What Is Upper Eyelid Surgery?

Is It Possible to Achieve a Brighter, Younger, and More Rested Look?

The eyes are one of the most expressive and defining features of the face. A tired, aged, or unhappy appearance is often not caused by the entire face, but rather by drooping or excess skin on the upper eyelids. Over time, skin laxity, weakening of supportive muscles, and displacement of fat tissue can cause the eyes to appear heavy and fatigued.

Upper eyelid surgery, medically known as upper blepharoplasty, is a highly effective procedure designed to restore a refreshed, alert, and youthful appearance—while preserving natural facial expression.

But what exactly is upper eyelid surgery? Who is a suitable candidate? How is the procedure performed? Are the results permanent? In this article, we explore upper eyelid surgery in detail, addressing both aesthetic and functional aspects.

What Is Upper Eyelid Surgery (Upper Blepharoplasty)?

Upper eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure that corrects:

Excess upper eyelid skin
Sagging and drooping
Fat bulging or heaviness
A narrowed or tired eye appearance

By carefully removing excess tissue and reshaping the eyelid contour, the eyes appear:

More open
More energetic
Naturally rejuvenated

When performed with proper technique, the results are subtle and harmonious—without creating an “operated” look.

Why Does Upper Eyelid Drooping Occur?

The most common cause is aging, but several additional factors contribute to eyelid sagging.

Common Causes of Upper Eyelid Sagging

Loss of skin elasticity over time
Decreased collagen production
Gravity
Genetic predisposition
Prolonged sun exposure
Smoking
Frequent eye rubbing due to allergies

In some individuals, upper eyelid drooping may appear at a relatively young age.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Upper Eyelid Surgery?

Upper eyelid surgery is commonly performed in individuals who:

Are over the age of 30
Have noticeable excess eyelid skin
Appear constantly tired or aged
Experience difficulty applying eye makeup
Feel that their eyes look small or heavy

In advanced cases, sagging eyelids may even interfere with vision, turning the procedure into a functional necessity rather than a purely aesthetic one.

Is Upper Eyelid Surgery Only Cosmetic?

No. In certain patients, upper eyelid surgery has functional benefits as well.

Severe eyelid drooping may:

Narrow the visual field
Cause unconscious eyebrow lifting
Lead to forehead muscle fatigue
Contribute to chronic headaches

In such cases, surgery significantly improves daily comfort and quality of life.

How Is Upper Eyelid Surgery Performed?

Upper eyelid surgery is typically performed under:

Local anesthesia
Optional sedation, when necessary

Surgical Steps

The natural eyelid crease is carefully marked
Excess skin and, if necessary, fat tissue are removed
Muscle structure is preserved
The incision is closed with fine aesthetic sutures

Because the incision is placed within the natural eyelid fold, scars become nearly invisible over time.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

Upper eyelid surgery generally lasts:

30 to 60 minutes

Patients are usually discharged on the same day.

Recovery Process After Upper Eyelid Surgery

Following surgery, patients may experience:

Mild swelling
Bruising
Temporary tightness

These effects typically improve significantly within 7–10 days.

Recovery Timeline

Sutures removed: 5–7 days
Return to social life: 7–10 days
Final results: 1–3 months

As healing progresses, the eyelids appear increasingly natural.

Are the Results Permanent?

Upper eyelid surgery provides long-lasting results. While the natural aging process continues, most patients enjoy:

10–15 years of visible improvement
In many cases, lifelong satisfaction

Benefits of Upper Eyelid Surgery

Brighter, more awake appearance
Younger facial expression
Improved eye openness
Easier makeup application
Increased self-confidence
Expanded visual field in severe cases

For this reason, upper blepharoplasty is among the aesthetic procedures with the highest patient satisfaction rates.

Common Mistakes in Upper Eyelid Surgery

Removing excessive skin
Creating an overly wide or unnatural eyelid
Distorting the natural eyelid crease
Inadequate anatomical planning

Choosing an experienced aesthetic surgeon is therefore essential for achieving natural results.

Is Upper Eyelid Surgery Risky?

When performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon, risks are minimal. As with any surgical procedure, rare complications may include:

Infection
Temporary dryness
Prolonged swelling

With proper patient selection and technique, these risks are significantly reduced.

Procedures Commonly Combined with Upper Eyelid Surgery

Lower eyelid surgery
Brow lift
Botox
Comprehensive facial rejuvenation treatments

Combining procedures may enhance overall facial harmony.

Preoperative Considerations

Before surgery:

Blood-thinning medications should be adjusted under medical supervision
Smoking should be reduced or stopped if possible
A thorough medical evaluation is required
Expectations must be clearly discussed

Who Is Not an Ideal Candidate?

Upper eyelid surgery may not be recommended for individuals with:

Active eye infections
Uncontrolled thyroid disease
Severe dry eye syndrome

These conditions should be addressed prior to surgical planning.

When the Eyes Look Rested, the Entire Face Transforms

Upper eyelid surgery is a subtle yet powerful procedure. When performed with precision and experience, it does not change the face—it simply removes fatigue from the expression.

By restoring openness and brightness to the eyes, upper blepharoplasty offers one of the most natural and effective facial rejuvenation solutions available today.