eyelid volume with even reflection of light
• Invisible scars and natural skin tone

The overall impression is one of brightness and freshness, without the tell-tale signs of surgery.

The Functional Benefits

In addition to aesthetic rejuvenation, the Papillon Procedure™ also improves function around the eyes.

By restoring muscle tone and structural support, patients often notice:

• Reduced heaviness and strain around the eyelids
• Improved ocular surface hydration, promoting greater comfort
• Easier blinking and relief from evening fatigue

The procedure exemplifies Jonathan Britto’s approach, in which surgical precision and anatomical understanding work together to restore both comfort and appearance.

Suitability and Indications

The Papillon Procedure™ is suitable for men and women seeking rejuvenation of the midface and eyelid regions.

It may be indicated for those experiencing:

• Drooping upper eyelid skin or muscle excess
• Puffiness or festoon formation in the lower eyelids
• Deep tear troughs and midfacial hollows
• Shadowing or cascading folds from the eyelid to the cheek
• Visual or physical fatigue caused by eyelid heaviness

Each procedure is tailored to the individual’s facial anatomy, goals, and lifestyle. This bespoke approach ensures the outcome enhances personal identity and natural proportions.

The Recovery Experience

Recovery following the Papillon Procedure™ is usually smooth and rapid. As a day-case operation, patients return home on the same day and typically resume light activities within a few days.

Benefits of the clinic’s Twilight Anaesthesia technique include:

• No hospital stay or drains
• Minimal swelling and bruising
• Short recovery time and early return to normal routines
• Gentle, comfortable post-operative experience

Comprehensive aftercare and review appointments are provided by the clinic team to ensure progress and comfort at every stage of recovery.

Confidence in Results

The success of the Papillon Procedure™ is reflected in consistent clinical outcomes and professional referrals from colleagues who recognise the precision and artistry of this approach. Structured patient feedback confirms the effectiveness of the technique in restoring facial balance and comfort while maintaining natural individuality.

The Jonathan Britto Approach

Jonathan Britto’s practice is guided by the principles of natural restoration, refined technique, and individual harmony. His background in both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery informs an approach that blends anatomical accuracy with artistic sensibility.

“The Papillon Procedure™ is about more than rejuvenation. It is the restoration of light, balance, and identity in the face. When harmony returns to the periorbital region, the whole expression is renewed.” Jonathan Britto

The Papillon Procedure™ offers an advanced and minimally invasive solution for rejuvenation of the upper and midface. By addressing the full structural framework, from muscle tone to skin quality, it achieves a refreshed and balanced appearance with functional improvement and minimal downtime.

As one of the defining techniques of the Jonathan Britto Clinic, the Papillon Procedure™ exemplifies precision, artistry, and care. It restores harmony between form and function and brings renewed confidence through natural, enduring results.