Upper Blepharoplasty

Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Francisco, CA

Upper blepharoplasty is a procedure that removes loose or drooping skin and small amounts of muscle and fat from the upper eyelid to create a more youthful, alert appearance.

In San Francisco, Dr. Victor Liu is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 35 years of experience in men’s and women’s aesthetics. Dr. Liu’s expansive skillset enables him to prioritize safety, precision, and transformative yet natural-looking results tailored to suit the unique anatomy and goals of each patient. Dr. Liu incorporates brow lifting into his upper blepharoplasty procedures to address the upper eyelids, brows, and forehead cohesively.

To explore your potential for facial rejuvenation with upper blepharoplasty and request a consultation with Dr. Liu, call or text our office at (650) 697-8888 or contact us online.

About Upper Blepharoplasty

The eyes are our most expressive facial feature and are also frequently the first area to show signs of visible aging. Because the skin on the upper eyelid is incredibly delicate and thin, it is uniquely susceptible to the cumulative effects of gravity, sun exposure, and the natural decline of essential elastin and collagen proteins. Over time, these factors cause the tissue to lose its structural integrity, leading to a condition known as dermatochalasis, or skin laxity. (1)

For many individuals, this relaxation of the eyelid results in “hooding,” where a heavy fold of skin descends over the upper eyelash line. This can create a perpetually tired, sad, or even stern expression that does not accurately reflect how a person feels internally. In more advanced cases, the skin can droop far enough to interfere with the superior and peripheral fields of vision. Upper blepharoplasty is a specialized surgical solution that addresses these structural changes by carefully removing excessive skin and, when necessary, repositioning small amounts of underlying fat and muscle to restore a crisp, youthful eyelid contour. (2)

The Impact of Eyelid Ptosis

During your consultation with Dr. Liu, he will also assess your eyelids for a condition called ptosis. Unlike simple skin laxity, ptosis involves the weakening or stretching of the levator muscle, which is responsible for lifting the eyelid. This causes the entire eyelid margin to sit lower than normal, often making the eye appear smaller or partially closed. (3) If ptosis is present, Dr. Liu can perform a ptosis repair in conjunction with your blepharoplasty to ensure the eyelid is positioned at an optimal functional and aesthetic height.

How Eyelids Influence the Harmony of the Entire Face

The eyes are one of the most central features of the face, and they play a significant role in how you are perceived. When you interact with someone, you typically make eye contact with them, immediately drawing attention back to your own eyes.

When your upper eyelids lose their structure and begin to sag, it can start to detract from your natural beauty. You may begin to look more aged, fatigued, or weary than you actually are. These changes can also affect the proportions between your eyelids and eyebrows, leading to more facial dissonance overall. A descending brow and forehead relaxation can also contribute to the appearance of drooping upper eyelids. This is why brow position is an important consideration when addressing the appearance of the eyes. Dr. Liu incorporates brow lifting into his approach in order to address these related changes together.

About Asian Blepharoplasty

Asian blepharoplasties are also known as double eyelid surgery, and it creates the appearance of an upper eyelid crease in men and women who do not possess one naturally. This procedure is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures requested in Asia, as well as one of the most commonly requested by Asian Americans. (4)

Asian eyelids are unique compared to those of other races. Asian eyelids contain a greater amount of fat, the location of the fat varies, and the eyelid crease is usually lower or not present. (4) Because of these differences, it is important to have this procedure performed by someone with a significant amount of experience working with this demographic. Dr. Liu is one of the leading Asian blepharoplasty surgeons in the country, and he has helped countless patients transform the appearance of their eyes. By choosing to work with him, you can feel confident knowing that your results will appear natural and refreshed.

Benefits

Upper blepharoplasty offers a profound sense of rejuvenation by both enhancing aesthetics and addressing functional concerns. Dr. Liu takes a strategic, conservative approach to each procedure to maintain the integrity of your unique facial characteristics while delivering benefits that include:

  • A Revitalized Expression: By removing the hooded skin that weighs down the eyelids, the eyes appear brighter, larger, and more alert.
  • Restoration of the Visual Field: For many, this procedure is functional, clearing the obstruction of sagging skin to improve upward and peripheral vision.
  • Natural-Looking, Discreet Results: Dr. Liu strategically places incisions within the natural crease of the eye, making scars virtually invisible once fully healed.
  • Long-Lasting Confidence: While the aging process continues, the structural improvements of an eyelid lift typically last for 10 to 15 years, providing a high value investment in your appearance.

Candidates

Ideal candidates for upper blepharoplasty are adult men and women who are in overall good health and have realistic goals and expectations for their outcomes. You may be an excellent candidate if you experience:

  • Excessive, sagging skin that creates folds or hides the natural eyelid crease.
  • Puffy deposits of fat in the upper eyelids.
  • Impaired vision due to drooping eyelid tissue.

Candidates should be non-smokers (or willing to quit for several weeks before and after surgery) and free of serious eye conditions like severe dry eye or uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Personal Consultation

During this important one-on-one with Dr. Liu, he will listen closely to your concerns and examine your facial anatomy in detail, including your eyelids, brow position, and forehead, to plan a cohesive approach to upper facial rejuvenation.During your consultation, he will review your medical history, discuss the technical aspects of the procedure, and provide an honest assessment of what surgery can achieve for you. This is also your opportunity to ask questions and finalize your goals for Dr. Liu to create your personalized treatment plan.

If you are ready to start planning your upper eyelid lift with Dr. Liu, call or text us at (650) 697-8888 or submit an online contact form to request a consultation.

Preparation

Proper preparation is essential for a safe procedure and optimal healing. Dr. Liu will provide you with personalized instructions, which typically include:

  • Stopping all nicotine use at least six weeks before and after surgery.
  • Avoiding certain blood-thinning medications and supplements.
  • Arranging for a trusted adult to drive you home from surgery and assist you for the first 24-48 hours of initial recovery.

Procedure

Dr. Liu performs upper blepharoplasty as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with sedation to ensure you are comfortable and relaxed throughout the typically hour-long process. He will make a precise incision within the natural crease of the eyelid and remove the predetermined amount of excess skin. He may additionally trim away a small strip of muscle to better define the crease. If fat pockets are causing puffiness, he will carefully reposition or remove them. Finally, he will close the incisions with fine sutures designed to minimize tissue trauma and encourage a seamless result.

By repositioning descended brows, the brow lift component of the procedure complements the changes made to the upper eyelids. Together, these treatments address eyelid hooding and brow position as a part of Dr. Liu’s approach to facial rejuvenation.

Recovery

Recovery from upper blepharoplasty is generally straightforward and well-tolerated. You can expect minor swelling and bruising in the first few days, and you can manage these side effects by keeping your head elevated and applying cold compresses. Dr. Liu provides a specialized ointment to keep the incisions protected and hydrated.

Most patients feel comfortable returning to desk work and light social activities within 7 to 10 days, at which point sutures are typically removed. While bruising fades quickly, subtle residual swelling may take a few weeks to fully resolve. You should avoid strenuous exercise for approximately one month to maintain stable blood pressure and ensure optimal healing of the delicate eyelid tissues.

Results

By addressing upper eyelid hooding and brow position together, Dr. Liu’s approach aims to create a brighter, more refreshed, and youthful appearance across your upper face. Patients find that their expressions no longer portray them as tired or solemn, instead reflecting their inherent energy and positivity. Because Dr. Liu prioritizes natural-looking outcomes, you will still look like yourself—just a more vibrant, well-rested version. These results are incredibly long-lasting, with most patients enjoying their refreshed appearance for over a decade.

Corresponding Procedures

Additional procedures can complement Dr. Liu’s upper eyelid and brow approach by addressing concerns elsewhere in the face to achieve a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Some popular pairings include:

  • Lower Blepharoplasty: To address undereye bags, puffiness, and dark hollows, Dr. Liu can combine this procedure with an upper blepharoplasty to create a well-balanced and fully rejuvenated appearance to the eye area.
  • Endoscopic Brow Lift: If the eyebrows have descended, a brow lift can elevate them to a more alert and refreshed position and smooth out fine lines across the forehead, further working to open up and brighten the eyes.
  • Facelift: To address lower face sagging and jowls, a facelift can balance out your facial rejuvenation and effectively turn back the clock alongside an eyelid lift.

How a Blepharoplasty Can Pair With a Coronal Brow Lift

A coronal brow lift is a procedure that can reposition the eyebrows and reduce visible signs of aging in the forehead by lifting and elevating the local skin and tissues as one unit. (5) Dr. Liu may recommend that you pair your upper blepharoplasty with this procedure to address concerns such as descending eyebrows, fine lines across the forehead, visual obstructions caused by hanging skin, deepening wrinkles, and a tired or aged appearance overall. By pairing your procedure with a coronal brow lift, you can cohesively restore the upper portion of your face and create a more seamless transition between the two structures.

Cost of Upper Blepharoplasty in San Francisco

The cost of upper blepharoplasty is highly personalized and depends on the specific complexity of your anatomy and surgical needs. Factors such as the extent of eyelid and brow correction, the inclusion of ptosis repair, the type of anesthesia used, and whether Dr. Liu incorporates any additional procedures will influence the final price. During your private consultation with Dr. Liu, he will provide a detailed cost breakdown tailored to your unique treatment plan.

To start exploring your potential with upper blepharoplasty and request a personal consultation with Dr. Liu, text or call (650) 697-8888 or submit our online contact form.

FAQ

Will my upper blepharoplasty scars be visible?

No. Dr. Liu places the incision precisely within the natural crease of your upper eyelid. Once healed, this scar is typically hidden when your eyes are open and very discreet even when they are closed.

How long do the results last?

The structural changes made during surgery are lasting. While your face will continue to age naturally, most patients enjoy a more youthful eyelid appearance for 10 to 15 years.

Can an upper blepharoplasty improve my vision?

Yes. If your upper eyelids have drooped significantly enough to block your peripheral or upward vision, removing that excess tissue will restore your full field of sight.

Is the procedure painful?

The procedure itself is not painful as you will be comfortably sedated. Most patients report a feeling of “tightness” or mild discomfort for a few days after surgery, which is easily managed with prescribed medication.

References

  1. Kozan BD. A New Classification of Dermatochalasis, the Effect of This Classification and Blepharoplasty Surgery on the Visual Field. Eurasian Journal of Medicine 2025;57(3):1-5. doi:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12621639/
  2. Patel BC, Malhotra R. Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty. Nih.gov. Published July 24, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537078/#article-18383.s4
  3. An SH, Jin SW, Kwon YH, Ryu WY, Jeong WJ, Ahn HB. Effects of upper lid blepharoplasty on visual quality in patients with lash ptosis and dermatochalasis. International Journal of Ophthalmology. 2016;9(9):1320-1324. doi:10.18240/ijo.2016.09.15
  4. Nguyen M, Hsu P, Dinh T. Asian Blepharoplasty. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2009;23(03):185-197. doi:10.1055/s-0029-1224798
  5. Fett DR, Sutcliffe RT, Baylis HI. The Coronal Brow Lift. American Journal of Ophthalmology. 1983;96(6):751-754. doi:10.1016/s0002-9394(14)71919-1