As we age, the skin around our eyes naturally loses its elasticity. This results in excess skin that can sag over the eyelids, making us look tired or older than we feel. Drooping eyelids can even obstruct our visual field, making everyday tasks harder and creating frustration with applying upper eye liner and mascara.

An upper eyelid lift, also known as upper eyelid blepharoplasty, addresses these concerns by removing the excess skin and, if necessary, fat pads. This surgery can rejuvenate the periorbital area and create a subtle but dramatic change.

I understand how much this can affect your self-esteem. Fortunately, an eyelid lift not only improves your appearance, but it can also make you feel more refreshed and confident. The procedure can be a real game-changer for those who want to feel like themselves again.

Where is Upper Eyelid Surgery Performed?

Regarding where the surgery is performed, there are two main settings for an upper eyelid lift: the operating room and the in-office procedure.

Both settings aim to achieve the same goal but differ in some key areas such as anesthesia, procedure time, and cost.

Here’s a breakdown:

  • Anesthesia: The operating room typically requires general anesthesia, while in-office procedures use local anesthesia while the patient is awake (we do prescribe a medication to take 30 minutes prior to the procedure to help you relax).
  • Procedure time: In-office surgery typically takes 60 minutes, while an operating room procedure may take 60 to 90 minutes.
  • Cost: The cost for an in-office procedure is generally lower due to fewer general anesthesia/facility fees, while operating rooms tend to have higher costs.

Candidacy for In-Office Local Anesthesia

In-office procedures with local anesthesia aren’t for everyone. To determine if this approach is right for you, I evaluate several factors, including your overall health, anxiety levels, and whether you’re having other procedures done at the same time.

Patients who are good candidates for in- office blepharoplasty are those who have just excess skin and no fat pad bulging. They also must be ok with having us work around their eyes while they are awake. 

I will determine if you have fat pad prolapse on your consultation and will help guide you on whether you are a better candidate for an awake, in office procedure versus an operating room procedure.

Here’s what I take into account:

  • Health status: Candidates are generally in good health
  • Anxiety levels: If you experience anxiety, we offer comfort options, including oral anxiolytics to help you relax.
  • Procedure complexity: For patients requiring more extensive procedures or who have more complex needs, the operating room might be a better choice.

Step-by-Step Patient Experience for In- Office Upper Eyelid Surgery

When you decide to go ahead with an upper eyelid lift, it’s helpful to know what to expect. Here’s a step-by-step overview of your experience:

  1. Check-in:  30 minutes prior to your appointment you will take a medication to help you feel calm. You will need someone to drive you to and from this procedure. You’ll check in and meet with me and my team. We’ll review your surgical plan and make the planned markings on your eyelids.
  2. Numbing: We’ll numb the area with local anesthesia, this is the only part of the procedure that is slightly uncomfortable, after this you will not feel any pain. 
  4. Surgery: The surgery itself typically lasts between 30 and 60 minutes.
  5. Post-surgery care: Afterward, we’ll provide instructions on recovery, including using cold compresses to reduce swelling.

Feeling a little nervous is normal, but rest assured that we’re with you every step of the way. I want to ensure you feel supported and well cared for during your procedure.

Recovery & Downtime for Upper Eyelid Surgery

After your surgery, you can expect some swelling and bruising around the eyes, which is entirely normal. Here’s what you can expect during recovery:

  • Swelling and bruising: These are common in the first few days but will gradually improve.
  • Rest: You’ll need to rest for about 48 hours after surgery
  • Cold compresses: These will help reduce swelling and bruising.
  • Pain: Most patients report mild discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Most patients will want to lay low for about 6 days after this procedure because there will be sutures in place around the eyelids. I will remove these sutures at day 6. 

Cost & Value Considerations for Upper Eyelid Surgery

The cost of an upper eyelid lift can vary depending on several factors. Here’s a rough breakdown:

  • Upper blepharoplasty typically costs between $4,000 and $6,000.

In-office procedures generally cost less due to lower facility fees, so you can expect more affordable pricing if you opt for this setting. We also offer financing options to make the procedure more manageable.

Ready to Brighten Your Eyes?

If you’re ready to feel more confident and restore a youthful, refreshed look, it’s time to take the next step. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your options, answer all your questions, and make a plan that works for you.