Upper eyelid surgery from $8,000 + HST.
Dr. Gill has lectured to facial surgeons on cosmetic upper and lower blepharoplasty (University of Toronto Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Grand Rounds, 2019; Middle East Academy of Otolaryngology–Facial Plastic Surgery Conference, Dubai, 2019).
What is upper blepharoplasty?
Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin, and where present, herniated fat, from the upper eyelid through a precisely placed incision in the natural eyelid crease. The goal is an eyelid that is structurally sound: the lash margin is visible, the crease is defined, and the eye appears open and refreshed rather than heavy or hooded.
The incision is placed in the natural crease. A fine line may be visible when the eye is closed, and it usually softens over 3–6 months. Results vary. Crease height, symmetry, and how much tissue is removed are planned from the individual anatomy.
Dr. Gill is ASOPRS fellowship-trained. His approach to upper blepharoplasty is conservative and precise: remove only what needs to be removed, place the crease where it belongs anatomically, and preserve the structures that maintain eyelid function.
Who is a candidate?
Upper blepharoplasty is appropriate for healthy adults who experience:
- ✓Excess upper eyelid skin resting on the lashes or obstructing the visual field
- ✓Upper eyelid heaviness or fatigue by end of day
- ✓Difficulty applying eye makeup due to excess skin
- ✓A persistently tired or aged appearance despite adequate rest
- ✓Asymmetric upper eyelid folds or creases
If the eyelid margin itself droops, rather than just the skin, ptosis repair may be needed in addition to or instead of blepharoplasty. This is diagnosed at consultation.
The procedure
The incision is marked in the natural upper eyelid crease: typically 8–10mm above the lash margin in women, slightly lower in men. Excess skin is measured and excised conservatively; a small amount of orbicularis muscle may be removed for crease definition; herniated medial fat may be reduced if present.
The incision is closed with fine sutures. Upper eyelid surgery usually takes 60–90 minutes for both eyes. Anaesthesia is chosen for your comfort and safety and reviewed at consultation.
Sutures are removed at 5–7 days. The crease is visible immediately; final scar maturation takes 3–6 months.
OHIP coverage
OHIP covers upper eyelid surgery only when the extra eyelid skin causes a measured loss of vision that reaches down to the centre of your field of view on a computerised visual field test. Many people with heavy upper lids do not meet this standard. We send the test report and Dr. Gill's interpretation to the Ministry of Health, which decides whether to approve the surgery. Cosmetic components are not covered by OHIP.
Dr. Gill will assess your clinical eligibility, arrange Humphrey testing, obtain standardised photographs, and manage the OHIP submission and approval process. If you are coming to find out whether OHIP covers your eyelid surgery, there is no charge for that visit with a valid Ontario health card. Please ask your family doctor or nurse practitioner to send us a referral.
Full OHIP guide: eligibility criteria, testing, and process →Recovery
Cool compresses, head elevation. Swelling and bruising are most noticeable on days 2 to 3.
Sutures are removed. Many patients return to desk work. Bruising fades to yellow. Most patients are comfortable at home.
Presentable in public, especially with sunglasses. Most bruising resolved.
Progressive return to exercise and normal activity.
Final result as scar fully matures and residual firmness resolves.
Frequently asked questions
What does upper blepharoplasty correct?+
Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin (dermatochalasis) and, when present, herniated fat from the upper eyelid. It aims to give a more open, rested look and may improve peripheral vision when excess skin overhangs the lashes.
Is upper blepharoplasty covered by OHIP?+
OHIP covers upper eyelid surgery only when the extra eyelid skin causes a measured loss of vision that reaches down to the centre of your field of view on a computerised visual field test. Many people with heavy upper lids do not meet this standard. We send the test report and Dr. Gill's interpretation to the Ministry of Health, which decides whether to approve the surgery. Cosmetic components are not covered by OHIP.
What is the difference between blepharoplasty and ptosis repair?+
Blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the eyelid. Ptosis repair addresses a drooping eyelid margin most often caused by stretching or loosening of the tendon that attaches the lifting muscle to the eyelid. Both may be present simultaneously and can be addressed in the same procedure. Accurate diagnosis before surgery is essential.
Will there be a visible scar?+
The incision is placed in the natural upper eyelid crease. When the eye is open, the crease usually hides it. When the eye is closed, a fine line may be visible at first and often softens over 3–6 months. Results vary.
What is recovery like?+
Swelling and bruising for 7–14 days. Most patients return to desk work within 5–7 days. Sutures are removed at 5–7 days. Strenuous activity resumes at 3–4 weeks. Final results emerge over 3–6 months as residual swelling resolves.
Can upper and lower blepharoplasty be done together?+
Yes: four-eyelid blepharoplasty (upper and lower together) is one of the most common combinations. Performing both under a single anaesthetic is more efficient and can be more cost-effective. Dr. Gill will advise on whether a combined approach is appropriate for your anatomy.