UPPER BLEPHAROPLASTY IN NYC

Refine, Rejuvenate, and Brighten Your Eyes with Dr. Robert Schwarcz

Your eyes are one of the first places to show signs of aging—and one of the most powerful areas to transform your entire appearance. If drooping eyelids, excess skin, or a “hooded” look is making you seem older, tired, or less alert than you feel, upper blepharoplasty in NYC may be the most effective way to restore a refreshed, natural appearance.

Also known as an eyelid lift or cosmetic upper eyelid surgery, this procedure removes excess skin and repositions or trims fat and muscle in the upper eyelids. The result? A brighter gaze, smoother contours, and enhanced symmetry—without looking like you’ve had “work done.”

Performed in Dr. Robert Schwarcz’s JCAHO-certified private surgical suite on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, upper blepharoplasty is one of the most requested procedures for both men and women in their 30s through 70s. Consultations and follow-ups are available in both our Manhattan and Rye, NY offices.

What Is Upper Blepharoplasty?

Upper blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects excess skin, puffiness, and muscle laxity in the upper eyelids. It is often used to treat:

• A heavy, drooping eyelid fold that makes you look tired or aged

• Interference with vision caused by overhanging skin

• Difficulty applying makeup due to a loss of lid space

• A lack of symmetry between the two eyes

This procedure involves making a discreet incision in the natural crease of the upper eyelid. Through this incision, Dr. Schwarcz removes excess skin, conservatively trims or repositions fat, and adjusts the muscle if needed. Once healed, the scar is virtually invisible.

More than a cosmetic enhancement, upper blepharoplasty often improves day-to-day function for those whose vision is affected by sagging lids. Patients frequently report that they not only look more youthful, but also feel more awake and expressive.

What Causes Sagging Eyelids?

There are several reasons why the upper eyelids may begin to droop or appear heavy. Aging is the most common, as skin naturally loses collagen and elasticity over time. The levator muscle, which lifts the eyelid, may weaken or stretch with age, leading to a lower eyelid position. Genetics also play a role—some people are born with a more hooded or low-set eyelid crease that becomes more noticeable over time.

Environmental factors like sun exposure and smoking contribute to skin damage and loss of firmness, and chronic stress or fatigue can exaggerate puffiness or asymmetry. In some cases, true ptosis (muscle-related eyelid droop) may also be present, and Dr. Schwarcz will determine whether blepharoplasty or ptosis repair is the better option—or if a combination is needed.

Who Is a Candidate for Upper Eyelid Surgery?

You may be a candidate for upper blepharoplasty if you have sagging, heavy upper lids that make you look more tired or aged than you feel. This procedure is especially well-suited for individuals who experience eyelid “hooding,” reduced upper lid visibility, or have to lift their brows or forehead to see clearly.

Good candidates are typically healthy non-smokers who do not have uncontrolled medical conditions or active eye diseases. Having realistic expectations is key. The goal is to restore and refine—not create a dramatic or unnatural change. Dr. Schwarcz often uses reference photos of you taken 10–15 years ago to guide your surgical plan. The objective is to bring you back to your original structure, not to create an entirely new version of your face.

When Might It Not Be Right for You?

Not everyone is a good match for surgery right away. Patients with severe dry eye syndrome, certain autoimmune disorders, or active infections may need additional screening or alternate treatment options. If you're currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or undergoing treatment for a systemic illness, it’s best to wait until your health is stable.

People with a tendency for poor wound healing or hypertrophic scarring may be advised to take a conservative approach. And if you're expecting to look dramatically different—or hoping to "fix" unrelated facial concerns with an eyelid lift alone—Dr. Schwarcz will help guide you toward the procedures that truly align with your goals.

How to Prepare for Upper Blepharoplasty

Planning ahead helps ensure a smooth experience and optimal healing. Dr. Schwarcz will provide a customized plan during your consultation, but here’s what to expect. You’ll be asked to stop taking blood thinners, NSAIDs, and certain supplements (like fish oil or vitamin E) two weeks prior to surgery. Smoking should also be discontinued well in advance, as it significantly increases healing complications.

Plan for about two weeks of social downtime, though bruising may subside sooner. You’ll need someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for the first day. It’s best to schedule surgery at least 2–3 months before any major events to allow for full healing and scar maturation.

What to Expect on Surgery Day

Your eyelid lift surgery will take place in our state-of-the-art surgical suite on the Upper East Side, which is fully accredited by JCAHO for safety and privacy. On the day of surgery, Dr. Schwarcz will mark your eyelids to confirm the surgical plan, then perform the procedure using local anesthesia with optional sedation.

The surgery typically takes about one hour. Incisions are made along the natural upper eyelid crease, allowing access to remove or reposition fat, trim skin, and adjust muscle as needed. Once complete, the incisions are closed with tiny sutures, which will be removed during your post-op visit about five to seven days later.

Because the incisions are hidden in the eyelid crease, most patients find that their scars are invisible once healed.

What Is Recovery Like?

Most patients experience mild swelling, bruising, and tightness in the days following surgery. These side effects peak within the first few days and begin to subside by the end of the first week. Cold compresses, rest, and head elevation can all help speed the process.

You’ll be able to resume light activities within five to seven days, though you may prefer to wait 10–14 days before returning to work or social events. Makeup can typically be applied after suture removal to help conceal any lingering discoloration. Final results continue to refine over the course of several weeks, and most swelling resolves by the six-week mark.

How Long Do Results Last?

Results from upper blepharoplasty are long-lasting—typically 10 years or more—depending on your genetics, lifestyle, and skincare habits. The excess skin and fat that’s removed won’t regenerate, though natural aging will continue. Many patients enjoy their results for well over a decade, and some never require a second procedure.

The biggest change? You’ll look rested, more awake, and like a more vibrant version of yourself. And if your vision was previously affected by sagging skin, you may also notice significant improvement in how clearly and comfortably you can see.

Complementary Procedures

Upper blepharoplasty often works best when part of a comprehensive plan. Consider pairing it with:

• Lower Blepharoplasty

• Fat Transfer

• Endoscopic or Temporal Brow Lift

• Dysport or Botox

These combinations can help harmonize the entire upper face, providing a more lifted, cohesive result.

Alternative Procedures

If you’re not ready for surgery or want to explore non-invasive options first, the following treatments can offer short-term improvement:

• Dermal Fillers (for upper eyelid hollowing)

• CO2 Laser Resurfacing

• AccuTite Skin Tightening

These alternatives may be effective for mild concerns but will not achieve the long-lasting or structural improvements that blepharoplasty can provide.

Why Choose Dr. Robert Schwarcz?

With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Robert Schwarcz is one of New York City’s most trusted oculofacial plastic surgeons. He brings both surgical precision and an artistic eye to every procedure, focusing on outcomes that are subtle, elegant, and in complete harmony with your natural features.

He personally performs every procedure in his boutique Upper East Side office, using a private, JCAHO-certified surgical suite that meets the highest safety standards. Follow-up appointments are offered in both Manhattan and Rye, NY, and patients receive individualized care from consultation through recovery.

Ready to Rejuvenate?

Click the Request an Appointment button below to schedule your consultation with Dr. Schwarcz and take the first step toward brighter, more youthful eyes.