Your Guide to an Upper Blepharoplasty

They say the eyes are the window to the soul — and while being an “old soul” is a compliment, it’s probably not the message you want your eyes to convey. If you find yourself struggling with heavy, hooded eyelids that sometimes even impair your vision, persistent puffiness or bags under your eyes, droopiness, or an excess of fine lines and wrinkles, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) might be an excellent option to refresh your appearance and improve your quality of life.

What Is a Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a specialized surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate the eyelids by removing or repositioning excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle. This can dramatically improve the appearance of tired, sagging, or puffy eyes, giving you a more youthful, rested, and alert look. It’s commonly performed under general anesthesia and typically takes about 3-4 hours, depending on whether the upper lids, lower lids, or both are treated.

How Does the Procedure Work?

For an upper blepharoplasty, the surgeon makes incisions along the natural folds of your upper eyelids. This placement allows scars to heal discreetly, almost invisible once fully recovered. During this procedure, excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle are removed or repositioned to lift droopy lids and restore a smoother eyelid contour.

Who Can Benefit from Blepharoplasty?

• Individuals with excess upper eyelid skin that impairs vision or causes a heavy, tired appearance
• Those with persistent under-eye puffiness or bags that don’t respond to topical treatments
• Patients experiencing droopy eyelids that contribute to an aged or fatigued look
• Anyone seeking to reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes for a refreshed appearance

Watch Dr. Daniel Barrett give you a break down of what eyelid surgery can do for someone interested in getting this procedure.

5 Key Benefits of Blepharoplasty

1. A More Youthful, Alert Appearance: Sagging eyelids and puffiness often make people look tired or older than they are. Blepharoplasty lifts and tightens these areas, revealing a brighter, more awake look.
2. Improved Vision: Excess skin on the upper eyelid can obstruct peripheral vision. Removing this skin can restore better sight and improve daily comfort.
3. Natural-Looking Results: Incisions are hidden in natural creases or inside the eyelid, making scarring virtually invisible once healed.
4. Minimally Invasive Options: Modern techniques, including laser-assisted surgery, reduce swelling and bruising, speeding up recovery.
5. Long-Lasting Effects: While aging continues, the improvements from blepharoplasty typically last for many years, especially with proper sun protection and skincare.

What to Expect During Recovery

After surgery, it’s normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort for several days. Most patients find these symptoms improve significantly within a week and feel comfortable returning to work after that. Avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks to support proper healing.

Your eyes may feel dry or irritated initially, so your surgeon may recommend lubricating eye drops and cold compresses. Follow all post-op instructions carefully to ensure the best results.

Watch Brooke Schofield's journey through her upper blepharoplasty journey.

How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?

The cost of blepharoplasty varies based on factors like your surgeon’s expertise, the geographic location of the practice, and whether you’re having surgery on your upper, lower, or both eyelids. On average, prices typically range from $3,000 to $12,000. Many clinics offer financing options or payment plans to make the procedure more accessible.

Are There Risks or Complications?

Like any surgery, blepharoplasty carries some risks, such as infection, bleeding, dry eyes, temporary blurred vision, or asymmetry. Serious complications are rare when the procedure is performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. Your surgeon will thoroughly review these risks with you and provide detailed pre- and post-operative care instructions to minimize any chance of complications.

Maintaining Your Results

To help maintain your refreshed appearance for years to come, it’s essential to protect your skin—especially around the eyes—from sun damage. Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is crucial. Wearing sunglasses and avoiding excessive sun exposure will also preserve your surgical results and help prevent premature aging.

Ready to Learn More?

At Barrett Plastic Surgery, Dr. Daniel Barrett and our team are dedicated to helping you achieve natural, beautiful results with expert care tailored to your needs.

Stay connected by following us on social media—TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube—for the latest updates, patient stories, and educational content.

Interested in a consultation? Call us at (310) 398-2648 or fill out our virtual consultation form to get started. We’re excited to help you take this transformative step!

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