Upper Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

The eyes are one of the most expressive and captivating features of the face. Yet, as the skin and soft tissues around them age, changes such as drooping skin, puffiness, and heaviness can make you look tired, stern, or older than you feel. In some cases, excess skin may even obstruct vision.

Upper blepharoplasty, also called upper eyelid surgery, is a delicate procedure that removes or repositions excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle from the upper eyelids. The result is a brighter, more refreshed appearance that restores harmony to the eyes and surrounding features — without altering your natural expression.

Procedure Details

During an upper blepharoplasty, Dr. Morrin makes precise incisions along the natural crease of the upper eyelid. This placement ensures that any scar is well-concealed once healed. Through this incision, she removes or repositions skin and fat, tailoring the approach to your unique anatomy and desired outcome.

This procedure can be performed:

• In-office under local anesthesia
• In the operating room with mild sedation
• Under general anesthesia, especially when combined with other facial surgeries such as a brow lift or facelift

Upper eyelid surgery typically takes less than one hour, and because of the discreet incision placement, scars are usually barely visible over time.

Who Is a Candidate?

You may be a good candidate if you have:

• Excess skin that folds over the upper eyelid crease
• Puffiness caused by bulging fat pads
• Drooping eyelids that make you look fatigued or unhappy
• Visual obstruction due to excess upper eyelid skin
• Good general health and realistic expectations

During consultation, Dr. Morrin will also evaluate whether brow descent is contributing to your concerns. Sometimes the appearance of heavy eyelids is due more to a low or drooping brow than to the eyelid itself. In those cases, a brow lift — either alone or combined with blepharoplasty — may give the best and most natural result.

Recovery Timeline

• Day 0–1: Mild swelling and bruising begin; use cold compresses and keep head elevated
• Day 4–5: Sutures removed
• 1 Week: Most patients return to work and social activities
• 2 Weeks: Bruising and swelling greatly improve; light exercise can resume
• 6 Weeks: Full recovery, with continued scar maturation

Patients often describe the recovery as quick and comfortable, with minimal pain that is easily managed.

What Results Can I Expect?

Upper blepharoplasty can dramatically improve the eyes’ appearance while keeping results natural. Patients often notice they look more rested, approachable, and youthful, and friends may comment that they look refreshed — without being able to pinpoint why.

Results are long-lasting, often for many years, though natural aging will continue. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and protecting the skin from sun damage can help prolong the benefits.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Morrin

As a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Morrin focuses exclusively on the face and neck. Her approach to upper eyelid surgery balances technical precision with an artistic eye, ensuring refreshed, harmonious results. She prioritizes natural expression, avoiding an overcorrected or “hollow” look, and offers detailed pre- and post-operative guidance so you feel supported every step of the way.