Do you ever feel like your “upper eyelids are heavy,” your “double eyelid crease has narrowed,” or your “eyes look tired”?
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a procedure that removes excess skin to create a more defined eye area. It makes the double eyelid crease more visible and can also improve vision if the skin is obstructing your field of vision.
However, sagging eyelids are not always caused solely by loose skin. Conditions such as ptosis may also be a factor, so it is important to identify the cause and select the appropriate treatment.
Do you have any of these concerns regarding sagging upper eyelids?
- My upper eyelids feel heavy, and my vision isn't clear.
- The double eyelid line has become narrower or is starting to fade
- People have been telling me more often, “Are you tired?” or “You look sleepy.”
- My eyeliner and eyeshadow don't show up well
- The eyelashes are touching the skin of the upper eyelid.
- I feel like the appearance of my eyes has changed as I've gotten older.
These concerns may be caused by sagging of the upper eyelids due to aging.
However, heavy eyelids or difficulty opening your eyes can also be caused by other conditions, such as ptosis. Do not make a self-diagnosis; instead, have the cause properly identified and then choose the treatment that is right for you.
[R.O. Clinic] Case Study: Upper Eyelid Skin Excision
At R.O. Clinic, we tailor our designs to each patient’s individual eyelid condition and preferences. Here, we present case studies that demonstrate how we correct sagging upper eyelids to achieve a natural, youthful eye area that reflects each patient’s unique features.
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Top: Preoperative / Bottom: 3 months postoperative - Treatment Name
- Bifid shaping / Bifid incision (excision of sagging upper eyelid)
- Attending Physician
- Director Lu
- Charge
- 407,000 yen (including tax)
- anesthesia
- local anesthesia
- Downtime
- Swelling and bruising: About 1 to 2 weeks
- Removal of Stitches
- 1 week later
- Risks and Side Effects
- Swelling, bruising, redness of the scar, asymmetry, etc.
Results and progress may vary from person to person.
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Top: Preoperative / Bottom: 3 months postoperative - Treatment Name
- Bifid shaping / Bifid incision (excision of sagging upper eyelid)
- Attending Physician
- Deputy Director Kuroda
- Charge
- 407,000 yen (including tax)
- anesthesia
- local anesthesia
- Downtime
- Swelling and bruising: About 1 to 2 weeks
- Removal of Stitches
- 1 week later
- Risks and Side Effects
- Swelling, bruising, redness of the scar, asymmetry, etc.
Results and progress may vary from person to person.
-

Top: Preoperative / Bottom: 3 months postoperative - Treatment Name
- Bifid shaping / Bifid incision (excision of sagging upper eyelid)
- Attending Physician
- Director Lu
- Charge
- 407,000 yen (including tax)
- anesthesia
- local anesthesia
- Downtime
- Swelling and bruising: About 1 to 2 weeks
- Removal of Stitches
- 1 week later
- Risks and Side Effects
- Swelling, bruising, redness around the scar, and slight asymmetry in the final result
Results and progress may vary from person to person.
Reasons Why R.O. Clinic's Upper Eyelid Skin Excision Is the Top Choice
Upper eyelid ptosis correction is a procedure in which the final result varies significantly depending on the amount of tissue removed and the design chosen. At R.O. Clinic, we tailor the design to each patient’s individual eye area and preferences, aiming for a natural and beautiful result.
Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Thorough Examinations and Surgeries Performed by Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons
Upper eyelid ptosis correction is a procedure in which the final result varies significantly depending on the amount of tissue removed and the surgical design. At R.O. Clinic, a board-certified plastic surgeon from the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery personally oversees every step of the process—from the initial consultation through surgery. After carefully assessing the structure and function of the eyelids, as well as any asymmetry between the left and right sides, the surgeon performs the procedure with the goal of achieving a natural result that prioritizes both aesthetics and function.
Comprehensive examinations that cover not only aesthetic aspects but also eyelid function
The symptom of “heavy upper eyelids” can be caused not only by sagging skin but also by ptosis, excess fat, or the position of the eyebrows.
At R.O. Clinic, we conduct consultations after identifying the cause of your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment, including upper eyelid lift surgery, subbrow incisions, and ptosis surgery.
A Customized Resection Plan Tailored to Each Individual
The thickness of the upper eyelid, the amount of fat, the degree of skin sagging, and the position of the eyebrows vary from person to person. Therefore, the amount of skin to be removed and the surgical design also differ for each patient.
At R.O.clinic, we take into account the current condition of your eyelids, your preferences, and future changes, and tailor the design to meet your specific requests—whether you want to “maintain the width of your double eyelids” or achieve “as natural a look as possible.”
We strive for a beautiful finish not only when it's open, but also when it's closed.
The eye area is visible to others not only when your eyes are open, but also when you blink or close your eyes.
At R.O. Clinic, we aim for a natural-looking result that enhances your unique features by taking into account not only the double eyelid crease but also scars when your eyes are closed, asymmetry, and the way your skin stretches.
Precise suturing using a high-magnification 3.0x loupe
The skin on the upper eyelid is thin, making scars more noticeable in this area.
At R.O. Clinic, we use a high-magnification 3.0x surgical loupe to perform delicate suturing while carefully examining every detail. By performing each procedure with meticulous care, stitch by stitch, we aim to achieve a natural-looking result that takes into account the appearance of scars and suture lines.
Upper Eyelid Skin Excision at R.O. Clinic

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a procedure designed to remove excess skin from the upper eyelids caused by aging or other factors, with the goal of improving the heavy appearance around the eyes.
Removing excess skin can help reveal double eyelid creases that were previously hidden by sagging skin and improve the appearance of heavy-looking eyes. If the skin is obstructing your vision, this procedure may also help improve your vision.
At R.O. Clinic, rather than simply removing excess skin, we create a design tailored to each individual, taking into account the appearance of the eyes when they are open and closed, as well as any asymmetry between the left and right eyes. We also incorporate fat adjustment as needed to achieve a natural, youthful look around the eyes.
Furthermore, since even a slight difference in the amount of tissue removed around the eyes can drastically change one’s appearance, at R.O. Clinic, we perform procedures while taking into account not only the appearance but also eyelid movement and balance between the left and right sides.
Another characteristic of this procedure is that, because it involves removing the skin itself, the improvement in sagging tends to last relatively longer.
Expected Benefits
The following results can be expected from upper eyelid blepharoplasty.
- Improves sagging of the upper eyelids and makes the eye area look more defined
- Make the double eyelid line more visible
- Softens the heavy, aged appearance
- If skin is obstructing your vision, you can expect an improvement in your vision.
Since this procedure involves removing skin, the results last relatively long; however, because the effects of aging continue, sagging may occur again in the future.
Risks and Side Effects
The main risks and side effects are as follows.
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Redness of a Scar
- Difference between the left and right sides
- It becomes difficult to close my eyes
Swelling and bruising usually subside within about 1 to 2 weeks, but it may take about 3 months for the final results to become apparent. Additionally, the redness of the scars will gradually fade over a period of about 3 to 6 months.
Since removing too much skin can lead to risks such as difficulty closing the eyes, it is important to determine the appropriate amount of skin to remove. To achieve a natural-looking result, a consultation with an experienced surgeon and proper planning are essential.
Who Should Consider Upper Eyelid Lift Surgery?
If you have any of the following concerns, upper eyelid blepharoplasty may be right for you.
- My upper eyelids feel heavy
- I'm concerned about sagging and wrinkles on my upper eyelids
- The double eyelid line is hidden by sagging skin
- I'm concerned about how the appearance of my eyes is changing with age
If sagging skin is making the area around your eyes look heavy, removing the excess skin can help create a natural, refreshed appearance. However, since there may be other underlying causes, such as ptosis, it’s important to first have a doctor examine the current condition of your eyelids.
Differences from Eyelid Ptosis Surgery
Even if you feel that your “eyelids are heavy” or “it’s hard to open your eyes,” the cause isn’t necessarily sagging skin. It may also be related to ptosis, a condition in which the muscles and tendons that lift the eyelids lose their function.
[The Difference Between Upper Eyelid Skin Removal and Ptosis]
| Item | Upper eyelid sagging excision | Blepharoplasty |
|---|---|---|
| Main Causes | Skin Sagging Due to Aging | Deterioration in the function of the muscles and tendons that open the eyelids |
| Treatment Objectives | Remove excess skin | Improve the ability to open the eyelids |
| Main Treatments | Skin excision and fat adjustment as needed | The levator muscle anterior rotation method, etc. |
| Who This Is For | For those concerned about sagging skin | People who have difficulty opening their eyes or have a narrow field of vision |
In some cases, sagging skin and ptosis may occur simultaneously; in such cases, treatments may be combined depending on the symptoms.
Since it is difficult to make a diagnosis based on symptoms alone, at R.O. Clinic, we conduct examinations that assess not only skin laxity but also the ability to open the eyelids, and then recommend the most appropriate treatment method.
The Procedure for Upper Eyelid Skin Excision

At R.O. Clinic, we provide attentive care from the initial consultation through post-treatment follow-up to ensure our patients can undergo their procedures with peace of mind.
Counseling and Medical Examinations
First, we will listen carefully to your concerns and preferences. We will examine not only the degree of sagging in your upper eyelids but also the thickness of your skin, the amount of fat, the position of your eyebrows, and your ability to open your eyes, to determine whether an upper eyelid lift is appropriate for you.
We’ll explain the treatment details, expected results, downtime, and risks, so please feel free to ask us if you have any concerns or questions.
Design and Treatment
We design with more than just the width of the double eyelid in mind—we also take into account how the eyes look when open and closed, any asymmetry between the left and right eyes, and even how the eyelashes appear.
The procedure is an outpatient surgery (*) performed under local anesthesia. Excess skin is removed along the pre-determined design, fat is adjusted as needed, and the incision is carefully sutured. The procedure takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes.
*Preoperative testing and postoperative follow-up are required.
Postoperative Recovery and Downtime
Swelling and bruising may occur after the procedure, but in most cases, noticeable swelling subsides within about 1 to 2 weeks. Scars and swelling will gradually fade over the course of about 3 months, resulting in a more natural appearance.
Sutures are typically removed about one week after surgery. You may apply eye makeup after the sutures are removed, but since this may vary depending on the condition of the incision, please follow your doctor’s instructions. You may take a shower on the day of surgery and wash your face starting the next day. Please be careful not to get the incision site wet on the day of surgery.
Follow-up
To ensure your peace of mind after surgery, we’ll monitor the progress of any swelling or scarring during regular follow-up visits. If you have any symptoms that concern you or any worries, please feel free to contact us at any time.
At R.O. Clinic, we provide comprehensive support not only during your treatment but also throughout your post-treatment recovery, ensuring you can undergo treatment with peace of mind.
Estimated Treatment Duration and Number of Sessions
As an example of a follow-up schedule, if you undergo one surgery, followed by suture removal one week after surgery and follow-up visits at 1, 3, and 6 months post-surgery, you will have a total of 4 post-surgery visits—5 visits in total, including the day of surgery. Separate visits are required for the initial consultation, counseling, and preoperative examinations.
In this example, the period from surgery to the final follow-up visit is approximately 6 months. The actual treatment duration and number of clinic visits will vary depending on the condition of your eyelids, your postoperative progress, and the doctor’s judgment. We will provide you with a specific schedule for your clinic visits during your consultation.
Postoperative course and follow-up
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Treatment Time | 40-50 minutes |
| Postoperative hospital visit | Required 1 week after surgery The stitches will be removed in one week. |
| Postoperative swelling | Noticeable swelling for 1 to 2 weeks Approximately 3 months to settle down (individual differences) |
| Treatment on the day of counseling | possible |
| anesthesia | Cream anesthesia, combined with local anesthesia Laughing anesthesia is available upon request. |
| shower | You can start using it on the day of application; starting the next day, it's okay to get the patch wet. |
| make | Eye makeup 1 week after surgery |
| face-washing | Available from the next day |
Cost of Upper Eyelid Skin Removal Surgery
| Treatment Details | Prices (including tax) |
|---|---|
| Upper eyelid sagging excision | 407,000 yen |
| Upper eyelid sagging excision + ROOF excision | 462,000 yen |
| Eyelift (incision under the eyebrow) | 440,000 yen |
| blowlift | 440,000 yen |
| ROOF excision option (not available as a stand-alone procedure) | +55,000 yen |
*Prices include tax; upper eyelid skin excision is a self-pay procedure.
Related Videos
R.O. Clinic has released videos explaining everything from the basics of double eyelid surgery to advanced techniques. We also cover topics of interest to those considering upper eyelid ptosis correction—such as the differences between incision-based and non-incision (buried suture) methods—so please be sure to check them out.
What You Need to Know to Avoid Regrets After Upper Eyelid Skin Removal Surgery

Upper eyelid skin removal is not a procedure suitable for everyone. If the cause of heavy-looking eyelids is not sagging skin but rather ptosis or a change in the position of the eyebrows, a different treatment may be more appropriate.
In addition, since scarring and the final results vary from person to person depending on the extent of the excision and skin type, it is important to thoroughly discuss your desired double eyelid width and the overall look of your eyes during the consultation.
Instead of basing your decision solely on treatment methods and costs, choose a clinic that accurately assesses the condition of your eyes and recommends a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
At R.O. Clinic, we assess not only the degree of sagging but also the ability to open the eyelids and any asymmetry between the eyes, and we propose treatments that take both appearance and function into account. It is important to undergo the procedure only after fully understanding not only the expected results but also the risks and downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long is the downtime?
- Swelling and bruising typically last about 1 to 2 weeks. While significant swelling will gradually subside, it may take about 3 months for the final results to become apparent.
- Will the scar be noticeable?
- Since the incision lines are designed to follow the double eyelid crease or the line beneath the eyebrows, they generally become less noticeable over time. Any redness will gradually subside in about 3 to 6 months.
- How long do the effects last?
- Since excess skin is removed, the results are expected to last for a long time. However, because the effects of aging continue, sagging may occur again in the future.
- Can I receive treatment on the same day as my consultation?
- Depending on our schedule and your health status, we may be able to provide treatment on the same day. Please discuss this with us during your consultation for more details.
- Can I have upper eyelid skin removal and ptosis surgery at the same time?
- Depending on the condition of your eyelids, we may combine different treatments. We will determine your eligibility following a consultation.






