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 result is an eyelid that is structurally correct: the lash margin is visible, the crease is defined, and the eye appears open and refreshed rather than heavy or hooded.
When performed well, the result is invisible. The scar lies in the crease; the eyelid looks like itself — ten or fifteen years earlier. When performed poorly, the crease is too high, too low, or asymmetric; fat removal is excessive; or the eyelid margin is compromised. The difference is surgeon training.
Dr. Gill is ASOPRS fellowship-trained — the highest credential specific to eyelid surgery. 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 — not 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. Operative time is typically 45–75 minutes for both eyes under RN-administered sedation. No general anaesthetic. No hospital.
Sutures are removed at 5–7 days. The crease is visible immediately; final scar maturation takes 3–6 months.
OHIP Coverage
Upper blepharoplasty is covered by OHIP when excess upper eyelid skin causes documented visual field obstruction. The standard test is Humphrey visual field perimetry — a standardised map of your peripheral vision that demonstrates whether the overhanging skin is impairing your visual field.
Dr. Gill will assess your clinical eligibility, arrange Humphrey testing, obtain standardised photographs, and manage the OHIP submission and approval process. This is routine in our practice — not an exception.
Full OHIP guide — eligibility criteria, testing, and process →Recovery
Cool compresses, head elevation. Swelling and bruising present — most significant on day 2–3.
Suture removal. Return to desk work. Bruising yellowing. 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 restores a more open, refreshed appearance and can significantly improve peripheral vision when excess skin overhangs the lashes.
Is upper blepharoplasty covered by OHIP?+
Yes — when excess upper eyelid skin causes documented visual field obstruction on Humphrey perimetry testing. OHIP requires clinical photographs and a standardised visual field test. Dr. Gill manages the full documentation and submission process. Purely cosmetic upper blepharoplasty is not covered.
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 caused by a weakened levator muscle — the muscle that lifts 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 precisely within the natural upper eyelid crease, which conceals it entirely when the eye is open. When the eye is closed, a very fine scar may be visible initially, fading to near-invisibility within 3–6 months.
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.