Lightening the Upper Face

If your upper eyelids have started to feel heavy or hood over your lash line, upper eyelid surgery in Boston can restore a more open, alert look. In her work at the Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Ashley Lonergan performs upper blepharoplasties for patients who want to look rested again without altering the natural shape of the eye.

Woman touching her shoulder

What Is an Upper Blepharoplasty?

Upper blepharoplasty is a form of eyelid surgery in Boston that removes excess skin and, when needed, small amounts of fat from the upper eyelid. It's typically pursued once hooding starts to affect either the appearance of your eyes or, in some cases, your peripheral vision. Most often, patients pursue upper blepharoplasties to achieve the following:

  • A more open, alert appearance around the eyes
  • Reduced hooding along the upper lash line
  • Improved ability to apply eye makeup evenly
  • Less strain and heaviness by the end of a long day
  • Restored peripheral vision

Book Your Consultation

Contact Us
Contact us media
Doctor media

Why Choose Dr. Ashley Lonergan?

Technique matters enormously with a blepharoplasty in Boston, since the eyelid skin is thin and unforgiving of an uneven or overly aggressive removal. Dr. Lonergan’s surgical precision was honed during her residency at the University of California, Irvine, following her medical degree from Tufts University. She completed her training with a fellowship at The Williams Center for Plastic Surgery, where she studied facial rejuvenation.

Dr. Lonergan takes a thoughtful approach to eyelid surgery, removing only a small amount of skin to help your eyes look refreshed. Every consultation includes a close look at your eyelid position, skin laxity, and the interaction between your brow and upper lid, since a heavy brow can sometimes mimic or worsen the appearance of hooded eyes. 

What to Expect From Your Upper Blepharoplasty in Boston

Assessing Your Eyelid and Brow Together

Your one-on-one consultation will include a careful assessment of your eyelid skin, muscle tone, and brow position, as these areas often work together to age the upper face. Dr. Lonergan uses this evaluation to determine whether an upper blepharoplasty alone can address your concerns or if a brow lift or a combined procedure would better suit your needs.

A Precise, Minimally Invasive Technique

During surgery, Dr. Lonergan will remove a carefully measured amount of excess skin and, if needed, a small amount of fat from the upper eyelid. She’ll make careful adjustments to create a natural-looking, well-rested look rather than a hollow or overly tight appearance.

Comfort During Your Procedure

Upper blepharoplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation, making it a more comfortable, lower-intensity experience than many other facial procedures. Dr. Lonergan will walk you through exactly what to expect on the day of your surgery before your scheduled date, so you feel fully informed and confident in your choice.

Customized Treatment Planning

Dr. Lonergan will place your incisions directly within the natural crease of your upper eyelid, allowing any resulting scar to blend seamlessly with the remaining skin once healing is complete. Here, her goal is to preserve the skin’s natural shape and smoothness, ensuring your authentic expression is protected well after you’ve healed.

Background media

Patient-First Recovery

Recovery from an upper blepharoplasty in Boston tends to be shorter than many other facial procedures, with most swelling and bruising resolving within two weeks. Your eyes may feel tight or slightly dry during the first several days, which is a normal part of healing that should fade over the coming days. Depending on your needs, Dr. Lonergan may provide you with specialized lenses, eyedrops, or ointments to protect your eyes during early healing. Most patients return to light daily activities, including desk work, gentle movement, social gatherings, and screen use within about a week. You should avoid strenuous exercise for at least two weeks to prevent irritating your eyelids.


Your Post-Op Process

After your procedure, Dr. Lonergan will provide you with a recovery plan built around your specific needs. This plan typically covers the following:

  • Cold compress guidance to reduce early swelling
  • Incision site care and cleaning requirements
  • Eye drop or ointment instructions to manage dryness
  • Sleep position restrictions
  • Activity limitations during the first two weeks
  • Sun protection and exposure protocols, including the use of sunglasses
  • Hygiene recommendations
  • Side effects to monitor as you heal

You’ll return to Dr. Lonergan’s Boston office regularly during your recovery for short follow-up visits. There, she’ll monitor your healing progress, remove any remaining sutures, and approve you for potentially irritating activities, such as swimming and high-intensity exercise.

Restoring Your Beautiful Expression

Your final results from your upper blepharoplasty in Boston will continue to settle over the following weeks as swelling fully resolves. In time, you’ll notice an eye area that looks naturally rested and alert, never pulled-back or overdone, so your expression still reads as unmistakably yours.

Woman with eyes closed | Pink flowers

Upper Blepharoplasty Frequently Asked Questions

Will an upper blepharoplasty change the shape of my eyes?

No. Upper blepharoplasties are designed to remove excess skin without altering your natural eye shape. Dr. Lonergan's approach focuses on refreshing the eye area while preserving the features that make your eyes distinctly yours.

Can an upper blepharoplasty improve my vision?

In cases where hooded skin has started to obstruct peripheral vision, an upper blepharoplasty can meaningfully improve your field of vision. Dr. Lonergan will discuss whether your case may qualify as functional rather than purely cosmetic during your initial consultation.

How long do results from upper blepharoplasty typically last?

Results from upper blepharoplasty often last 10 years or longer, as the procedure permanently removes excess skin from the upper eyelid. Your eye area will continue to age naturally over the coming years, but changes in the skin should be minimal.

Can an upper blepharoplasty be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Many of Dr. Lonergan’s Boston patients combine an upper blepharoplasty with a brow lift or lower eyelid surgery to achieve more complete rejuvenation around the eyes. Dr. Lonergan will discuss whether combining procedures makes sense for your goals and anatomy during your consultation.

Book a Consultation Refined Results, Natural Beauty

Unlock your most confident self with aesthetic care by Dr. Lonergan. Contact her Boston office today to begin your journey.

Contact Us
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 617-735-8735.
Contact Us