UPPER BLEPHAROPLASTY
Precision where it matters most
The upper eyelid is one of the most visible features of the face, and one of the most technically exacting areas to operate on. Excess skin, heaviness of the lid, or hooding that encroaches on the visual field can make a person look tired, older, or less alert than they feel. Upper blepharoplasty addresses this precisely, removing carefully measured excess tissue while preserving the natural architecture of the lid crease and the character of the eye.
The goal is never to create a dramatic change. It is to restore the eyelid to a version of itself that is open, defined, and natural, without looking operated. The crease incision heals within the natural fold of the upper lid and is almost imperceptible once mature.
"The upper eyelid crease is one of the most forgiving scars in the face. Placed correctly, it disappears entirely."
In most cases, upper blepharoplasty is performed in the office under local anesthesia. The procedure takes approximately one hour. Local anesthetic takes effect quickly, and patients feel nothing after the first moments of injection. There is no general anesthesia, no surgical facility, and no prolonged recovery. When more complex work is indicated, including gland or fat management, brow lift, or combined procedures, the surgery is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited facility.
Trained at the intersection of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery
Upper blepharoplasty benefits from both artistic judgment and anatomical depth. The experience here spans cosmetic eyelid surgery, orbital trauma, and complex reconstructive cases around the eye.
American Board of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery
American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Extensive experience with cosmetic eyelid surgery, orbital fractures, lacerations, and endoscopic orbital decompressions. A deep familiarity with the structures around the eye informs every cosmetic case.
Upper blepharoplasty is routinely performed in-office under local anesthesia, a setting that requires the same precision and care as an operating room, with the added comfort of a familiar environment.
Is upper blepharoplasty right for you?
Candidacy is assessed carefully in consultation. These are the presentations most commonly addressed.
Excess upper lid skin
Redundant skin that hangs over the lid margin, creating heaviness or hooding. May be cosmetic, functional, or both. When the excess skin obstructs the visual field, the procedure may have functional as well as aesthetic indications.
Lid heaviness or fatigue appearance
A persistently tired or heavy appearance despite adequate rest, driven by the weight of excess skin or fullness of the upper lid. Patients often describe looking older or more fatigued than they feel.
Complex upper lid anatomy
Cases involving lacrimal gland prolapse, significant fat herniation, or upper lid ptosis require a more involved approach. These are typically performed under general anesthesia and may be combined with a brow lift or other procedures when indicated.
Combined procedures
Upper blepharoplasty is frequently performed alongside lower blepharoplasty, brow lift, or facelift. When bundled with other procedures, surgery is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited facility, with the same surgical team and standard of care.
A careful assessment before a plan is made
A detailed ocular history is obtained at every consultation. Prior eye surgery, dry eye, contact lens use, and any history of lid or retinal conditions are reviewed. The position and tone of the upper lid, the depth of the crease, the degree of brow ptosis contributing to hooding, and the overall proportions of the upper face are assessed before any surgical plan is discussed.
It is important to distinguish between skin excess and brow descent. When the brow has dropped, it contributes to upper lid fullness in a way that blepharoplasty alone may not fully correct. This distinction is made clearly in consultation, and if a brow lift would meaningfully improve the result, it is discussed openly.
Goals are reviewed honestly. Upper blepharoplasty produces consistent, meaningful results in the right candidate, and what to expect will be communicated clearly before any decision is made.
Done in the office, comfortably
In most cases, upper blepharoplasty is performed right in the office. There is no surgical center, no general anesthesia, and no overnight preparation required. Local anesthetic is administered to both upper eyelids at the start of the procedure. It takes effect quickly, and after the first moments of injection, the area is completely numb. Patients are awake and comfortable throughout.
The procedure takes approximately one hour. Excess skin and, when present, a small amount of fat or muscle, is carefully removed through the crease incision. The incision is closed with fine sutures, which are removed at the one-week visit.
When the surgery involves more complex anatomy, such as lacrimal gland work, significant fat management, or upper lid ptosis repair, or when it is combined with a brow lift or other procedures, it is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility with the full surgical team present.
"One hour in the office. A result that lasts years. For the right candidate, upper blepharoplasty is one of the highest-value procedures we offer."
Follow-up care after upper blepharoplasty includes a stitch removal visit at one week. By one to ten days, most patients look well and are comfortable in public. The scar sits within the natural crease of the upper lid and is well concealed once healed.
If there is residual redness of the scar at around two months, a steroid injection can be placed to help it fade. This is a routine part of the follow-up process and is included in the care provided, not an add-on. The goal is the best possible result, and minor adjustments along the way are part of that commitment.
Your eyes. Your identity. Your result.
Upper blepharoplasty is one of the most reliably satisfying procedures in facial surgery. The recovery is light, the results are lasting, and the change, while meaningful, looks entirely natural.
Learn More about Planning & Recoveryfor Upper Blepharoplasty→