Upper Blepharoplasty in Atlanta, Buckhead & Sandy Springs

Upper blepharoplasty—often called upper eyelid surgery—is designed to remove or reposition excess upper-eyelid skin and, when appropriate, address small pockets of fat that can create a heavy, tired, or hooded appearance. For many patients, the goal is a brighter, more rested look that still feels like you—not an “overdone” eye. In some cases, upper eyelid heaviness can also interfere with peripheral vision, and eyelid surgery may help improve the visual field when obstruction is caused by redundant skin. Individual results vary.

At Kavali Plastic Surgery and Skin Renewal Center in Atlanta—serving Buckhead and Sandy Springs—board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Carmen Kavali approaches upper blepharoplasty with careful attention to eyelid anatomy, symmetry, and natural contour. Because the eyelids are a focal point of the face, subtle, precise technique matters. Your plan is tailored to your unique eyelid structure, brow position, skin quality, and aesthetic goals.

You may be a good candidate for upper blepharoplasty if you:

• Have excess upper eyelid skin that creates hooding or heaviness
• Notice your eyes look smaller or more tired than they used to
• Struggle with eye makeup creasing due to skin redundancy
• Feel that upper-lid heaviness affects your peripheral vision (in certain cases)
• Want a refreshed look without changing your natural eye shape

Good candidates are typically in good general health and have realistic expectations. Some patients benefit from combined treatment if brow descent is contributing to upper-lid heaviness. If brow position is a key driver, Dr. Kavali may discuss a brow lift as an alternative or complementary option. You can learn more about brow lifting here: brow lift.

Your consultation is focused on anatomy, aesthetics, and safety. Dr. Kavali will evaluate:

• Skin redundancy and the pattern of hooding
• Upper eyelid crease position and symmetry
• Fat pad prominence (when present)
• Brow position and how it affects the upper lid
• Eye surface concerns (dry eye symptoms, irritation) and overall eye health history

You’ll talk through what you want to change—and what you want to preserve. Many patients want to look less tired but still look like themselves. That goal shapes how much skin is removed, how the crease is supported, and how the eyelid contour is refined. Dr. Kavali will explain incision placement, scar expectations, and the recovery process in detail.

If you’re comparing different rejuvenation options, you may also explore facial services here: facial plastic surgery procedures.

Upper blepharoplasty is commonly performed as a standalone procedure, but it can also be combined with other facial procedures when it makes clinical and aesthetic sense. Combining procedures can allow for a more balanced rejuvenation and a single recovery period, but it also requires careful planning.

Common combination options include:

• Upper Blepharoplasty + Brow Lift: Helpful when brow descent contributes to upper-lid hooding.
• Upper Blepharoplasty + Facelift/Neck Rejuvenation: Considered when patients want broader facial rejuvenation.
• Upper Blepharoplasty + Skin Resurfacing: In select cases, non-surgical treatments may be used to improve skin texture around the eyes (case-dependent).

Dr. Kavali will recommend combinations only when they support safer surgery, improved harmony, and realistic outcomes. Individual results vary.

1) Eyelid Skin vs. Brow Position: What’s Driving the Hooding?

Upper eyelid heaviness can come from excess eyelid skin, a low brow, or both. If the brow has descended over time, removing too much eyelid skin without addressing the brow can create an imbalanced look. Dr. Kavali will help identify the true cause and recommend the most appropriate plan.

2) Preserving a Natural Eyelid Contour

A refined result requires balance. Removing too much skin can create tightness; removing too much fat can cause a hollowed appearance. A modern, natural approach often focuses on precise removal and preservation where needed—so your eyes look refreshed, not “operated on.”

3) Symmetry Planning

Natural faces are not perfectly symmetrical. Dr. Kavali will assess asymmetries in eyelid crease height, brow position, and skin redundancy, then plan the surgery to improve balance while keeping outcomes realistic.

4) Scar Placement and Healing Strategy

Upper blepharoplasty incisions are typically placed in the natural eyelid crease, where scars tend to heal discreetly for most patients. Scar maturation varies, and Dr. Kavali will provide guidance on scar care and expected healing phases.

Upper blepharoplasty is commonly performed as an outpatient procedure. While each plan is individualized, a typical sequence includes:

1. Pre-operative markings: Precise measurements are used to plan skin removal while maintaining safe eyelid closure.

2. Anesthesia: Depending on your plan, this may involve local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.

3. Incision in the eyelid crease: The incision is placed where it will be naturally hidden.

4. Refinement of tissue: Excess skin is removed and, when appropriate, small pockets of fat may be contoured or repositioned.

5. Closure: The incision is closed with meticulous technique to support smooth healing and fine scarring.

Procedure time varies, especially if upper eyelid surgery is combined with other facial procedures.

After surgery, most patients go home the same day with a responsible adult. Early care typically includes:

• Cold compresses as directed to reduce swelling
• Keeping the head elevated while resting
• Using prescribed eye ointment or drops if recommended
• Avoiding rubbing the eyes and avoiding contact lenses temporarily (if applicable)

Swelling and bruising around the eyes are common early on and typically improve over time. Individual healing patterns vary.

Recovery can be relatively quick compared with larger facial procedures, but the eyelids are delicate and healing is gradual. Many patients experience:

• Days 1–3: Peak swelling and bruising; focus on rest, cold compresses, and elevation
• Week 1: Swelling begins to subside; return to light daily activities; follow-up visit for incision check
• Weeks 2–3: Bruising often largely resolves; many patients feel comfortable returning to most public/social settings
• Weeks 4–6+: Ongoing refinement; scars soften and fade over time

Dr. Kavali will give you a personalized plan for resuming exercise, wearing eye makeup, and returning to contact lenses if you use them. Protecting the incision from sun exposure during early healing is important for scar quality.

All surgery has risk. Upper blepharoplasty considerations may include:

• Bleeding, infection, or delayed healing
• Temporary dryness, irritation, or sensitivity
• Scarring concerns (most often subtle in the crease)
• Asymmetry or under-/over-correction (may require revision in select cases)
• Temporary changes in eyelid closure or tightness during early healing
• Anesthesia-related risks

Dr. Kavali will review risks in the context of your anatomy, eye history, and surgical plan. Individual results vary and cannot be guaranteed.

Many patients pursue upper eyelid surgery because it makes the entire face look more rested and approachable. Long-term results depend on factors such as genetics, skin quality, sun exposure, and natural facial aging. While eyelid surgery can create long-lasting improvement, it does not stop the aging process.

Helpful habits after surgery include:

• Consistent sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen where appropriate)
• Gentle skincare and avoiding eye rubbing
• Maintaining stable weight and healthy lifestyle habits
• Following up as recommended for long-term care

Eyelid surgery is precise. The best outcomes come from careful planning, an eye for facial balance, and a conservative approach that preserves function while enhancing aesthetics.

Kavali Plastic Surgery and Skin Renewal Center is led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Carmen Kavali. You can learn more about board certification standards through the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Medical Specialties. You can also view the practice’s results gallery here: Before & After Photos. Individual results vary.

Upper blepharoplasty cost in the Atlanta area varies based on surgical complexity, anesthesia and facility fees, and whether the procedure is combined with other facial surgeries (such as a brow lift). Many patients fall within a typical range of approximately $4,500 to $9,500+, though your personalized quote may be lower or higher depending on your plan.

Your consultation will clarify what is included (surgeon’s fee, facility, anesthesia, post-op visits) and what may be separate. Financing options may be available for qualified patients. Learn more here: patient financing.

Next Steps: Scheduling Your Consultation

If you’re considering upper blepharoplasty in Atlanta, Buckhead, or Sandy Springs, the next step is a consultation to evaluate your eyelid anatomy, brow position, and goals. Dr. Kavali will explain whether upper eyelid surgery alone is the right choice—or whether a combination approach could provide a more balanced result.

To schedule, call 404.250.3333, email info(at)drkavali(dotted)com, or request an appointment via the contact page.