An upper eye lift removes loose skin, and sometimes fat and a strip of muscle, through an incision in the natural crease of the upper eyelid. It treats hooding that makes eyes look tired or blocks vision. Most people go home the same day, take about two weeks off work and look presentable within 10 to 14 days.
This guide is part of our eye lift overview. It focuses on upper-lid surgery and recovery.
What an upper eye lift fixes
Upper blepharoplasty treats excess lid skin and puffy fat; it doesn’t raise a low brow or lift a lid whose muscle is weak.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US) says upper eyelid surgery treats loose or sagging skin that forms folds or disturbs the lid’s natural contour, sometimes enough to impair vision, along with fatty puffiness. Through a crease incision, the surgeon removes skin and can remove or reposition fat and tighten muscle.
Two other problems look similar but need different surgery:
- Low brows: ASPS notes that drooping forehead skin and brows can make the upper lid look heavy. Eyelid surgery alone may not correct it. See our guide to hooded eyes.
- Ptosis: if the lid margin sits low because the lifting muscle has stretched, you need ptosis surgery.
In my practice, I ask patients to relax their forehead completely during the exam. Many people lift their brows all day to see, and that hides how heavy the lids are.
Recovery and bruising timeline
The upper eye lift surgery recovery time is about two weeks for most people, with bruising peaking early and fading over several weeks.
| Time | What you’ll notice | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Day of surgery | Lids swollen, tight and numb; may feel hard to close | Go home with an adult; rest with head raised; cold compresses |
| Days 1 to 3 | Swelling and bruising increase; watery or gritty eyes | Use prescribed ointment or drops; don’t rub your eyes |
| Days 4 to 7 | Swelling starts to ease; bruising turns yellow-green | Short walks; no strenuous exercise or swimming |
| About day 7 | Stitches or strips removed | Ask when you can wear makeup and contact lenses |
| Days 10 to 14 | Presentable for most people | Return to desk work; wear sunglasses outdoors |
| Weeks 2 to 6 | Remaining bruising and redness fade | Gradually resume exercise as advised |
| Months 2 to 6 | Scar softens and fades in the crease | Protect from sun |
This timeline draws on the National Health Service (NHS, UK) and ASPS. According to the NHS, most people take about two weeks off work, shouldn’t drive for several days, should avoid contact lenses during recovery and may see bruising and redness for several weeks. ASPS recommends lubricating ointment, cold compresses and dark sunglasses until healing is complete.
Call your surgeon straight away if you notice
- Severe or increasing pain around the eye.
- Sudden swelling, a bulging eye or any loss of vision.
- Signs of infection, such as spreading redness or discharge.
Results
Expect a clearer crease and more visible lid space, with results long-lasting but not permanent, since the brows and skin keep aging.
ASPS says results appear gradually as swelling fades and are long-lasting. Scars can be visible and tight for a few months but usually fade to near invisibility, hidden in the fold, according to the NHS. Results aren’t certain, and some people need a touch-up.
Risks to weigh include dry eyes, difficulty closing the eyes fully, light sensitivity, asymmetry and scarring. Very rarely, bleeding behind the eye can threaten vision. The eye lift before and after guide explains how to judge results.
US surgeon fees for upper eyelid surgery ranged from $3,000 to $5,500 in 2024, according to ASPS, with anaesthesia and facility fees extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Answers on upper eye lift surgery recovery time and bruising, pain, screen use, makeup and whether insurance pays.
How long does bruising last after upper eye lift surgery?
Bruising usually peaks in the first few days, then fades from purple to yellow. Bruising and redness can take several weeks to disappear completely, per the NHS. Cold compresses, a raised head and avoiding blood-thinning painkillers your surgeon hasn’t approved can help.
Is upper eyelid surgery painful?
Most people describe tightness, soreness and gritty eyes rather than severe pain. The NHS suggests paracetamol or the painkillers you’re given. Pain that grows worse, especially with swelling or vision change, needs urgent review by your surgeon.
When can I use screens and wear makeup?
Screens are usually fine within a day or two, though eyes may tire quickly and feel dry, so take breaks. Makeup near the incision should wait until stitches are out and the wound has closed. Ask your surgeon for exact timing.
Will insurance cover an upper eye lift?
Only if excess skin blocks your vision and tests prove it. US Medicare, for example, requires a measurable loss of upper visual field that improves when the skin is taped up, plus photos. Surgery purely for appearance isn’t covered.
If you’d like to know whether an upper eye lift, brow lift or ptosis repair suits you, you can book a consultation with Metropole Clinic by ABmedi. For lower lids and other options, return to the eye lift hub.
This article is for general education and does not replace a personal medical consultation.
References
Show sources
- Eyelid surgery. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). Accessed 2026. plasticsurgery.org
- Eyelid surgery: Procedure steps. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). Accessed 2026. plasticsurgery.org
- Eyelid surgery: Candidates. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). Accessed 2026. plasticsurgery.org
- Eyelid surgery: Recovery. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). Accessed 2026. plasticsurgery.org
- Eyelid surgery: Results. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). Accessed 2026. plasticsurgery.org
- Eyelid surgery. National Health Service (NHS, UK). Reviewed 2023. nhs.uk
- 2024 Cosmetic Procedures: Average Cost. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). 2025. plasticsurgery.org
- Blepharoplasty LCD L34028 prior authorization checklist. University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville. 2020. med.jax.ufl.edu
