How Long Does Blepharoplasty Surgery Take?

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Ann Jayaram, MD, board-certified oculoplastic surgeon. Last updated October 28, 2026.

Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty itself is relatively quick, with most procedures lasting between 45 minutes and 3 hours depending on complexity. Additional preparation and recovery time on the day of surgery are important to consider. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect regarding the duration of this popular cosmetic procedure.

How Long Each Eyelid Surgery Takes

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Upper eyelid surgery is generally the quickest type of blepharoplasty. The procedure typically takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete. This involves making precise incisions along the natural crease of the upper eyelid, removing excess upper eyelid skin and fat, and suturing the area for a natural-looking result.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower eyelid surgery tends to be more intricate, as it involves addressing puffiness, sagging skin, and under-eye bags. Lower blepharoplasty typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity and whether techniques such as fat repositioning or tightening are required.

Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery

When both the upper and lower eyelids are treated in a single session, the surgery can take 2 to 3 hours. The surgeon will address each area sequentially, ensuring symmetry and natural results.

Factors That Can Affect Surgery Time

The duration of your eyelid surgery blepharoplasty may be influenced by several factors:

Complexity of the Procedure

More extensive corrections, such as significant skin removal or fat repositioning, can add time to the eyelid surgery.
Pre-existing conditions like scarring or previous surgeries may require additional precision and care.

Surgeon’s Technique

Experienced surgeons often work efficiently while maintaining attention to detail, which can influence surgery time.
Advanced techniques, such as ptosis repair or fat grafting, may slightly extend the upper or lower blepharoplasty procedure.

Additional Procedures

If blepharoplasty surgery is combined with other treatments, such as a brow lift or facelift, the overall surgical time will increase.

Anesthesia Setup

Most eyelid surgery procedures are performed under local anesthesia with sedation, which requires time for proper administration and patient preparation. General anesthesia, if used, may also add to the total time.

What to Expect on Surgery Day?

The time you spend at the surgical facility will extend beyond the surgical procedure itself, as both pre-operative preparation and post-operative care are crucial. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps and timelines:

Pre-Procedure Preparation (1–2 hours)

Arrival and Check-In (30 minutes)

You’ll arrive at the surgical facility, complete necessary paperwork, and check in with the medical staff.

Pre-Operative Assessment (30–45 minutes)

The surgical team will review your medical history and the details of the blepharoplasty surgery.
Your surgeon will mark incision sites on your upper or lower eyelids and address any last-minute questions or concerns.
An anesthesiologist or nurse will administer local anesthesia with sedation or prepare you for general anesthesia if applicable.

Final Preparations (15–30 minutes)

Once the anesthesia takes effect, the surgical area will be sterilized, and you’ll be positioned comfortably in the operating room.

What Happens During Surgery?

The procedure varies depending on the type and complexity of the surgery, typically lasting between 45 minutes and 3 hours. Here’s what each procedure involves:

Upper Eyelid Surgery

The surgeon makes an incision along the natural crease of the eyelid, removes excess upper eyelid skin and fat, and carefully sutures the area to achieve a refreshed, natural look.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

The focus is on reducing puffiness and addressing under-eye bags. This may involve removing or repositioning fat, tightening muscles, or smoothing skin through a discreet incision below the lash line or inside the eyelid.

Combined Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery

The surgeon performs both procedures sequentially, ensuring symmetry and balance between the upper and lower eyelids.

Post-Procedure Preparation (1–2 hours)

Monitoring and Immediate Care (30–60 minutes)

After the surgery, you’ll be moved to a recovery area where medical staff will monitor your vital signs and ensure you’re stable.
Ice packs may be applied to reduce swelling, and instructions on managing discomfort will be provided.

Discharge Instructions (30 minutes)

Once cleared, you’ll receive detailed post-operative care instructions, including how to manage swelling, use prescribed medications, and avoid certain activities.
You’ll also schedule a follow-up appointment and arrange for someone to drive you home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does upper eyelid surgery take?

Upper eyelid surgery is usually the quickest type of blepharoplasty, typically taking 45 minutes to 1 hour. The surgeon works along the natural crease of the upper lid, removes excess skin and fat, and closes the area with fine sutures. At Ellevate MD, Dr. Jayaram also offers the ellevate Lid Lift, a 30-minute upper eyelid procedure done in the office.

How long does lower blepharoplasty take?

Lower blepharoplasty typically takes 1 to 2 hours. It often takes longer than upper eyelid surgery because it addresses puffiness, sagging skin and under-eye bags, and may involve repositioning fat or tightening tissue through an incision below the lash line or inside the lid. The exact time depends on how much correction your eyelids need.

How long will I be at the surgical facility on the day of eyelid surgery?

Plan for several hours in total, because the visit includes more than the surgery itself. Check-in, assessment and anesthesia usually take 1 to 2 hours, the surgery takes about 45 minutes to 3 hours, and monitoring plus discharge instructions take another 1 to 2 hours. You will also need someone to drive you home.

Does the type of anesthesia change how long blepharoplasty takes?

Yes, anesthesia setup adds some time to your day. Most eyelid surgery is done under local anesthesia with sedation, which takes time to give and to take effect before the surgery starts. General anesthesia, if it is used, may add to the total time, mostly in preparation and recovery.

Does adding a brow lift or other procedure make eyelid surgery longer?

Yes, combining blepharoplasty with another procedure, such as a brow lift or facelift, increases the overall surgical time. Treating both upper and lower eyelids in one session usually takes 2 to 3 hours. Extra steps like ptosis repair, fat grafting or work around old scars can also add time, so Dr. Jayaram gives you a personal estimate at your consultation.

Conclusion

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a quick and effective cosmetic procedure that fits seamlessly into busy schedules. Whether you’re considering upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or a combination, understanding the expected timeline can help you plan your day and ensure a smooth experience. Each case is unique, so consulting with a qualified surgeon is essential to tailor the procedure and recovery timeline to your specific needs and goals.

If you’re ready to explore how eyelid surgery can enhance your appearance, schedule a consultation with our experienced team. We’ll provide a personalized timeline and guide you through every step of the process to help you achieve your desired transformation. Take the first step toward rejuvenating your look today!

About the author

Dr. Ann Jayaram, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon at Ellevate MD in Atherton, California. She studied at Stanford, earned her MD with honors in research at Loyola, completed her ophthalmology residency at Northwestern and her oculoplastic surgery fellowship at Tufts Medical Center New England Eye Center. She has performed more than 7,000 eyelid and eye procedures. Read more about Dr. Jayaram.

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Dr. Ann Jayaram

January 25, 2025