Upper Blepharoplasty
Body area: eyes
Overview
Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin and, when needed, protruding fat from the upper eyelids. It restores a more alert, youthful, and refreshed appearance while sometimes improving visual field obstruction caused by heavy, drooping eyelid skin.
Who is it for?
Adults with drooping upper eyelids, excess skin that may impair vision, or those wanting a more refreshed, open eye appearance.
Technique overview
Through an incision hidden within the natural crease of the upper eyelid, the surgeon removes a carefully measured amount of excess skin and may address protruding fat pads. The incision is meticulously closed to minimize scarring. The resulting scar typically becomes virtually invisible within the eyelid crease.
What this procedure cannot do
Upper blepharoplasty addresses excess upper-eyelid skin and protruding fat — it does not lift a descended brow (that requires a brow lift), correct true ptosis (a separate eyelid muscle procedure), or treat fine crow's feet, dark circles, or under-eye bags (which need different procedures). Removing too much skin can leave the eyes unable to fully close (lagophthalmos) and contribute to dry-eye symptoms, so conservative skin removal is generally the standard. The procedure also does not change eye shape or size — it refines the skin envelope around the existing eye anatomy.
Scars and incisions
The incision is hidden in the natural upper-eyelid crease and typically matures into a virtually invisible line within a few months. Scar visibility depends on individual healing, sun protection during the first year, and the surgeon's closure technique. In some patients with prominent epicanthal folds or distinctive eyelid anatomy, additional small incisions may be planned to keep the result balanced and natural.
Recovery
Most patients return to normal activities within 7 to 10 days. Bruising and swelling typically resolve within 2 weeks. Sutures are removed in 5 to 7 days.
Longevity of results
Upper blepharoplasty results typically last 10–15 years, with many patients never needing a repeat procedure. Aging continues — skin can develop new laxity over time and the brow may descend independently — but the original tissue removal is permanent and the lifted, more open appearance generally persists for the long term.
Typical price range
$3,000 - $7,000
Common goals
- Remove excess upper eyelid skin
- Improve visual field obstruction
- Create a more youthful, open eye appearance
- Reduce hooded eyelids
Risks
- Dry eyes
- Difficulty closing eyes (lagophthalmos)
- Visible scarring
- Asymmetry
- Over-resection of skin
- Vision changes (rare)
How to choose a surgeon
Choose a surgeon board-certified by the ABPS, ABFPRS, or American Board of Ophthalmology (with oculoplastics fellowship training) — all three pathways produce surgeons who do high-quality eyelid surgery. Ask how they decide between blepharoplasty alone versus combining with brow lift or ptosis repair, what their approach is to dry-eye risk assessment (especially in patients with pre-existing dry eyes), and to see before-and-after photos at 3+ months. Be cautious of providers who quote unusually low prices or perform the procedure as a high-volume add-on without a proper preoperative eye exam.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a brow lift, blepharoplasty, or both?
If your brow is in a normal position but you have heavy upper-lid skin, blepharoplasty alone is usually right. If your brow is descended and pushing the upper-lid skin down, lifting the brow may be the actual fix — and removing eyelid skin without addressing the brow can pull the brow down further. The honest answer requires an in-person exam where the surgeon assesses both elements separately.
Will insurance cover this?
Some insurance plans cover upper blepharoplasty when excess skin meaningfully obstructs vision, documented by a visual-field test and photos. Coverage rules vary by plan and require pre-authorization in most cases. The cosmetic portion (refinement of the eyelid crease, removal of fat for aesthetic reasons) is not covered.
Will I look different or just refreshed?
Done well, upper blepharoplasty leaves you looking like a more rested version of yourself rather than a different person. Patients often hear comments that they look less tired rather than that they had surgery — that's the goal. Overly aggressive skin or fat removal is what creates a hollowed or surprised look, which is why conservative removal is standard.
How soon can I wear contacts and makeup?
Most surgeons allow eye makeup at about 2 weeks once the incisions are well healed, and contact lenses around the same time depending on individual healing. Glasses can be worn immediately. Heavy eye rubbing should be avoided for several weeks.
Editorial disclaimer: This page is educational content reviewed by the MDcontour editorial team. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a board-certified plastic surgeon about your individual situation.