Blepharoplasty: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Blepharoplasty?
A plastic surgeon, a surgeon trained to reshape the body, performs blepharoplasty, also called eyelid surgery. You may be asked to have your eye doctor test your vision before the surgery. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure to improve the look of the eyelids. It can be done on the upper lids, the lower lids, or both. The surgery repairs drooping upper eyelids, called ptosis, and removes extra skin from the eyelids.
Why a doctor might recommend it
An eyelid lift is needed when eyelid drooping reduces your vision. Some people have it to improve their looks, which is cosmetic surgery. Eyelid surgery can treat the following problems.
- Loose or sagging skin that makes folds in the upper eyelid and may hurt vision
- Bags under the eyes
- Drooping lower eyelids that show white below the iris (the colored part of the eye)
Eyelid surgery will not remove wrinkles around the eyes, lift sagging eyebrows, or get rid of dark circles under the eyes.
How to prepare
You can usually go home the day of surgery, so arrange ahead of time for an adult to drive you home. Diabetes, dry eye, heart disease, high blood pressure, and thyroid problems make blepharoplasty more risky.
What happens during it
Eyelid surgery is done in a surgeon's office or as outpatient surgery in a surgery center. The surgeon injects numbing medicine around the eye so you do not feel pain, and you may be awake. Other choices are sedation through a vein or general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you. For the upper eyelid, the cut is made in the natural crease of the eyelid. The surgeon can remove or move fat, tighten muscles, and remove extra skin. For the lower eyelid, the cut may be just below the lower lash line, where extra skin is removed. The cuts are closed with stitches or skin glue.
Recovery
Your surgeon will cover your eyes and eyelids with ointment and a bandage before you leave. Cold packs can reduce swelling and bruising. Wrap each one in a towel first. You should be able to see well after 2 to 3 days. Do not wear contact lenses for at least 2 weeks. Bruising may last 2 to 4 weeks. For the first few weeks, you may have more tears, more sensitivity to light and wind, and blurred or double vision. Scars may stay slightly pink for 6 months or more after surgery. They fade to a thin, nearly invisible white line hidden in the natural eyelid fold.
Risks and side effects
Risks of any surgery include reactions to medicines, bleeding, blood clots, and infection. Risks for an eyelid lift may include the following.
- Damage to the eye or loss of vision, which is rare
- Difficulty closing the eyes while sleeping, which is rarely permanent
- Double or blurred vision
- Uneven healing or scarring
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Who performs it
A plastic surgeon performs blepharoplasty. Your eye doctor may be asked to test your vision before the surgery.
Common questions
Can blepharoplasty remove wrinkles or dark circles?
No, eyelid surgery will not remove wrinkles around the eyes or get rid of dark circles under the eyes. It also does not lift sagging eyebrows.
Do I need someone to drive me home after eyelid surgery?
Yes, you should arrange ahead of time for an adult to drive you home. You can usually go home the day of surgery.
How long does bruising last after blepharoplasty?
Bruising may last 2 to 4 weeks. If stitches need to be removed, your surgeon will take them out 5 to 7 days after surgery.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and thyroid problems can make eyelid surgery more risky. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Eyelid lift
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Eyelid Surgery
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Eyelid Surgery Procedure Steps
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
