Lighter, more rested upper eyelids
Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin, and sometimes a small amount of fat, from the upper eyelids. It can soften hooding and a heavy, tired look, and may make eye makeup easier to apply.
Dr. Guo, a double board-certified dermatologist and fellowship trained Mohs surgeon, assesses you himself and performs the surgery personally.
- Awake and comfortable
- About 1 hour
- Back to work in 1–2 weeks
- English · 普通话 · 粤语
- 01Consultation
An eyelid assessment, measurements and photos, your plan and a written quote.
- 02Surgery day
At an accredited surgical facility in Calgary. Local anaesthetic, about an hour, and home the same day. Someone needs to drive you.
- 03Week 1 (stitches out)
Stitches removed. Bruising is fading.
- 04Months 1–3 (settled result)
The scar softens into the natural crease and the result settles.
Who it can help
- Extra upper-lid skin that folds over the crease
- Hooding that makes your eyes look tired
- Heavy lids that make makeup hard to apply
- Heavy lids that feel like they crowd your vision
When it may not suit
- Under-eye bags (lower-lid surgery is separate)
- A drooping lid edge, called ptosis, which needs a different repair
- A low brow causing the heaviness
- Significant dry eye, which needs assessment first
The procedure
Hooded upper lid
Natural crease, hidden under the foldExtra skin folding over the lid
Illustration · model, not a patient
What the surgery removes
Strip of skin removed, measured at consultIncision in the crease, so the scar sits in the fold
Illustration · model, not a patient
Combining with laser resurfacing
Upper eyelid surgery removes extra skin; laser resurfacing can improve fine lines, crepey texture and mild looseness in the skin around the eyes. For suitable patients it is usually done during the same procedure, so you heal from both at once, though healing can take longer than with surgery alone.
Upper eyelid surgery
Removes extra skin
Takes away the extra fold of upper-lid skin, with the scar placed in the natural crease.
Laser resurfacing
Improves the skin surface
Targets fine lines, crepey texture and mild laxity around the eyes and crow’s feet.
Laser is optional and adds to the cost. Dr. Guo will discuss whether a CO₂ or UltraClear laser suits your skin and goals, and the risks, including longer redness and changes in skin colour. Results vary.
What healing usually looks like
- Days 1–3
Swelling and bruising peak. Cold compresses and rest with your head raised.
- About 1 week
Stitches removed. Bruising is fading. Then a review visit to check healing and your result.
- 1–2 weeks
Most people are back at work and social plans.
- 1–3 months
The scar softens into the natural crease and the result settles.
Caring for your skin before and after
Simple, gentle care helps healing. These are suggestions, not requirements; any gentle equivalent works, and you’ll get written instructions at your consultation.
Your surgical aftercare instructions come first. Don’t put products on a healing incision unless Dr. Guo tells you to.
All products are optional. Links go to DermShop, where Dr. Guo has a financial interest.
1. 1–2 weeks before
Pause retinoids, acids and exfoliants around the eyes. Keep up daily sunscreen.
Alastin
Alastin SilkSHIELD® All Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30
$60.00
2. Week 1 after
Cleanse gently, no rubbing. Apply ointment to the incision as directed.
Hale Derma
Hale Derma Hypochlorous Spray
$35.00
2.0 Fl. Oz. · 4.0 Fl. Oz.
View at DermShop
Alastin
Alastin Soothe + Protect Recovery Balm
$59.99
3. After stitches out
Silicone gel once the incision has fully closed, for 8–12 weeks, and mineral sunscreen daily.
SkinMedica
SkinMedica Scar Recovery Gel with Centelline®
$46.00
4. Once fully healed
For fine lines and crepey texture around the eyes.
Dr. Guo’s pick
SkinBetter Science®
SkinBetter EyeMax AlphaRet® Overnight Cream
$200.00
Apply around the eyes (crow’s feet and under-eye), not on the eyelids. It contains a retinoid and an AHA, so start only once Dr. Guo confirms you’ve fully healed.
Gentler option
Alastin
Alastin Restorative Eye Treatment
$149.00
What to know
Common and temporary: bruising, swelling, tightness, and dry or watery eyes. Less common: asymmetry, visible scarring, infection or bleeding. Rarely, problems with eyelid closure or vision. Dr. Guo goes through these with you at your consultation.
What to expect
Results are usually long-lasting, but eyelids keep ageing naturally. Results vary from person to person. Your consultation includes an honest assessment of what surgery can and can’t change.
Upper blepharoplasty
Priced at consultation
Your quote depends on your assessment and is given in writing at your consultation.
Cost and coverage
Cosmetic upper eyelid surgery is not covered by Alberta Health. If heavy upper lids are blocking your vision, mention it when you book: Dr. Guo will assess this at your consultation.
More on tired-looking eyes
Upper eyelid surgery frequently asked questions
Where is the surgery done?
Your consultation and follow-up visits are at Fountain by Rejuvenation in north Calgary. The surgery itself is done at an accredited surgical facility in Calgary; you’ll get the details when your date is booked.
Will I be awake?
Yes. Upper blepharoplasty is done under local anaesthetic, so the eyelids are numb and you’re awake. Most people find it very manageable.
Will there be a visible scar?
The incision is placed in the natural crease of the upper eyelid. It is usually pink for a few weeks and then softens and fades over the following months.
How long do results last?
Results are usually long-lasting. The skin keeps ageing naturally, so some people consider a touch-up many years later.
Can it be combined with Botox?
Often, yes. Botox can help with crow’s feet or brow position, which surgery doesn’t address. Dr. Guo will discuss timing at your consultation.
Can I get the consultation in Mandarin or Cantonese?
Yes. Dr. Guo consults in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
How much does upper eyelid surgery cost in Calgary?
Upper blepharoplasty is priced at consultation. Your quote depends on your assessment and is given in writing at your consultation. Cosmetic upper eyelid surgery is not covered by Alberta Health. If heavy upper lids are blocking your vision, mention it when you book: Dr. Guo will assess this at your consultation.
What is the difference between hooded eyelids and droopy eyelids (ptosis)?
Hooding is extra upper-lid skin folding over the crease, which upper blepharoplasty removes. Ptosis is when the lid edge itself sits low because of the lifting muscle, and it needs a different repair. Dr. Guo checks which one you have at your consultation.
How long is recovery?
Swelling and bruising peak in days 1–3. Stitches are removed at about 1 week, and most people are back at work and social plans in 1–2 weeks. Over 1–3 months the scar softens into the natural crease and the result settles. Results vary from person to person.
Is blepharoplasty the same as an eyelid lift?
Yes. Upper eyelid surgery and eyelid lift are everyday names for upper blepharoplasty. Under-eye bags need lower-lid surgery, which is a separate procedure.