Upper blepharoplasty is an upper eyelid surgery that can restore a more youthful appearance and improve vision. During the procedure, a surgeon makes an incision in the upper eyelids and removes extra skin and fat. This surgery is relatively fast and easy to recover from, as long as you are mindful of your recovery at home.
Upper blepharoplasty, also known as upper eyelid surgery, rejuvenates the upper eyelids by removing or repositioning excess skin and fat. As you age, the skin on your eyelids stretches, which can lead to drooping eyelids, sagging skin, and vision obstruction.
The procedure can provide a more rested, youthful appearance to the eyes.
Eyelid surgery, also known as an “eyelift,” is often performed in conjunction with other facial cosmetic procedures, such as a facelift or browlift.
Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids.
Many people find that the area around their eyes shows signs of aging first. Droopy or hooded eyelids can give a tired appearance and impact vision. Upper blepharoplasty can correct these effects, so the eyes appear more open and refreshed.
Eyelid surgery is generally a quick, straightforward procedure. However, as with any surgery, it carries some risks.
The risks include:
Complications from an upper blepharoplasty are rare but include:
Eyelid surgery is a very common cosmetic surgery. In fact, it is one of the most popular facial cosmetic procedures in the United States.
Blepharoplasty is a popular procedure for men and women. It is most commonly performed on patients between 40 and 70 years old who have excess eyelid skin and a “tired” appearance. The procedure also treats an extreme excess of eyelid skin, which can produce “hooding” that may interfere with vision.
If you are experiencing saggy skin around your eyes, droopy eyelids, hooded eyes, or other eyelid problems that are impacting your appearance or your vision, talk with your doctor about an upper blepharoplasty.
Before surgery, you will discuss your overall health, symptoms, and medical history with your doctor. A nurse or your surgeon may take pictures of your eyelids for blepharoplasty before-and-after photos.
You will also receive specific guidelines about preparing for surgery, including:
Your plastic surgeon may request that you have an ophthalmology evaluation before surgery to evaluate your vision and tear-producing function.
Your doctor will recommend the best type of anesthesia for you, but local anesthesia, along with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, can be used.
A blepharoplasty can be done in a variety of ways. Your plastic surgeon will perform a careful evaluation of your entire face, including the area of the eyebrow and orbit, and suggest which procedure will work best for you.
Upper blepharoplasty can be performed awake or under anesthesia. Once the area has been cleaned and numbed, your surgeon will begin to make incisions on your upper eyelids. They will be sure to make incisions that blend in with your natural eyelid crease after surgery, to minimize scarring. Once the incision is made, your surgeon will work to remove excess skin and remove or reposition fat deposits to even out the area.
When the surgery is complete, your surgeon will close your incisions with either a glue specifically designed for skin healing or sutures. You can expect the surgery to take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.
After surgery, you can expect to feel some pain in or around the eyes as well as swelling, dark circles, blurred vision, or bruises. Both the swelling and bruising should begin to disappear within a week.
Your doctor may use a cold compress, gauze, or lubricant to protect your eyes right after the procedure. Your nurse will review your at-home care instructions with you so that you can continue recovering once you leave the hospital or surgery center. You will need a ride home from the clinic or hospital.
You can expect to go home the same day as surgery, but make sure to take it easy for several days afterward. You may want to take off work for up to five days, depending on your type of job and level of swelling. Avoid physical activity for a few weeks, and be mindful of sun exposure on your face and eyes for the next couple of months.
A week or two after surgery, you can expect a follow-up visit with your surgeon to assess your recovery. Your surgeon will also let you know when it is safe to wear contact lenses again.
Sometimes, upper blepharoplasty is covered by insurance if deemed medically necessary (as in the case of impaired vision). Your surgeon can help you determine if this procedure may be covered by insurance. Insurance companies typically require outpatient visual field testing to determine whether this is a covered procedure.
If the surgery is performed for cosmetic purposes, the average cost of upper eyelid surgery can range from $3,000 to $5,000, depending on several factors, including:
Discuss payment plans, insurance requirements, and the use of an HSA/FSA card with your doctor.
Success rates depend on many factors. Your surgeon will discuss the range of potential outcomes for your specific case at your surgical consultation.
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2026-03-01.
