Can upper blepharoplasty be combined with a brow lift, lower blepharoplasty or laser?

It may be combined with selected brow or ptosis procedures in an outpatient setting, and laser resurfacing can often be done at the same appointment. Lower blepharoplasty is generally performed in an operating room, so patients who need both upper and lower surgery are referred to a colleague who can do both in that setting.

Upper blepharoplasty for hooded, heavy upper eyelids.

Upper eyelid surgery that removes the excess skin resting on your lashes, so your eyes look open and rested again. Performed by Dr. Danny Guo, dermatologic surgeon, under local anesthetic. Consultations at Rejuvenation Dermatology Calgary North.

Local anesthetic45 to 90 minutesIncision hidden in the creaseSutures out in 5 to 7 daysCalgary North

Book a consultation Call (403) 286-6888

Dermatologic surgeonFellowship trained in Mohs surgeryLocal anesthetic45 to 90 minutesFine scar hidden in the creaseConsultations at Calgary NorthOffered under Fountain by RejuvenationBook a consultation

What upper blepharoplasty treats

Quick answer: Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin, and when needed a small amount of fat, from the upper eyelid so the eyes look more open and rested and the natural crease shows again. It treats dermatochalasis, which is extra skin. It does not treat ptosis, where the eyelid itself sits too low, or a low brow. Those need different procedures.

Patients rarely arrive asking for a blepharoplasty by name. They say they look tired, that their eyelids feel hooded, loose or heavy, that they can no longer see their eyelid crease, or that eyeliner has become difficult to apply. These are all ways of describing the same thing: upper eyelid skin that has descended toward the lashes.

Eyelid skin is among the thinnest skin on the body, and because we look at each other's eyes so closely, even a millimetre makes a visible difference. That is why Dr. Guo treats symmetry, natural lid position and eyelid function as carefully as the amount of skin removed.

Most patients seeking this procedure in his practice are in their 40s through 70s with age-related hooding. Women are more likely to ask about it, and men benefit just as well.

Is it the skin, the lid or the brow?

Not every droopy eyelid is the same condition, and each one calls for a different treatment. The assessment comes first; the procedure follows from it.

Excess skin (dermatochalasis)Loose skin folds over the lid and rests toward the lashes. The crease disappears and the eye looks hooded. This is what upper blepharoplasty treats.

Eyelid ptosisThe eyelid margin itself sits too low, often from weakness in the muscle that lifts the lid. It needs ptosis repair, not skin removal.

Brow ptosisThe eyebrow sits low, sometimes lower on one side, and pushes the skin below it down. Brow position is assessed before any eyelid surgery.

Simplified illustration. Several of these can be present at the same time, which is why the consultation examines all three.

01Treated with upper blepharoplasty

Excess eyelid skin

Age-related laxity lets upper eyelid skin descend toward the lashes. Removing the planned excess through an incision in the crease restores a visible fold and a more open eye.

02Addressed at surgery when present

Prominent fat pads

Fat beneath the skin can add to the heavy, puffy look. When fat is part of the picture, it is addressed as part of the same procedure.

03Needs ptosis repair

True eyelid ptosis

The lid margin sits too low because the lifting mechanism is weak. Dr. Guo may combine selected ptosis procedures with blepharoplasty or refer when an operating room is the safer setting. Read about ptosis.

04Needs brow correction

Brow ptosis

A lowered eyebrow drags the skin beneath it. Taking skin from the lid without addressing the brow gives a disappointing result, so brow position is checked first.

Another common misconception is that everyone with eyelid concerns needs surgery, or that skincare alone can fix any of them. Depending on the findings, skincare, laser resurfacing or surgery may be the right answer, and sometimes a combination.

Who is a good candidate

Dr. Guo would rather tell you that you do not need surgery yet than operate on the wrong problem. Candidacy is decided at the consultation, after the brow, lid and skin have each been assessed.

Upper blepharoplasty may suit you if

Upper eyelid skin rests on or near your lashes, or folds over the lid
Your eyelid crease has disappeared, or eyeliner has become hard to apply
You look tired or heavy-lidded even when well rested
Your brow position and lid height are normal, so the skin is the main issue
You are in good general health and your blood pressure is controlled
Your expectations are realistic: a refreshed, more open eye rather than a different face

A different plan may be better when

A low brow (brow ptosis) is the main problem, which needs brow correction instead
The lid margin itself is low (true ptosis), which needs ptosis repair
Changes are mild, where laser resurfacing or skincare may give more than surgery
Lower eyelids need surgery too: lower blepharoplasty is done in an operating room, so Dr. Guo refers patients who need both
Anatomy is complex or medical conditions make an operating-room setting safer, in which case a referral is arranged
Expectations do not match what skin removal can deliver

Your options, compared

Surgery is not the only tool, and it is not always the first one. Here is how Dr. Guo weighs the realistic options for heavy upper eyelids.

Option

Skincare

Laser resurfacing

Botulinum toxin brow lift

Upper blepharoplasty

Best for

Prevention and skin quality: retinoids, sunscreen and moisturizer

Fine lines, texture changes and mild early laxity

Selected patients who want a subtle, temporary lift of the brow

Substantial excess upper eyelid skin that hides the crease or rests on the lashes

What it does

Maintains skin quality over time

Improves texture and gives some tightening

Relaxes the muscles that pull the brow down

Removes the excess skin, and fat when needed, through the natural crease

Limits

Will not correct true ptosis or lift skin that has already descended

Cannot replace surgery when the main issue is a large skin fold

Temporary; improper placement can lower the brow instead of lifting it

Does not fix a low brow or a low lid margin; normal aging continues afterward

Downtime

None

Days of redness, depending on depth

None to minimal

About one to two weeks of visible bruising and swelling

For some patients the best result comes from a combination: surgery to remove the excess skin, laser resurfacing for texture and fine lines, and ongoing skincare to maintain the result. If laser resurfacing is part of the agreed plan, it can often be done at the same appointment as surgery.

Botox CO2 laser resurfacing Fine lines and wrinkles Skin laxity

Cosmetic or functional?

Upper blepharoplasty with Dr. Guo is a cosmetic procedure. It is self-funded, is not covered by Alberta Health, and no referral is needed to book the consultation. Some private insurance plans may offer coverage depending on the policy.

See a doctor sooner if you notice

Excess skin that obstructs your vision or your field of view
Difficulty keeping your eyes open or opening them fully
Eyelashes being pushed into the eye, causing pain or irritation

These point to a functional concern. A referral to an ophthalmologist or oculoplastic surgeon may be appropriate to rule out another medical cause before any cosmetic surgery is considered.

Consultation, surgery day and follow-up

The first appointment is a consultation, never same-day surgery. You leave with a plan, a written quote and time to decide.

Consultation at Calgary North

Dr. Guo examines and measures the eyelids, brows and lid margins, takes photographs, reviews your medical history, medications and blood pressure, and walks through realistic outcomes before providing a quote.

Please mention bleeding problems, visual or muscle disorders, dry eye, ocular rosacea, past healing problems or a tendency to form problematic scars.

Surgery day

The plan and photographs are confirmed, the skin is carefully marked and local anesthetic is injected. After a sterile prep, the planned excess skin is removed and the incision is closed with very fine sutures. Immediate photographs are taken and aftercare is explained.

The procedure takes about 45 to 90 minutes depending on complexity. If laser resurfacing is part of the plan, it may be done at the same visit.

The first week

Expect mild swelling, tightness and discomfort for the first day or two, managed with acetaminophen, cold compresses and keeping your head elevated. Bruising and swelling tend to peak around days 2 to 3 and begin improving around days 4 to 5.

Sutures usually come out at day 5 to 7, when the first week's improvement becomes more apparent.

Follow-up and results

The team checks in after surgery and asks for photographs during the first week to monitor healing. A change is usually visible early, and the final appearance becomes clear as swelling settles over a couple of months.

The skin that is removed is gone permanently, although normal aging continues and some laxity can return over time.

Where it happens: consultations and follow-up take place at Rejuvenation Dermatology Calgary North. The procedure itself is performed in an accredited surgical facility in Calgary, with Dr. Guo present from the first marking to the last suture and a nurse assisting throughout. The team plans to bring procedures to Calgary North once the required facility approval is in place.

Recovery, day by day

Most people should plan for about one to two weeks of visible recovery. Individual instructions can vary, and Dr. Guo's team adjusts them to how you heal.

A typical timeline after upper blepharoplasty

Days 1 to 2Mild swelling, tightness and discomfort. Acetaminophen, cold compresses, head elevated.

Days 2 to 3Bruising and swelling usually peak.

Days 4 to 5Swelling and bruising begin to settle. Light exercise may be possible.

Days 5 to 7Sutures removed. Desk work is often possible from here.

Weeks 2 to 3Makeup near the incision at about two weeks. Strenuous exercise and contact lenses at two to three weeks.

Desk work: about 5 to 7 days, depending on swelling and the type of workDriving: once vision is clear and swelling is not in the wayLight exercise: after a few daysStrenuous exercise: 2 to 3 weeksMakeup and skincare near the incision: about 2 weeks, once healedContact lenses: avoid for 2 to 3 weeks and wear glasses

The incision and the scar

Placed along the natural upper eyelid crease, roughly 6 to 8 millimetres above the lid margin
Its exact length and position are tailored to where the excess skin sits
Very fine non-dissolving stitches are usually removed after 5 to 7 days
Dissolving stitches are an option if you cannot return for removal, although they can cause more temporary redness
The aim is a fine scar concealed in the crease, so it is hidden when the eye is open

Normal after surgery

Mild swelling, bruising and a feeling of tightness
Some residual bruising beyond the first week
Some asymmetry can remain, particularly if it was present before surgery
Results that keep refining for a couple of months as swelling resolves

Risks, discussed plainly

No surgery is risk-free. Serious complications are uncommon, and Dr. Guo reviews every one of them with you before treatment, along with the expected healing.

Call 911 or go to emergency for sudden vision loss, severe pain, or rapidly increasing swelling or bruising after surgery.

Common and temporary

Bruising
Swelling
Discomfort and tightness

Possible complications

Bleeding
Scarring
Infection
Delayed or poor wound healing
Rarely, a significant hematoma or vision problems

Performed by Dr. Danny Guo

A dermatologic surgeon who treats the whole eye area, not just the loose skin.

Dr. Danny Guo

Dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and cosmetic injector

Dr. Guo is a board-certified dermatologist with fellowship training in Mohs micrographic surgery, which involves removing skin cancers and reconstructing the face afterward, including the eyelids. Upper eyelid surgery is a natural extension of that daily work with eyelid anatomy, function and reconstruction, and of the artistic side of creating natural eyelid folds. His cosmetic blepharoplasty training included live-patient training in Europe and extensive anatomical training.

Because he also provides the laser, injectable and skincare side of treatment, he can assess texture, fine lines, volume changes and eyelid laxity together and build one plan around your goals, rather than treating the eyelid in isolation.

Director, Rejuvenation Calgary NorthClinical Assistant Professor, University of CalgaryDirector of Dermatologic SurgeryFounder, Fountain by Rejuvenation

Meet Dr. Guo Mohs surgery Calgary North clinic

Upper blepharoplasty questions, answered

The questions Dr. Guo hears most often in consultation.

Is upper blepharoplasty the same as an eyelid lift?

Yes. Upper blepharoplasty is the medical name for upper eyelid surgery, often called an eyelid lift. It removes excess skin, and when needed a small amount of fat, from the upper eyelid. It is not the same as ptosis repair, which lifts a lid margin that sits too low, or a brow lift, which raises the eyebrow.

What is the difference between droopy eyelids, hooded eyelids and ptosis?

Droopy and hooded are descriptions, not diagnoses. Hooding usually means excess skin folding over the lid (dermatochalasis), which upper blepharoplasty treats. Ptosis means the eyelid itself sits too low because the lifting muscle is weak, and it needs a different repair. A low brow (brow ptosis) can mimic both. Droopy eyelids, hooded eyelids and ptosis each have their own page.

Does upper blepharoplasty hurt?

The procedure is done under local anesthetic, so the area is numb while Dr. Guo works. Afterward, most people describe tightness and mild discomfort for a day or two, managed with acetaminophen, cold compresses and keeping the head elevated.

Will I have a visible scar?

The incision is placed along the natural upper eyelid crease, about 6 to 8 millimetres above the lid margin, so the fine scar sits in the fold and is hidden when your eyes are open. Scar concern is one of the most common worries patients raise, and the placement is planned specifically to address it.

How long does the surgery take?

About 45 to 90 minutes, depending on complexity. You go home the same day with written aftercare instructions.

When can I go back to work and normal life?

Desk work is usually possible after about 5 to 7 days, once sutures are out and swelling has settled enough. Light exercise can resume after a few days, strenuous exercise after two to three weeks. Makeup near the incision waits about two weeks, contact lenses two to three weeks. Plan on one to two weeks of visible recovery.

Will people notice I had surgery?

Most patients say their eyes look more open and refreshed rather than tired or sad, and some find eyeliner easier to apply again. The goal is a natural eyelid fold, not a different face. People tend to notice that you look rested rather than that you had a procedure.

How long do the results last?

The removal of skin is permanent. Normal aging continues, however, so some eyelid laxity may develop again over the years. A full repeat procedure is not needed for most patients, although some may want one after further aging.

Is upper blepharoplasty covered by Alberta Health?

Cosmetic upper blepharoplasty is self-funded and not covered by Alberta Health. Some private insurance plans may offer coverage depending on the policy. If excess skin is obstructing your vision, that is a functional concern and may call for a referral to an oculoplastic surgeon instead.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is needed to book a cosmetic consultation. Contact the clinic through the website or by phone and a Cosmetic Experience Partner will arrange it.

Can it be combined with a brow lift, lower blepharoplasty or laser?

Upper blepharoplasty may be combined with selected brow or ptosis procedures in an outpatient setting, and laser resurfacing can often be done at the same appointment when it is part of the plan. Lower blepharoplasty is generally performed in an operating room, so if you need both upper and lower surgery Dr. Guo would refer you to a colleague who can do both in that setting.

Are before and after photos available?

Upper blepharoplasty is a new service at Rejuvenation, and patient photographs with consent are being collected now. In the meantime Dr. Guo reviews your own photographs and realistic outcomes with you at the consultation.

Where is the surgery performed?

Consultations and follow-up are at Rejuvenation Dermatology Calgary North. The procedure is performed in an accredited surgical facility in Calgary with Dr. Guo present throughout and a nurse assisting, with plans to bring procedures to Calgary North once facility approval is in place.

Start with a consultation at Calgary North

Bring your goals and your questions. Dr. Guo examines your eyes, eyelids and brows, explains what blepharoplasty can and cannot do for you, and gives you a written quote. You then have time to decide, and the cosmetic team schedules surgery when you are ready.

Book a consultation Call (403) 286-6888

Rejuvenation Dermatology Calgary NorthConsultations and follow-up

130 Country Village Rd NE #435
Calgary, AB T3K 6B8

Home of Dr. Guo's cosmetic practice and of Fountain by Rejuvenation.

Call Directions Book

Fountain by RejuvenationMedical aesthetics at Calgary North

Upper blepharoplasty is offered under Fountain, the dermatology-led medical aesthetics practice at Rejuvenation Calgary North, where surgery, laser, injectables and skincare are planned together.

Fountain page Book via Fountain

Droopy eyelids Hooded eyelids Ptosis Botox CO2 laser resurfacing Dr. Danny Guo All surgeries

Content based on an interview with Dr. Danny Guo (October 2026). It is educational and does not replace a consultation. Results vary between individuals, and all surgery carries risk; candidacy, risks and expected outcomes are confirmed at your consultation.

Contact Rejuvenation Dermatology

Take the first step toward achieving healthy, radiant, and flawless skin. Contact Rejuvenation Dermatology today to schedule your personalized consultation and explore the advanced treatments tailored to your unique needs.