Upper eyelid blepharoplasty

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and, if necessary, fatty tissue from the upper eyelids. This can improve the field of vision, reduce eye fatigue, and alleviate functional and aesthetic problems caused by heavy eyelids.

Text reviewed by specialist:

dr Andreas Abel

General practitioner

Published

Text updated

When to see a specialist

  • Drooping upper eyelids
  • Excess skin on the upper eyelids
  • Restricted field of vision due to drooping eyelids
  • Heavy eyelids
  • Eye fatigue
  • Forehead fatigue due to heavy eyelids
  • Swelling of the upper eyelids
  • Tired or aged appearance
  • Aesthetic discomfort in the eyelid area
  • Obscuring of the natural upper eyelid crease due to excess skin

Common symptoms

  • Aesthetic dissatisfaction

    Aesthetic dissatisfaction can affect both self-confidence and quality of life.
  • Aesthetic dissatisfaction

    It is worth seeking help if the eye area gives a tired, sad, or aged impression and this affects your self-esteem.
  • Drooping or heavy upper eyelids

    Seek consultation if the skin of your upper eyelids sags over your eyes, causes a feeling of heaviness, or affects your daily well-being.
  • Eye and forehead fatigue

    You should come for a consultation if heavy upper eyelids cause eye fatigue or if compensating for the eyelids causes forehead tension and fatigue.

How to prepare for your appointment

  • To plan the operation, a consultation with a plastic surgeon is always necessary first, where we discuss your expectations, goals, health condition, previous illnesses, operations, and medications you are taking.
  • Before the operation:
  • Always inform the doctor about all your medications, supplements, and allergies.
  • Blood-thinning medications must not be used for at least 5 days before the operation, according to the doctor’s instructions.
  • Supplements containing Omega-3 and cod liver oil should be avoided for at least 2 months before the operation.
  • Smoking must be stopped at least 6–8 weeks before the operation and should also be avoided after the surgery.
  • On the day of the operation:
  • Bring your ID card or another identification document to the clinic.
  • Come to the operation only when healthy. The clinic must be informed in advance of any illness or skin injuries in the surgical area.
  • Take a shower in the morning and put on clean and comfortable clothes.
  • Before upper eyelid blepharoplasty, you can eat and drink as usual if the operation is performed under local anesthesia.
  • Bring regularly taken medications with you or use them according to the doctor’s instructions.
  • Leave jewelry, rings, and piercings at home or remove them before coming.
  • If you use a hearing aid or asthma inhaler, bring them with you.
  • Come to the clinic at the agreed time and use the toilet before the operation.

What to expect during your appointment

Consultation

The doctor will ascertain your expectations, map your health condition, and assess whether the operation is indicated.

Anatomy assessment

The surgeon will assess the amount of excess skin and fat, the condition of the eyelid muscles, and, if necessary, the drooping of the eyebrows and forehead.

Preparation for surgery

Planned incision lines are marked on the eyelids, and local anesthesia is administered.

Operation

The operation usually lasts 1-2 hours. The surgeon removes excess skin and, if necessary, fatty tissue from the upper eyelids and closes the wounds with sutures.

Immediate recovery

After the operation, you will recover in the recovery room, and a cooling compress will be placed on your eyes to reduce swelling. You can go home on the same day. It is not advisable to drive yourself on the day of the operation.

Home instructions

We will provide you with information on wound care, limiting exertion, and recovery.

Follow-up

Sutures are usually removed at the clinic 5–7 days later, and further check-ups will be with the doctor.

Specialists providing this service

Payment & Appointment Info

Prices

Tallinn

Special care
Service Price
Upper eyelid plastic surgery (blepharoplasty) – under local anaesthesia The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 1750 €
Upper eyelid plastic surgery (blepharoplasty) – under general anaesthesia The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 1950 €
Upper eyelid plastic surgery with a brow lift – under local anaesthesia The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 3550 €
Open brow lift – under local anaesthesia The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 2250 €
Upper and lower eyelid plastic surgery – under local anaesthesia The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 4400 €
Transconjunctival lower eyelid plastic surgery – under local anaesthesia The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 2250 €
Transcutaneous lower eyelid plastic surgery – under local anaesthesia The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 3150 €
Upper eyelid plastic surgery with a brow lift – under general anaesthesia The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 4400 €
Upper eyelid plastic surgery with removal of excess fatty tissue – under local anaesthesia The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 1950 €
Correction of a drooping eyelid (ptosis operation) – on one side, under local anaesthesia The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 2350 €

Everywhere else in Estonia

Special care
Service Price
Upper eyelid plastic surgery (blepharoplasty) – under local anaesthesia The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 1750 €
Upper eyelid plastic surgery (blepharoplasty) – under general anaesthesia The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 1950 €
Upper eyelid plastic surgery with a brow lift – under local anaesthesia The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 3550 €
Open brow lift – under local anaesthesia The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 2250 €
Upper and lower eyelid plastic surgery – under local anaesthesia The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 4400 €
Transconjunctival lower eyelid plastic surgery – under local anaesthesia The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 2250 €
Transcutaneous lower eyelid plastic surgery – under local anaesthesia The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 3150 €
Upper eyelid plastic surgery with a brow lift – under general anaesthesia The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 4400 €
Upper eyelid plastic surgery with removal of excess fatty tissue – under local anaesthesia The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 1950 €
Correction of a drooping eyelid (ptosis operation) – on one side, under local anaesthesia The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 2350 €
Payment methods

This service is not covered by Meliva Health Insurance. Check your personal coverage limits in the ERGO app.

Referral

An appointment with a specialist is required first to assess whether the service is suitable or necessary.

Clinics offering this service

Frequently Asked Questions

Is upper eyelid blepharoplasty suitable for everyone?

The operation is suitable for most healthy adults with drooping upper eyelids. It is not suitable for untreated eye diseases or severe general illnesses. The doctor assesses suitability individually.

Will scars be visible?

Incisions are usually made in the natural folds of the eyelid, so scars are almost imperceptible after healing.

How long does recovery take?

You can return to lighter daily activities within a couple of days, but swelling and bruising usually last 1–2 weeks. The final result is visible after about 3-4 months.