Both Upper & Lower Eyelids surgery Be Done at the Same Time?
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Upper and lower eyelid surgery can be safely and effectively performed at the same time for many patients. Combining these procedures often leads to more balanced results, a single recovery period, and reduced overall costs compared to scheduling two separate surgeries. This approach addresses common concerns such as drooping upper lids, under-eye puffiness, and loose skin in one coordinated treatment. However, not every patient is an ideal candidate. Factors like eye anatomy, skin quality, medical history, and personal goals all play a role in determining whether a combined procedure is appropriate. A personalized consultation is essential for achieving the best outcome.
Summary
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is designed to improve the appearance and function of the eyelids by removing excess skin and fat from the upper and lower eye areas. As aging, genetics, and environmental factors affect the delicate eye region, many patients consider addressing both eyelids simultaneously. This article explains how upper and lower eyelid surgery works, the benefits of combining procedures, recovery expectations, scar care, and cost considerations. Understanding these details helps patients make informed decisions and determine whether a combined approach aligns with their aesthetic and functional goals.
Eyes are often the first thing that gets noticed and are a prominent feature. In addition to helping us communicate through expressions, our eyes allow us to see the world and connect with others. However, the natural aging process, environmental factors, genetics, and more can all take their toll on the appearance of our eyelids.
Eyelid surgery is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed today and there are many benefits to combining both upper and lower surgery into the same procedure.
If you are considering eyelid surgery in Richmond, VA, you should learn more about the procedure, its benefits, and recovery time from an expert. Dr. Kitto is a leading board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience completing eyelid surgery, she can help customize your treatment plan to help you reach your cosmetic and functional goals.
What is eyelid surgery?
The delicate skin around the eyes is often the first area to show visible signs of aging. Over time, the tone, texture, muscles, and shape of the skin around our eyes can change. This can be due to genetics and face shape or can be caused by a loss of volume and elasticity in the skin.
Upper and lower eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the eyelids. The procedure can correct the appearance of thin, wrinkled, or loose skin, both for aesthetics and to correct vision issues.
If eyelid skin begins to droop, it can easily begin to impact vision and the eyelid surgery may be more functional than cosmetic.
Upper eyelid surgery, or upper blepharoplasty, targets the skin in the upper eye area. The procedure involves removing excess skin and fat that falls over the natural crease in the eyelid, which often creates a hooded eye appearance.
As we age, our facial skin loses elasticity, so removing loose skin can improve the overall appearance of the eye by creating a younger look.
To complete the upper eye surgery, Dr. Kitto places an incision along the natural crease in the eyelid and then removes the excess skin and tissue that is causing either functional or aesthetic concern.
On the other hand, lower eyelid surgery, or lower blepharoplasty, really focuses on reducing the appearance of puffiness from under the eye. Aging skin can impact the contour of the eyelid and give the appearance of droopy skin or heavy undereye bags.
A lower lid surgery normally involves an incision just below the lower lash line. Excess skin and fat is then removed and the skin is lifted and tightened to give a smoother and more youthful appearance.
Both upper and lower eyelid surgery require general anesthesia and the procedure can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours. Patients undergoing the procedure are released the same day, but will need someone to drive them home and stay with them for at least 24 hours post-procedure.
Some swelling and bruising are normal post-op symptoms and should subside within a couple of weeks. Typically, results from eyelid surgery are instantly noticeable and can last for several years.
Can You Do Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty at the Same Time?
Short answer: yes—and it’s often the smartest move.
Here’s why. Instead of splitting the procedure into two surgeries (with two rounds of anesthesia, two recovery periods, and two bills), many patients opt to combine upper and lower blepharoplasty in one session. It’s faster, more cost-efficient, and helps ensure your results are balanced.
Think of it like this: your eyes work as a team. If you only treat one area, the other might still show signs of aging—making the improvement feel incomplete. Doing both at once creates a more natural, refreshed look that matches across both lids.
But it’s not a one-size-fits-all decision. Dr. Kitto evaluates your eye structure, skin laxity, and medical history to determine if a combined procedure makes sense for you. The goal? Maximum results with minimal downtime.
Pro tip: If you’re already taking time off for recovery, combining procedures means you only go through the healing process once—which is a big win for busy schedules.
Benefits of a Combined Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery Approach
Choosing to undergo upper and lower eyelid surgery at the same time offers several advantages beyond convenience. One of the biggest benefits is overall facial balance. Treating both eyelids together allows the surgeon to create harmony between the upper and lower eye areas, resulting in a more natural and refreshed appearance rather than a partially corrected look.
Another major advantage is efficiency. A combined approach means one surgical appointment, one anesthesia experience, and one recovery period. For many patients, this reduces time away from work, family responsibilities, and daily routines. It also often leads to cost savings since facility and anesthesia fees are consolidated into a single procedure.
From a results standpoint, healing both areas simultaneously allows swelling to resolve evenly, helping final outcomes look smoother and more consistent across the entire eye area.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Combined Eyelid Surgery?
Patients considering combined upper and lower blepharoplasty should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes. Ideal candidates typically experience a combination of drooping upper eyelid skin, hooded eyes, under-eye puffiness, or loose lower eyelid skin.
Non-smokers or those willing to stop smoking before surgery tend to heal more efficiently. It’s also important that patients do not have uncontrolled medical conditions or active eye diseases that could interfere with healing.
During a consultation, Dr. Kitto carefully evaluates eye anatomy, skin quality, facial structure, and medical history to determine whether a combined approach is appropriate. Some patients may benefit more from staging procedures, while others are excellent candidates for addressing both areas at once.
Anesthesia and Surgical Experience
Upper and lower eyelid surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort and safety throughout the procedure. In some cases, local anesthesia with sedation may be considered depending on the complexity of the surgery and patient preference.
When both procedures are combined, surgical time generally ranges from one to two hours. Patients are monitored closely and return home the same day with detailed post-operative instructions. Having both eyelids treated in one session helps streamline the overall surgical experience.
Downtime and Recovery Expectations
Most patients can expect swelling and bruising around the eyes for the first one to two weeks following surgery. Cold compresses, prescribed medications, and keeping the head elevated help reduce discomfort during early recovery.
Many patients feel comfortable returning to non-strenuous work and social activities within 10 to 14 days. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks. While early results are noticeable quickly, final results continue to improve as swelling fully resolves over time.
What are the benefits of undergoing upper & lower eyelid surgery simultaneously?
Choosing to have an upper or lower eyelid surgery can give you stunning results towards your goals. Both provide immediate improvement to the appearance of eyes and can last for several years.
Often, surgeons will recommend having both upper and lower eyelid surgery done simultaneously. There are several benefits to this treatment path.
- Having both procedures completed in one surgery reduces the need to go under anesthesia twice and eliminates the need for two operating room appointments, saving time and money.
- Combining the procedures also reduces preparation time and recovery time. One surgery means one recovery period. This simultaneous recovery can also help give eyes a balanced appearance as the healing takes place together.
If you are considering getting upper and lower eyelid surgery either separately or simultaneously, take a look at Dr. Kitto’s before and after gallery to see some of the results you can expect.
Scar Care and Long-Term Healing
Eyelid surgery is designed to heal discreetly. For upper eyelid surgery, incisions are placed within the natural eyelid crease so scars are hidden when the eyes are open. Lower eyelid incisions are typically made just below the lash line or inside the eyelid, depending on the surgical approach and the amount of correction needed.
In the first few weeks after surgery, incision lines may appear pink or slightly raised. This is a normal part of the healing process. Over time, scars gradually soften, flatten, and fade, becoming difficult to notice for most patients.
Proper post-operative care plays a key role in how well scars heal. Patients are advised to keep the area clean, avoid rubbing or pulling on the eyelids, and follow all aftercare instructions provided by the surgeon. Sun protection is especially important, as UV exposure can darken healing scars. Wearing sunglasses and using recommended sun protection helps support better long-term results.
Dr. Kitto provides personalized scar-care guidance during follow-up visits, monitoring healing and recommending treatments if needed. With time, patience, and proper care, most patients find their incisions heal naturally and blend seamlessly with the surrounding skin.
Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty Cost: What to Expect
Let’s talk numbers—because cost matters when you’re making a decision this personal.
- Upper blepharoplasty: Typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000
- Lower blepharoplasty: Often runs $4,000 to $6,000
- Combined procedure: Many clinics offer a bundled rate, so instead of paying $9K–$11K separately, you might pay around $6,500 to $9,000 total
That said, pricing isn’t just about the surgery itself. Factors like surgeon expertise, facility fees, anesthesia, and follow-up care all add to the total. Richmond-based board-certified surgeons like Dr. Kitto often offer transparent pricing and financing plans to help patients plan with confidence.
Insurance coverage? Only if the procedure is medically necessary—like when drooping upper lids impair your vision. In those cases, a pre-surgical eye exam may be needed to qualify.
Bundled Cost Considerations
Combining upper and lower eyelid surgery into a single procedure often provides meaningful financial advantages for patients. Instead of paying separate fees for two surgeries, a bundled approach typically consolidates several costs into one treatment plan.
When procedures are performed together, patients usually pay:
- One anesthesia fee rather than two
- One operating facility fee
- One set of pre- and post-operative appointments
- One recovery period, reducing time away from work or daily responsibilities
This streamlined approach can lower the total cost compared to scheduling upper and lower eyelid surgery separately, while still delivering comprehensive results.
It’s important to understand that pricing is not one-size-fits-all. The total cost depends on factors such as the extent of correction needed, surgical technique, anesthesia requirements, and individual anatomy. Surgeon expertise and follow-up care are also included in the overall investment.
Final Thoughts: Is Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery Right for You?
If you’re considering eyelid surgery, the real question isn’t just can you do upper and lower blepharoplasty at the same time—it’s whether doing so aligns with your goals, anatomy, and lifestyle. For many, combining both procedures delivers the best bang for your buck: one surgery, one recovery, longer-lasting, more balanced results.
But great outcomes don’t start in the OR—they start with education and a surgeon you trust. Dr. Kitto’s expertise in upper and lower eyelid surgery ensures every treatment plan is custom-tailored, whether you’re after a cosmetic refresh or addressing a functional issue.
And when it comes to planning your next step, knowing the upper and lower blepharoplasty cost range upfront helps you weigh your options realistically and avoid surprises. Eyelid surgery is an investment in how you look and how you feel—it deserves thoughtful planning and expert execution.
Whether you are looking to eliminate puffiness, remove a hooded eye appearance, or lift skin that may be impairing vision, an eyelid surgery near you in Richmond, VA may be the best choice to reach your goals.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation, get your questions answered by Dr. Kitto, and see if a combined procedure is the right fit for your face—and your future.
Schedule an online consultation or call us today at 804-294-1777.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does combined eyelid surgery take, and what kind of anesthesia is used?
Combined upper and lower eyelid surgery typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on complexity. It’s commonly performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, based on patient comfort and surgeon recommendation.
2. Will eyelid surgery change the shape of my eyes or make me look unnatural?
When performed by a skilled, board-certified surgeon, eyelid surgery is designed to enhance your natural appearance, not dramatically alter it. The goal is to create a refreshed, rested look that still looks like you. Your surgeon will tailor the procedure to your unique anatomy and facial features to ensure natural-looking results.
3. What are the main risks and potential complications of eyelid surgery?
All surgeries carry some risk. With upper and lower eyelid surgery, potential complications include infection, dry eyes, temporary blurred vision, difficulty closing the eyes, scarring, and, very rarely, changes in vision. Choosing an experienced surgeon and following all aftercare instructions helps minimize these risks.
4. When can I wear makeup or contact lenses again after eyelid surgery?
Most patients can resume wearing eye makeup and contact lenses about two weeks after surgery, once the incisions have healed and swelling has subsided. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance on when it’s safe to return to your normal routine.
5. Is there a non-surgical alternative to upper and lower eyelid surgery?
There are non-surgical treatments, such as injectable fillers, laser resurfacing, and skin-tightening procedures, that can temporarily improve the appearance of the eye area. However, these options generally do not provide the same long-lasting or dramatic results as surgical blepharoplasty. During your consultation, your surgeon can discuss which approach best fits your needs and goals.
6. What are the advantages of combining upper and lower eyelid surgery?
Combining upper and lower blepharoplasty allows for more balanced, comprehensive eye rejuvenation in a single procedure. Patients benefit from one recovery period, reduced overall downtime, and more harmonious results compared to staging surgeries separately.
7. What is the difference between upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty?
Upper blepharoplasty focuses on removing excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids to correct drooping or heaviness. Lower blepharoplasty addresses under-eye bags, puffiness, and loose skin beneath the eyes. Together, they refresh the entire eye area.
8. Can blepharoplasty improve vision if sagging eyelids obstruct vision?
Yes. Upper blepharoplasty can improve peripheral vision when excess upper eyelid skin droops over the lash line and interferes with sight. In some cases, functional blepharoplasty may even be partially covered by insurance if vision impairment is documented.
9. What other procedures can be combined with eyelid surgery for facial rejuvenation?
Eyelid surgery is often combined with procedures such as brow lift, facelift, fat transfer, or laser skin resurfacing. These combinations can enhance overall facial balance and create more youthful, natural-looking results.
