Upper Blepharoplasty in Virginia Beach

Upper blepharoplasty in Virginia Beach can help restore a more open, rested appearance when excess upper eyelid skin begins to fold over the natural lid crease. At The Choe Center, we approach upper eyelid surgery with a simple goal: to help you look refreshed while preserving the features that make you recognizable. We listen to what bothers you, assess the relationship between your eyelids and brows, and recommend a treatment plan based on your anatomy rather than a one-size-fits-all result.

You might notice that your upper eyelids feel heavy by the end of the day, that eyeliner transfers onto the skin above your lashes, or that the lid crease is less visible in photographs. For some people, excess skin also limits the upper field of vision. We consider both appearance and function during your consultation, and we explain when surgery may help and when another evaluation is more appropriate.

Our broader blepharoplasty and eyelid surgery services address concerns involving both the upper and lower lids. Upper blepharoplasty focuses specifically on the skin and, when appropriate, fat around the upper eyelids. It is not designed to erase every line around the eyes or change your underlying eye shape. Our aim is a balanced result that feels like you.

Upper Eyelid Surgery and Related Facial Options

Upper eyelid surgery removes carefully measured excess skin through an incision placed in the natural upper eyelid crease. Depending on your anatomy, we may also address selected fat deposits that contribute to fullness. We plan conservatively because leaving enough skin for comfortable eyelid closure and normal function is essential.

Not every heavy-looking eyelid is caused by excess skin alone. A low brow can push tissue downward, and true eyelid ptosis occurs when the eyelid margin itself sits too low. We examine these differences before recommending surgery. If brow position is the main concern, we may discuss a brow lift instead of, or alongside, upper blepharoplasty. If the eyelid margin is drooping, you may need a separate ptosis evaluation and potentially a different operation.

Some patients also ask about under-eye bags. Those concerns involve different anatomy and may call for lower eyelid treatment rather than additional upper lid skin removal. We explain the distinction so you can choose an approach that addresses the concern you actually see in the mirror. We can also show relevant eyelid surgery before-and-after photographs to help you understand the range of outcomes, while emphasizing that each patient’s result is individual.

VIDEO KEY TAKEAWAYS
Procedure Name: Upper Blepharoplasty (Upper Eyelid Surgery)
Indication: Heavy eyelid skin, tired eye appearance
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia (majority of cases); general anesthesia (selected cases with fat/excess contouring) 
Duration: Approximately 1 hour                                
Surgical Technique: Incision along natural eye crease; removal of mostly skin
Postoperative Follow-Up: Suture removal at 3-4 days 
Patient Discharge: Same day, able to drive home            
Suitability Criteria: Not suitable under local anesthesia if significant fat or contouring needed

VIDEO SUMMARY
This video features Kyle Choe discussing upper eyelid surgery, also known as upper blepharoplasty, one of the most commonly performed procedures at the Choe Center. The procedure is designed to address heavy upper eyelid skin and create a more refreshed, rested appearance around the eyes. Dr. Choe explains how upper blepharoplasty is often performed under local anesthesia in about one hour, allowing many patients to return home immediately after surgery.

The video also walks through the surgical process, including preoperative markings along the natural eyelid crease for discreet incision placement and removal of excess skin to improve eyelid contour. Dr. Choe discusses how treatment plans are customized based on each patient’s anatomy, noting that some individuals with excess fat or more advanced contouring needs may require surgery under general anesthesia. Recovery is typically straightforward, with suture removal around 3 to 4 days after surgery and most patients able to resume wearing eye makeup within about a week.

Signs You May Need Upper Blepharoplasty in Virginia Beach

You may be a candidate if upper eyelid skin hangs over your natural crease, creates a hooded appearance, or makes your eyes look less open even when you feel rested. Some people have difficulty applying makeup or notice that excess skin rests against the lashes. Others find themselves raising their eyebrows to see more comfortably, especially when reading or looking upward.

We do not assume that every patient with hooded eyelids needs surgery. Some eyelid shapes are natural, and mild asymmetry is common. During your examination, we assess:

• Skin redundancy
• Eyelid closure
• Brow position
• Symmetry
• Ocular comfort
• Your medical history

We also ask about dry eyes, prior eye procedures, contact lenses, medications, and any vision concerns.

If upper eyelid skin interferes with vision, a formal visual-field evaluation may be useful. Cosmetic upper blepharoplasty and medically necessary functional eyelid surgery are not always assessed the same way by insurers. We help you understand what documentation might be needed without promising coverage or a particular result.

How Much Does Upper Blepharoplasty Cost?

The cost of upper blepharoplasty varies depending on the extent of correction, anesthesia requirements, surgical setting, and whether additional contouring or procedures are needed.

Skin-only upper eyelid surgery performed under local anesthesia starts at $5,000. More complex procedures involving fat removal or contouring, IV sedation, or an operating room will have higher costs.

During your consultation, we explain the recommended technique, where the procedure would take place, and which fees apply to your individual plan. We also discuss whether your concern is cosmetic, functional, or a combination of both. We do not recommend additional surgery simply to change the price or broaden the treatment. The appropriate plan is the one that safely addresses your goals.

Why Choose The Choe Center?

We focus on facial plastic surgery and take a detailed, individualized approach to the delicate eyelid area. Dr. Kyle S. Choe, MD, FACS, is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with specialized facial training, and our recommendations are guided by careful examination, realistic expectations, and attention to eyelid function as well as appearance.

Our consultations are intended to give you clear answers, not pressure. We explain what upper eyelid surgery can improve, what it cannot correct, and why we might suggest a different procedure or no procedure at all. We also review healing, scar placement, potential risks, and the practical steps involved in preparing for surgery.

The Choe Center offers care in Virginia Beach for patients throughout Hampton Roads. We want you to feel comfortable asking questions, reviewing examples of results, and taking time to make an informed decision.

Focused Experience in Upper Eyelid Surgery

The upper eyelid is a small area where millimeters matter. Our planning considers:

• The location of your natural crease
• Skin quality
• Brow position
• Fat distribution
• Existing asymmetry
• The ability of your eyes to close fully

A careful approach helps avoid an overly hollow or excessively tight appearance.

How Our Upper Blepharoplasty Process Works

We begin with a one-on-one consultation. You tell us what has changed, what you hope to improve, and whether you have symptoms such as visual obstruction or eye dryness. We examine the eyelids and brows, review relevant medical information, and discuss whether upper blepharoplasty is appropriate. We may recommend additional eye evaluation when symptoms suggest a functional concern beyond loose skin.

Before surgery, we review your individualized preparation instructions, including medication considerations, anesthesia, transportation, and postoperative care. On the day of surgery, Dr. Choe carefully marks the planned skin removal while evaluating the natural eyelid crease and symmetry. After anesthesia, the incision is placed along that crease and the planned excess tissue is addressed. We close the incision with sutures and provide detailed care instructions.

For many straightforward upper eyelid procedures, the operation is performed on an outpatient basis, and some selected cases can be completed with local anesthesia. The precise duration and anesthesia plan depend on the treatment. We explain these details beforehand rather than assuming every patient follows the same schedule.

In the first several days, swelling, bruising, and a sensation of tightness are common. We provide guidance about rest, cold compresses when appropriate, incision care, activity restrictions, and follow-up. Sutures may be removed around three to four days after selected procedures, with many patients considering a return to work in about seven to ten days. Your timeline may differ, and we will tell you when it is appropriate to resume makeup, contacts, exercise, and other activities.

As swelling settles, the upper lid contour gradually becomes clearer. Early asymmetry or puffiness does not necessarily represent the outcome. We monitor healing and encourage you to contact us with unexpected symptoms or concerns. For example, someone who has been lifting their brows to compensate for extra eyelid skin may notice that their eyes feel more open after recovery, but the degree of functional and cosmetic improvement depends on their individual anatomy.

Request an Upper Blepharoplasty Consultation Today

If heavy or hooded upper eyelids are affecting how you look or feel, we invite you to discuss your goals with us. At The Choe Center, we will evaluate your concerns, explain whether upper blepharoplasty is a suitable option, and help you understand the expected recovery, risks, and personalized costs. Contact our Virginia Beach office to request a consultation with Dr. Choe and explore a natural-looking approach to upper eyelid refinement.

 

Related procedures: Brow Lift, Facelift, Facial Reshaping.

 

Contact us today!