Lift and refresh heavy or sagging eyelids with upper blepharoplasty; a trusted surgical solution that restores youthful contours and may even improve vision.
Overview
Upper eyelid surgery, or upper blepharoplasty, is a procedure designed to remove excess skin, fat, or muscle from the upper eyelids. It can improve drooping lids, create a more alert appearance, and even restore clearer vision if sagging skin obstructs your field of sight.
In addition to rejuvenation, upper blepharoplasty is culturally significant in Asian communities. Double eyelid surgery is the common name used in Asian contexts when the goal is to create or enhance a visible eyelid crease (a “double lid”) in someone who naturally has a “single lid” (no crease). This version of upper eyelid surgery is one of the most popular procedures among Asian patients seeking an open-eyed, symmetrical aesthetic.
Upper eyelid surgery costs vary depending on your provider’s credentials, location, and whether it’s performed for cosmetic or functional reasons.
Average cost (USD)
Cost Range (USD)
Insurance may cover upper eyelid surgery if it’s medically necessary to restore vision. A consultation can determine your coverage and exact cost.
Upper eyelid surgery begins with a personalized consultation to assess your goals, eyelid structure, and skin elasticity. On the day of surgery, precise incisions are made along the natural eyelid crease. Through these incisions, your surgeon removes or repositions excess skin, muscle, and fat. The area is then sutured using ultra-fine stitches to promote smooth healing and conceal scarring within the natural fold.
This outpatient procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. The result is a refreshed, lifted appearance that enhances the eyes without changing your natural expression.
Upper eyelid surgery treats droopy or hooded eyelids, sagging skin, and puffiness, and can improve obstructed vision.
Most procedures take 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the individual’s anatomy and whether both eyes are being treated.
Good candidates are healthy, non-smoking adults with realistic expectations and visible upper eyelid sagging that affects appearance or vision.
Swelling and bruising typically lasts 7 to 14 days. Most patients return to light activities after one week and see full results within a few months.
Upper eyelid surgery removes excess skin and fat from the upper lid to open up the eye area and lighten a heavy, tired appearance. It’s one of the earlier procedures many patients consider as the upper face begins to change. Below are the concerns this treatment addresses, each explained on its concern page.
As the upper eyelid loses elasticity over time, excess skin can fold over the lash line and create a heavier, hooded appearance. Upper eyelid surgery removes this excess tissue directly, opening up the eye area and often improving the field of vision as well.
Loss of elasticity in the upper eyelid causes skin to sag and fold, sometimes crowding the lash line or affecting how makeup sits on the lid. Upper eyelid surgery tightens this area directly, addressing laxity that skincare and topical treatments can't correct on their own.
Changes to the upper eyelid are often among the first visible signs of aging in the face, sometimes appearing before lines or volume loss elsewhere. Upper eyelid surgery addresses this early, refreshing the eye area and restoring a more alert, rested look.
Most patients can return to normal activities within 7 to 10 days. Bruising and swelling decreased significantly within the first week. Stitches are typically removed after 5 to 7 days. Full healing may take a few weeks, and results appear as residual swelling fades and incision lines mature.
You may be a good candidate if you have sagging or drooping upper eyelids that affect your appearance or vision. Ideal candidates are non-smokers in good general health with realistic expectations. A board-certified provider can evaluate your eyelid anatomy and discuss the best treatment options during your consultation.
The incision is made along the natural crease of the upper eyelid, allowing scars to remain hidden once healed. Most patients experience minimal scarring that fades significantly over time. Following post-operative care instructions and choosing an experienced surgeon are key to optimal healing and subtle, well-placed results.
Results from upper blepharoplasty typically last 10 to 15 years, depending on skin quality, genetics, and lifestyle. While the natural aging process continues, the improvements achieved through surgery are long-lasting. Some patients choose to combine their surgery with other treatments to maintain a refreshed and youthful appearance over time.
Upper eyelid surgery can actually improve vision when drooping lids obstruct the upper field of view. Rarely, temporary blurred vision or irritation may occur during healing. Permanent vision impairment is extremely uncommon. Choosing a qualified, board-certified surgeon helps minimize the risk of complications and ensures a safe recovery.
The following references provide clinical evidence and safety information on Upper Eyelid Surgery (Upper Blepharoplasty):
Overview of upper and lower blepharoplasty techniques, candidacy, recovery, and outcomes.
Clinical analysis of upper eyelid rejuvenation approaches and safety data.
Patient guidance on the procedure, risks, and what to expect.
All sources reviewed for clinical accuracy and relevance.
MD, FACS
Dr. Anthony Admire is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Admire Plastic Surgery and Admire Skin + Wellness Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale, AZ
Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon & Aesthetic Practitioner, BMBCh MA (OXON) L7Cert FRCOphth
Dr Jennifer Doyle is a Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon and aesthetic doctor at The Clinic Holland Park, specializing in surgical and non-surgical treatments around the eyes. An Oxford University graduate and Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, she combines advanced oculoplastic expertise with a natural, conservative approach focused on refreshing and restoring the eye area.
London, UK
MD, FACS
Dr. Eric Mariotti is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Dr. Mariotti Plastic Surgery & M Spa in Walnut Creek, California.
Concord, CA
Concord, CA
Consultant Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon, MBBS, BSc, FRCOphth
Specialist oculoplastic surgeon Mr Richard Scawn focuses on eyelid and brow procedures, combining advanced surgical expertise with a refined, patient-focused approach to deliver natural, balanced results.
London, UK
FACS
Dr. Joshua Korman is a Board-Certified plastic surgeon and founder of Korman Plastic Surgery & Wunderbar MedSpa, serving the San Francisco Bay Area.
2500 Hospital Drive Suite 9A Building 9 Mountain View, CA
2500 Hospital Dr Suite 9A Bldg 9 Mountain View, CA
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