Less Heaviness
Reduces excess upper eyelid skin that can create a heavy or hooded appearance.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
What is Upper Eyelid Surgery?
Upper eyelid surgery, also known as upper blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to address excess skin and fullness of the upper eyelids that can develop with age.
By carefully removing and reshaping tissue where needed, the procedure can create a smoother, more defined upper eyelid and a naturally refreshed appearance around the eyes.
Because the eyes are such an expressive part of the face, subtlety is especially important. Dr. Phu C. Tran carefully considers your eyelid anatomy, brow position, eye shape, and surrounding facial features to create a result that looks rested and refreshed without changing what makes you look like you.
Benefits
Brighter Appearance
Creates a more open, refreshed appearance around the eyes without dramatically changing their natural shape.
Defined Eyelids
Restores greater definition to the natural contours of the upper eyelids.
Smoother Contours
Addresses excess skin and fullness to create a cleaner, smoother upper eyelid.
Natural Results
Careful surgical planning preserves your individual eye shape and facial characteristics.
Renewed Confidence
A more rested appearance can help your outward appearance better reflect how energetic and youthful you feel.
Getting Started
Your consultation begins with a conversation about the changes you have noticed around your eyes and what you would like to improve. Dr. Tran will evaluate your upper eyelid skin, underlying tissues, natural eyelid crease, brow position, eye shape, symmetry, and overall facial proportions.
This evaluation is particularly important because heaviness around the upper eyes isn’t always caused by the eyelids alone. In some patients, changes in brow position can also contribute to the appearance of excess upper eyelid skin. Understanding the underlying cause allows Dr. Tran to recommend the approach best suited to your anatomy rather than simply removing skin.
You will also discuss incision placement, anticipated scarring, recovery, potential risks, and what you can realistically expect from your results.
Before & After Gallery
Explore real patient results and see Dr. Tran’s thoughtful, individualized approach to plastic surgery. Each result reflects careful attention to anatomy, proportion, and the patient’s unique goals.
Meet Your Surgeon
Dr. Phu Tran
Phu C. Tran, MD is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with a passion for helping patients feel more confident through thoughtful, individualized care. Combining advanced surgical training with years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, he believes every patient deserves to feel informed, comfortable, and supported throughout their surgical journey.
His dedication to surgical excellence, patient safety, and compassionate care has earned him the trust of patients seeking both cosmetic enhancements and complex reconstructive procedures throughout California.
Testimonials
“Exceptional Surgeon”
Dr Tran is a highly skilled surgeon with an impeccable bedside manner. He thoroughly explains expectations along with any potential risks associated with the procedure. Additionally his office staff are helpful, knowledgeable and personable. Care received from the entire team has been above and beyond excellent. This practice is highly recommended.
Cynthia O. Verified Healthgrades Review
Verified Healthgrades Review “On Time”
On Time did not wait past appointment time!! Wonderful office Staff! Doctor precise in telling exactly what had happened to my bone, and what was the next step in my care.
Verified Healthgrades Review
“Great results”
Very nice personality puts you at ease immediately. He is a skilled surgeon and did an excellent job.
Verified Healthgrades Review
The Procedure
Double eyelid surgery is highly individualized. Depending on your anatomy and desired outcome, an incisional or limited-incision technique may be recommended to create a defined connection between the eyelid skin and underlying structures.
With an incisional approach, a carefully planned incision is placed along the intended eyelid crease. Dr. Tran can then make precise adjustments to the underlying tissues as needed before creating and securing the new crease. Once healed, the incision is designed to sit naturally within the eyelid fold.
The height, shape, and position of the crease are determined before surgery according to your anatomy and aesthetic preferences. Care is taken to create balance between the two eyes while respecting the natural differences that exist from one side of the face to the other.
The exact surgical technique and anesthesia used will depend on your individualized treatment plan.
Recovery
Healing takes time, and Dr. Tran will guide you with care every step of the way.
Immediate Post-Operative
Swelling, bruising, tightness, and mild discomfort around the upper eyelids are common during the initial stages of healing. The crease may initially appear higher or more pronounced than expected because of swelling, and Dr. Tran will provide detailed instructions for caring for the surgical area during this period.
Return to Activities
Many patients feel comfortable returning to work and normal daily activities within approximately one to two weeks, although some swelling or bruising may remain. Contact lenses, eye makeup, strenuous exercise, and other activities may need to be temporarily limited according to Dr. Tran’s postoperative instructions.
Final Results
The eyelid crease gradually becomes softer and more natural in appearance as swelling resolves and the tissues settle. While improvement becomes increasingly visible during the first several weeks, subtle changes can continue for several months as the crease matures and incision lines fade. The final result is designed to create natural-looking definition that remains harmonious with your eye shape and facial features.
Cost
Upper eyelid surgery typically starts around $4,500, with the final cost depending on your anatomy, the extent of correction required, the surgical technique, and whether additional procedures are included in your treatment plan.
Following your consultation with Dr. Tran, our team will provide detailed pricing based on your individualized procedure. Your total investment may include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, facility fees, and other costs associated with your care.
When upper eyelid surgery is performed solely for cosmetic purposes, it is generally not covered by health insurance. In some cases, however, significantly drooping upper eyelid tissue may interfere with vision and could meet an insurance provider’s criteria for medical necessity. Coverage varies by plan and should be confirmed directly with your insurance provider.
FAQ’s
You may be a candidate if excess or sagging upper eyelid skin creates a heavy, hooded, or tired appearance. Dr. Tran will evaluate your eyelids, brow position, overall health, and aesthetic goals to determine whether upper blepharoplasty is appropriate for you.
Upper blepharoplasty primarily addresses excess skin and, when appropriate, areas of fullness in the upper eyelids. It can improve hooding and restore greater definition to the natural eyelid contour.
Upper eyelid surgery can create a more rested and refreshed appearance by addressing changes that develop around the eyes with age. The goal is not to make you look dramatically different, but to create a subtle improvement that remains harmonious with the rest of your face.
The procedure is generally designed to preserve your natural eye shape. Dr. Tran carefully plans how much tissue to adjust so the eyes appear refreshed without looking overly open, tight, or surgically altered.
Upper eyelid surgery typically addresses excess skin and age-related changes of the upper eyelids. Double eyelid surgery focuses primarily on creating or defining an upper eyelid crease. While the procedures can involve some similar techniques, their goals are different.
Yes. A lower brow position can contribute to heaviness or hooding around the upper eyelids. During your consultation, Dr. Tran will evaluate both the eyelids and brows to determine which structures are contributing to your concerns and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
The incision for upper eyelid surgery is typically positioned within the natural upper eyelid crease, helping it remain discreet when the eyes are open. Incision lines gradually mature and generally become less noticeable with time.
Upper eyelid surgery can provide long-lasting improvement, although it cannot stop the natural aging process. Your skin, brows, and surrounding facial tissues will continue to change over time.
Yes. If aging or other concerns affect both the upper and lower eyelids, the procedures can often be performed together to create a more comprehensive improvement around the eyes. Dr. Tran will determine whether combining procedures is appropriate for you.
Yes. Upper eyelid surgery can be combined with a brow lift, facelift, or other facial procedures when multiple areas contribute to an aged or tired appearance. Dr. Tran will recommend a treatment plan based on your individual anatomy and goals.