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Upper eyelid surgery, also known as upper blepharoplasty or an upper eyelid lift, is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure that can help patients look more youthful and alert by addressing sagging upper eyelids. Our board-certified plastic surgeons provide expert care in a comfortable and supportive environment, helping you achieve natural, beautiful results that enhance your unique facial features.
What is Upper Eyelid Surgery?
Upper eyelid surgery is a specialized procedure that restores a refreshed, well-rested look by removing excess fat and skin from the upper eyelids. Over time, natural aging and sun exposure cause the delicate skin around the eyes to stretch and sag, resulting in hooded lids, wrinkles, and drooping eyelid skin that creates a tired or aged appearance. Upper eyelid surgery revitalizes the eyes by lifting and sculpting the eyelids, opening the eyes for a more vibrant look while also alleviating issues such as impaired vision caused by sagging skin.
Recovery:
7-10 Days
Cost:
$5K+
Results:
3 Months
Good Candidates for Upper Eyelid Surgery
Ideal candidates for upper eyelid surgery are healthy adults who want to treat droopy eyelids and restore their youthful appearance. Drooping upper eyelid skin is not only an aesthetic concern; it can also impair vision when reading and make it difficult to apply makeup. Good candidates have realistic expectations, stable health, and no underlying eye conditions that could complicate surgery. During your consultation, your surgeon will assess your anatomy and discuss whether upper eyelid surgery is the right choice for your needs.
The technique for upper eyelid surgery is carefully tailored to your unique features.
Upper Eyelid Surgery Technique
Typically, this procedure is performed with an incision hidden in the natural crease of the upper lid. Through this incision, your surgeon removes excess skin and fat while tightening the underlying muscles and tissues to lift and smooth the upper lids. Fine sutures are used to close the incisions to minimize scarring and ensure natural-looking results.
Consultation
Upper eyelid surgery begins with a personalized consultation at Cosmetic Surgery Associates. During your visit, Dr. Richards, Dr. Jabs, or Dr. Magge will review your medical history, examine the eye area and skin quality, and discuss your goals in detail. This consultation provides the perfect opportunity to view before and after photos, ask questions about the procedure and recovery, and discuss other procedures as needed to address all your concerns.
Preparation
Proper preparation is essential for a smooth surgery and recovery. You will receive individualized instructions, which may include adjusting medications, avoiding certain supplements, and stopping tobacco use in the weeks leading up to your procedure. Arrangements for transportation on the day of surgery and assistance at home may be advised. Following all preoperative directions helps support your comfort, safety, and the best possible surgical outcome.
Upper Eyelid Surgery Procedure
Upper eyelid surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia for your comfort. After cleansing and numbing the area, your surgeon makes an incision along the natural crease of the upper lid. Excess skin, fat, or muscle is removed or repositioned to create a seamless contour between the upper lids and the surrounding eye area. The incision is closed with delicate sutures, allowing for precise healing and minimal visible marks. The procedure usually takes one hour, and you are able to return home the same day.
Upper Eyelid Surgery Recovery
Mild to moderate swelling, bruising, or sensitivity is normal in the first week of recovery and gradually subsides. Patients will be provided with prescription pain medication and are recommended to use cold compresses to minimize swelling and discomfort. Most patients resume light activities within one week, but more strenuous activities must be avoided for 4-6 weeks, or until instructed by your surgeon. By following all aftercare instructions, patients can expect a smooth recovery.
Results from Upper Eyelid Surgery
As initial swelling resolves, you will notice brighter, more open eyes and a smoother upper lid contour. Makeup application becomes easier, and many patients experience improved peripheral vision if excess skin previously obstructed their field of sight. Upper eyelid surgery provides long-lasting rejuvenation with natural, beautiful results that blend seamlessly with the surrounding facial features.
Schedule an Upper Eyelid Surgery Consultation
Upper eyelid surgery in Bethesda, MD, can help patients achieve a more refreshed, rejuvenated appearance that turns back the clock on aging. To learn more about this procedure, schedule a consultation today with our expert team at Cosmetic Surgery Associates. Our board-certified surgeons are dedicated to providing personalized care and advanced surgical expertise for stunning, natural-looking outcomes. Our office is located just 5 miles from Potomac & Rockville and 2 miles from North Bethesda.
Keshav Magge, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Honored as a Top Doctor by Bethesda Magazine and Washingtonian in both 2024 and 2025, Dr. Magge is recognized for his exceptional surgical skill, artistic precision, and patient-centered approach. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, he completed a fellowship in Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he gained advanced expertise in facial rejuvenation and aesthetic surgery innovations.
Meet Dr. Magge
A. Dean Jabs, MD, PhD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Jabs is an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon recognized nationally for his expertise in creating natural-looking results and his warm, compassionate approach to patient care. Trained in NY at Columbia University, he served in the US Army and has special expertise in facial rejuvenation. He has over 35 years of experience and has consistently been voted a top plastic surgeon by Washingtonian and Bethesda magazine.
Meet Dr. Jabs
Franklin D. Richards, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Richards has been recognized as a Top Doctor by several prestigious organizations, including Castle Connolly, Consumers’ Research Council of America, and Washingtonian magazine. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, Dr. Richards is the past Chief of Plastic Surgery at Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital. His expertise is in achieving natural results in facelift and eyelid surgery, with additional interests in cosmetic surgery of the breast and abdomen.
Meet Dr. Richards
Complementary Procedures
Lower Eyelid Surgery
Lower eyelid surgery or a lower eyelid lift addresses under-eye bags, puffiness, and sagging skin beneath the eyes. This procedure complements upper eyelid surgery by addressing the upper and lower eyelids to create a more balanced, youthful look.
Brow Lift
A brow lift is a surgical procedure that addresses loose skin and wrinkles on the forehead. For patients seeking more dramatic facial rejuvenation, a blepharoplasty procedure can be combined with the brow lift to address signs of aging across the entire upper face.
Facelift
A facelift addresses loose skin and volume loss in the mid to lower face. By incorporating an upper blepharoplasty with a facelift procedure, patients can enhance their more youthful appearance with rejuvenated, brighter eyes.
The staff was amazing and made me feel comfortable every step of the way.
Get it DONE! The staff was amazing and made me feel comfortable every step of the way. My results are amazing, and I conquered the biggest hurdle in this journey - picking the correct Doctor and team. No regrets. Thank you, CSA.
– verified patient
I have been going to CSA for over a year, and it’s always such a nice visit.
I have been going to CSA for over a year, and it's always such a nice visit. Super professional, and I always feel taken care of.
– verified patient
I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND COSMETIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES.
I had such an amazing overall experience at Cosmetic Surgery Associates. The staff is very pleasant. I had my first invasive cosmetic procedure done back in September, and the final results are amazing. I LOVE IT. I'm so much happier with my body now. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Prior to my surgery, I had been thinking about this for a while, and I'm so happy I made the decision to go through with it. I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND COSMETIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
– verified patient
Their equipment, skill level, and expertise are superb.
This practice is truly outstanding! Their equipment, skill level, and expertise are superb. The staff is extremely friendly, kind, and professional; they make you feel comfortable as soon as you walk in the door.
– verified patient
Every single person in their office makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable the moment you step into the office.
Every single person in their office makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable the moment you step into the office. The day of my surgery, the staff took amazing care of me and went above and beyond to calm my nerves, talk me through it, and made it such a great experience. I highly recommend this office. I can't thank them enough for all that they did for me!
– verified patient
My experience there was beyond 5 stars.
My experience there was beyond 5 stars. From taking the appointment to post surgery. Even now after 10 months, the follow ups are outstanding. The whole staff took great care of me and the results are what I expected. Thank you for everything. Don't think twice and use this clinic if you want best in class service and the best result.
– verified patient
All of the staff were highly knowledgeable, and I received consistent direction and guidance from all of the staff.
Literally every staff member I interacted with from the front desk down to the surgical team gave stellar customer service and truly made me feel comfortable. My sister even felt the warm energy from the staff after meeting them the morning of surgery. All of the staff were highly knowledgeable, and I received consistent direction and guidance from all of the staff. I would highly recommend Cosmetic Surgery Associates to anyone seeking a cosmetic procedure!
– verified patient
I can’t stress enough how great this whole experience has been.
I can't stress enough how great this whole experience has been. Not only did he make me feel comfortable in my body, but 10x more confident. His work is truly beautiful. 100% recommend!!
– verified patient
I feel very comfortable and look better in my clothes.
The staff are professional, caring, and pay attention to detail. Almost 10 months post op. The results exceeded my expectations. I feel very comfortable and look better in my clothes. I'm so grateful. I highly recommend this practice.
– verified patient
The staff was wonderful, respectful, accommodating, and very knowledgeable!
The staff was wonderful, respectful, accommodating, and very knowledgeable! The facility was very clean and one of the staff members helped me work the coffee machine for a fresh cup of coffee!
– verified patient
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