Accessibility Accessibility Widget
Call Us Schedule Consultation

Upper Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

Portrait of a woman with long, flowing hair.
Rhinoplasty Society logo design.
Logo of American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Logo of Orange County Society of Plastic Surgeons
The Aesthetic Society logo in gray.
Rhinoplasty Society logo design.
Logo of American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Logo of Orange County Society of Plastic Surgeons
The Aesthetic Society logo in gray.
Text graphic of the word "CRUISE" in white.

Restore a Lively, Youthful Gaze

Upper Eyelid Surgery at Cruise Plastic Surgery

As the central point of the face and the “windows to the soul,” eyes are a major facial feature that are one of the first things people notice about you.

As people age, the effects of aging often show around the eyes before anywhere else on the face. When people begin to notice wrinkles, fine lines, drooping eyelids, and other signs of aging, they may begin to consider upper eyelid surgery to correct some of these concerns.

At Cruise Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph T. Cruise offers upper eyelid surgery, also known as upper blepharoplasty, to restore a smooth, youthful contour to the upper lids. His precise, artistic approach ensures that your results look natural and harmonious, never overdone.

Abstract light gray textured background.

Blepharoplasty/Eyelid Surgery at a Glance

  • Purpose: Cosmetic surgical procedure to remove excess skin and rejuvenate the upper eyelid contour
  • Anesthesia: Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia
  • Downtime: Up to 14 days
  • Results Timeline: Initial improvements visible within days; full results in about a few weeks to months.
  • Treatment Options: Eyelid surgery is frequently combined with a brow/temple lift or facelift.
  • Average Cost: View Pricing </patient-resources/pricing/>
Logo for plastic surgery excellence brand.

A Subtle Change With a Major Impact

Woman touching her face, smiling gently.

What is upper blepharoplasty?

Upper eyelid surgery (also called upper blepharoplasty, upper eyelid blepharoplasty, or an upper eyelid lift) is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, fat, and sometimes a small amount of muscle from the upper eyelids.

The goal of an upper eyelid lift is to restore a smooth, open eyelid contour while maintaining the natural beauty of your eyes. This procedure can also restore field of vision if excess eyelid skin is obscuring your line of sight.

At Cruise Plastic Surgery, Dr. Cruise tailors every eyelid surgery to the individual, evaluating factors like eyelid skin quality, brow position, and underlying connective tissue. For some patients, addressing both the upper and lower eyelids in one surgery, or combining upper eyelid surgery with a brow lift, provides more complete facial rejuvenation. Dr. Cruise will assess your concerns and provide personalized guidance based on your goals. Whether for functional or cosmetic reasons, the goal of an eyelid lift is simple: to make you look brighter, more alert, and more authentically yourself.

What is the upper eyelid surgery procedure like?

Precision Care for Seamless Results

Upper blepharoplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation, though general anesthesia is available based on patient preference. Most procedures are completed in about 1 to 1½ hours.

Dr. Cruise makes tiny surgical cuts along the natural crease of the upper lids, allowing him to remove excess skin and possibly fat while minimizing any noticeable scarring injury. If needed, Dr. Cruise sculpts away excess fat deposits that contribute to droopy eyelids or puffiness.

After the procedure, a lubricating ointment applied to the surgical site helps protect the delicate eyelid skin and promote healing. Patients typically move to the recovery room shortly after surgery repairs are complete.

Surgeon in scrubs with focused expression.
Illustration of breast tissue and possible cancer cells.
White play button icon on black background

Eyelid Surgery - Upper

Understanding Aging in the Eye Area

The Science Behind Eye Rejuvenation

Descent of the upper eyelid is called eyelid ptosis, and it is a less commonly discussed problem of facial aging. This is when one or both of the upper eyelids begin to droop and cover the eye, causing vision problems or concerns about the look of the eye. Joseph T Cruise, MD uses upper eye lift techniques that pull the eyelid back up into its proper positioning for a more open, youthful look. Below, we look at the causes of aging in the eye area and how Dr. Cruise’s precision blepharoplasty techniques address sagging skin, lax muscles, and fat deposits.

Abstract black textured waves background.

Upper Eyelid Skin with Aging

The skin around the eye area is particularly sensitive and begins to show the effects of aging sooner than other facial skin. As skin receives damage from the sun and other elements, fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear.

The skin around the eyes also loosens with age, as elastic and supportive connective tissue breaks down and the cheek area loses underlying fat. When this happens, some people find they develop “hooded” or “drooped” eyelids. Upper blepharoplasty is often the solution to these concerns, while lower blepharoplasty addresses concerns like bags under their eyes. Some patients also choose to have a fat transfer or a brow lift to achieve their desired results, especially if their concerns include crow’s feet and deep wrinkles that eyelid surgery alone cannot correct. Non-surgical treatments like a chemical peel or dermabrasion can be combined with an upper eyelid lift to enhance skin quality in this area.

Upper Eyelid Muscles and Aging

Over time, the muscles that support the eyelids and brow can weaken or become lax, allowing fat and excess skin to descend and create a heavy, tired appearance. In addition, subtle imbalances in the levator muscle and surrounding connective tissue can worsen eyelid drooping and affect the natural eye contour.

Joseph T Cruise, MD, in Orange County, CA, has been a plastic surgeon long enough to witness a revolution in the industry – a better understanding of facial structure and how all its parts combine to create an aged look on the face. Tightening the small muscles around the eyes creates a smoother, more youthful result that looks refreshed—not pulled or artificial. Joseph T Cruise, MD has access to the most current techniques that improve muscle structure around the eye.

Anatomically, you can see here what happens to the muscles around the eye with aging:

Detailed anatomical illustration of facial muscles.

Youthful Eyes

Muscles around the eyes are circular in shape.

Detailed illustration of facial muscles and features.

Aged Eyes

A drooping eye brow and lateral canthus make the eye look older.

Upper Eyelid Area Fat and Aging

As fat in the face descends, skin and muscle begin to sag. Youthful cheeks are round and full of fat. However, with age, the fat layer thins, leaving the cheeks with a hollow, gaunt appearance. When facial skin is no longer supported by a youthful fat layer, it also loses its volume and begins to wrinkle. Dr. Cruise’s upper eyelid surgery technique carefully evaluates both excess skin and underlying fat changes. When needed, he may incorporate fat repositioning, conservative fat removal, or volume restoration techniques to achieve a smoother, more youthful appearance.

Detailed anatomical illustration of facial muscles.

Youthful Upper Eye

Notice well defined eyelid crease.

Detailed illustration of facial muscles and features.

Aged Upper Eye

Notice descent of eyebrow and lateral canthus.

What conditions does upper eyelid surgery address?

Signs You May Benefit from Eyelid Rejuvenation

Upper blepharoplasty corrects both cosmetic and functional concerns related to aging in the eye area, including:

  • Sagging upper eyelids creating a heavy or tired appearance
  • Redundant upper eyelid skin affecting vision or appearance
  • Droopy eyelids obscuring the natural eyelid crease
  • Excess skin causing visual field limitations
  • Excess fat creating puffiness in the upper eyelids
  • Difficulty applying makeup due to drooping skin

Even mild skin sagging can dramatically impact your facial expression, making you appear older or more fatigued than you feel.

Lace lingerie in natural lighting setting.

What are the benefits of upper eyelid surgery?

Energize Your Eyes. Energize Your Confidence.

With aging, some people notice that their eyes look tired, even when they feel alert. If you look older and more tired, you may feel older and more tired too. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty can transform not just how you look, but also how you feel. Benefits include:

  • Brighter, more open eyes
  • Smoother, firmer upper eyelid contour
  • Improved peripheral vision when excess eyelid skin is removed
  • Easier makeup application across the upper lids
  • Restoration of a youthful, well-rested appearance
  • Minimal, well-concealed scarring within the natural eyelid crease

The results of upper blepharoplasty can provide a renewed self confidence, improved body image, and relief from functional impairments like limited peripheral vision.

Example of 43-year-old female who only needed skin and fat removal.

Close-up portrait of a woman with makeup.

Before

Close-up portrait of a woman with dark hair.

After

Lateral view of same woman. Notice defined upper lid crease

Close-up portrait of a woman with makeup.

Before

Close-up portrait of a woman with dark hair.

After

Abstract black textured background with brush strokes.

Am I a candidate for upper eyelid surgery?

Thoughtful Guidance for Your Transformation

You may be a good candidate for an upper eyelid lift if you have excess eyelid skin or drooping skin around the eyes. Many candidates also experience limited vision, difficulty applying makeup, or frustration with their appearance despite a healthy lifestyle. Ideal candidates are healthy, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about possible outcomes and recovery timelines.

Before recommending upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Cruise will review your medical history, evaluate your visual field, and assess any risk factors like eye disease. When he evaluates each patient’s eye area, Joseph T Cruise, MD pays attention to four components of the upper eye region:

  • The eyebrow
  • The upper eyelid
  • The lateral canthus (the outer corner where the upper and lower eyelids meet)
  • The eyelid ptosis (degree of eyelid sagging)

Depending on your facial structure, Dr. Cruise may recommend combining upper eyelid surgery with a temporal brow lift. A temporal brow lift is particularly beneficial when the outer third of the brow has descended, contributing to heaviness over the upper eyelid and a tired, closed-off appearance. Gently elevating the brow helps the eyes appear more open, refreshed, and youthful-looking.

Example of 48-year-old female who neededleft lateral canthus elevated in additionto skin and fat removal.

Close-up portrait of a woman with makeup.

Before

Close-up portrait of a woman with dark hair.

After

Lateral view of same patient. Notice howelevating the lateral canthus gives almond shape appearance to eye

Close-up portrait of a woman with makeup.

Before

Close-up portrait of a woman with dark hair.

After

Logo for plastic surgery excellence brand.

From Surgery to Stunning: The Recovery Timeline

Close-up of a woman with beautiful features.

Upper Eyelid Lift Recovery

You can expect some swelling and bruising for the first few days after surgery, which can be eased by applying cold compresses and keeping your head elevated.

Dr. Cruise may recommend prescribed eye drops, antibiotic ointment, and gentle aftercare techniques to reduce swelling and protect the surgical site. Bruising and swelling generally subside within about two weeks. Most people feel ready to return to light activities by five to seven days post-surgery.

Recognizing that recovery is an essential step of any procedure, our team offers personalized support and guidance as you heal. Follow-up appointments with Dr. Cruise ensure your healing is on track, and you are always encouraged to reach with any questions or concerns. As post-op swelling subsides, the results of your upper eyelid lift come into focus, revealing a more open, refreshed gaze.

Example of 38-year-old female who complained of persistent tired appearance. She required a browlift and lateral canthoplasty in addition to removal of excess skin and fat to achieve desiredresult.

Close-up portrait of a woman with makeup.

Before

Close-up portrait of a woman with dark hair.

After

Lateral view of same woman. Notice how the eye has become youthful and elegant.

Close-up portrait of a woman with makeup.

Before

Close-up portrait of a woman with dark hair.

After

Example of 26-year-old female six weeks before her wedding. She complained that her left eye (right side of picture) was lower than her left. Notice in the BEFORE, how the left upper eyelid touches the pupil, whereas, the left eye is wide open and bright. Also notice difference in eyelid height. After shows both lids at the same level and similar eyelid height.

Close-up portrait of a woman with makeup.

Before

Close-up portrait of a woman with dark hair.

After

Abstract black textured background with brush strokes.

Upper Eyelid Surgery Results

Get a Fresh Outlook

You’ll see early improvements in your eye contour within the first week, with final results refining over two to three months. As the delicate eyelid tissues heal, swelling fades and the natural beauty of your eyes is restored.

Most patients notice:

  • A smoother, firmer upper lid
  • Enhanced eye shape without drastic changes (you’ll still look like yourself)
  • Better peripheral vision
  • Virtually imperceptible scars once healing is complete

With proper sun protection and skin care, results from upper eyelid blepharoplasty can last for many years, helping you feel refreshed and rejuvenated inside and out.

Why Choose Cruise Plastic Surgery for Your Upper Eyelid Surgery?

Experience, Precision, and a Natural Touch

Dr. Joseph Cruise is a highly regarded board-certified plastic surgeon known for his expertise in facial enhancement and natural-looking rejuvenation. His upper eyelid surgeries are tailored to your unique anatomy and goals, ensuring you look refreshed—not different.

Patients choose Cruise Plastic Surgery because they seek a true expert who understands the subtleties of aging, beauty, and self-expression. When it comes to something as delicate as upper eyelid rejuvenation, precision, experience, and artistry matter. We invite you to schedule a virtual or in-person consultation today to discuss your options.

Schedule Your Consultation
Surgeon preparing for a medical procedure.

Additional Reading

  • Will upper eyelid surgery get rid of my loose skin? Learn about the causes of loose upper eyelid skin. Joseph T Cruise, MD explains the reasons underlying facial aging and how a Custom Face Lift addresses the issues.
  • Why do my eyelids look tired even when I feel alert? Upper facial aging causes a tired, worn-out appearance. Our upper face rejuvenation page will help you understand how facial rejuvenation changes the upper eye region.
  • How does a temple lift affect my upper eyelid rejuvenation? Aging of the upper eyelid area usually involves sagging of the outer part of the eye, which can be reversed in some cases with a brow or temple lift.
  • What kind of results can I expect from eyelid surgery? Take a look through the upper eyelid surgery before-and-after pictures to find people with similar concerns and see Joseph T Cruise, MD’s results.
  • What are the complications, risks, and recovery like with upper eyelid surgery? Learn more about safety considerations here.
  • What costs can I expect from upper eyelid cosmetic surgery? Find out about the financing options that are available.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

Eyelid surgery involves minimal pain. You may experience discomfort for a couple of days after the procedure, which is well managed with medication and proper aftercare.

If there is a correctable issue, this procedure is suitable for any adult. While upper eyelid surgery is most common in men and women 40 years and older, it can also benefit younger patients with signs of aging in the eye area.

60 is a very popular age for blepharoplasty surgery. Age does not matter as much as the state of your eyelid skin.

If your cosmetic concern primarily revolves around crow's feet and wrinkles around the eyes, then you may not be a good candidate for upper eyelid blepharoplasty. This surgery focuses more on correcting sagging and drooping skin on the upper eyelid only. Individuals with chronic eye conditions are also not ideal candidates for eyelid surgery. Dr. Cruise will help you determine the best treatment plan for you.

Following upper eyelid blepharoplasty, your eyelids will be swollen and bruised for one to three weeks after surgery. Most individuals take 10-14 days to recover.

Although the longevity of results will vary between patients, for most individuals, they can last up to ten years.

Woman reading document while seated on blue couch.

VIRTUAL CONSULT

Learn More
Before and after cosmetic surgery photos.

BEFORE & AFTERS

Learn More
Client receiving service at a welcoming reception.

FINANCING

Learn More