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Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty: Which Technique Is Right for You, How Much It Costs, and How to Prepare

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is one of the most popular aesthetic surgical procedures for patients who want a more open, refreshed, and expressive appearance. The procedure helps create or refine the upper eyelid crease, correct drooping skin, hidden folds, excess fat, and improve eye proportions — all while preserving natural facial features.

It is important to understand that eyelid anatomy differs from person to person. Skin thickness, fat volume, muscle strength, and age-related changes all directly affect the choice of surgical technique. That is why there is no universal method, and achieving a natural result always begins with an individualized evaluation by an experienced surgeon.

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What Is Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty?

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to create or correct the upper eyelid crease. Before surgery, the surgeon carefully plans the height and shape of the crease based on eye anatomy, skin thickness, facial structure, and individual proportions.

The goal of the procedure is a natural-looking result: eyes appear brighter, more open, and well-rested — without an overcorrected or artificial appearance.

What Is Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty?

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to create or correct the upper eyelid crease. Before surgery, the surgeon carefully plans the height and shape of the crease based on eye anatomy, skin thickness, facial structure, and individual proportions.

The goal of the procedure is a natural-looking result: eyes appear brighter, more open, and well-rested — without an overcorrected or artificial appearance.

What Concerns Can Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty Address?

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is not only about aesthetics. It can correct a range of anatomical and age-related concerns, including:

  • Absent or poorly defined upper eyelid crease
  • Hidden or inner eyelid fold
  • Drooping upper eyelid skin
  • Excess fat tissue
  • Tired or heavy-looking eyes
  • Eye asymmetry


After surgery, the eyes appear larger, more balanced, and harmonious with the rest of the face.

Main Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty Techniques

There is no “best” technique for everyone. The optimal method is selected individually based on skin thickness, fat volume, degree of drooping, and desired outcome.

Incisional Blepharoplasty

This technique is suitable for patients with significant skin drooping, excess fat, or those who require a clearly defined and long-lasting eyelid crease.

The surgeon makes an incision along a pre-marked line, removes excess skin and fat if necessary, and then forms the eyelid crease.

Advantages:

  • Long-lasting and stable results
  • Effective correction of complex anatomical issues
  • High predictability of crease shape

Suture Technique (3-Point Method)

Recommended for patients with thin eyelid skin, minimal fat, and no significant skin drooping.
The crease is formed using internal sutures without a long incision.

Advantages:

  • Minimal tissue trauma
  • Less swelling
  • Faster recovery


It is important to note that results may change over time due to skin elasticity and facial movement.

Short-Incision (Micro-Incision) Technique

A compromise between full incisional and suture methods. This approach allows partial fat removal and creates a more stable crease through a smaller incision.

It is suitable for patients who need a more defined result than suture techniques can provide but prefer to avoid a long incision.

Additional Procedures (e.g., Inner Corner Correction)

In some cases, blepharoplasty may be combined with inner corner (epicanthoplasty) correction to further open the eye appearance. These procedures require precise facial proportion analysis and are performed only after a comprehensive evaluation.

Incisional vs. Suture Technique: Key Differences

  • Incisional methods are recommended for skin drooping, excess fat, and structural correction
  • Suture techniques are ideal for thin skin and minimal anatomical changes


Choosing the wrong technique may result in unstable outcomes or asymmetry, which is why a surgical consultation is essential.

What Does the Scar Look Like After Surgery?

With incisional techniques, the scar appears as a thin line hidden within the natural eyelid crease and is barely visible when the eyes are open.

With suture techniques, only small puncture marks remain, which gradually fade over time.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty?

The procedure may be recommended for individuals who:

  • Have no or poorly defined eyelid crease
  • Experience eyelid drooping or tired-looking eyes
  • Have eye asymmetry
  • Have excess fat in the upper eyelids
  • Want a more open and harmonious eye appearance
  • Wish to improve self-confidence

Who Is Not Recommended for Surgery?

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty may not be suitable for patients with:

  • Uncontrolled chronic conditions (heart disease, diabetes, hypertension)
  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Active eye conditions (glaucoma, severe dry eye)
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Unrealistic expectations
  • Age under 18–20 years

How to Prepare for Surgery

  • Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least 2 weeks before surgery
  • Stop medications that affect blood clotting (aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, fish oil, etc.)
  • Ensure adequate rest and sleep
  • Do not wear makeup or contact lenses on the day of surgery
  • Inform your doctor about all medical conditions and medications

How the Procedure Is Performed

  1. Consultation – assessment of eyelid anatomy and discussion of desired results
  2. Preparation – following preoperative guidelines
  3. Surgery – performed under local anesthesia
  4. Follow-up – monitoring healing and crease formation

Post-Operative Care

  • Apply cold compresses during the first 48–72 hours
  • Sleep with your head elevated
  • Avoid alcohol, spicy, and salty foods
  • Do not rub your eyes or wet sutures
  • Follow all post-operative instructions carefully

Possible Risks

  • Swelling and bruising
  • Discomfort
  • Infection
  • Hematoma
  • Dry eyes


Rare complications such as asymmetry or noticeable scarring are often related to improper technique selection or insufficient surgical experience.

How Much Does Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty Cost?

At APEX Surgery Hospital, the cost of upper eyelid blepharoplasty starts from 35,000 THB.

The final price depends on the selected technique and individual anatomical factors and is determined after an in-person consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Local anesthesia is used, so discomfort during surgery is minimal.

Swelling usually lasts 5–7 days. Final crease formation may take 2–4 weeks.

On average, results last 10 years or longer, depending on technique and individual factors.

Conclusion

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a safe and effective way to achieve a more open, refreshed, and balanced eye appearance. The key to a successful outcome lies in selecting the appropriate technique, choosing an experienced surgeon, and carefully following pre- and post-operative instructions.

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