Guide:
- Introduction
- What Is Blepharoplasty?
- Average Cost of Eyelid Surgery in 2025
- Cost by Type of Eyelid Surgery
- Specialized & Ethnic Eyelid Surgery
- Newport Beach vs. Other Major U.S. Cities
- Factors That Influence Cost
- Complex Cases & Revision Blepharoplasty
- Additional & Hidden Costs
- Does Insurance Cover Eyelid Surgery?
- Financing Options
- Recovery & Longevity of Results
- Before and After Photos
- Risks & Safety Considerations
- Complementary Procedures & Non‑Surgical Alternatives
- Maintenance & Long‑Term Benefits
- Choosing the Right Surgeon
- Is Blepharoplasty Worth it
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
- External References
Introduction
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is the most commonly performed facial cosmetic surgery in the U.S. In 2023, ASPS member surgeons performed 120,747 blepharoplasties, outpacing facelift and rhinoplasty counts within the facial category.
What patients really ask: how much does it cost?
- ASPS surgeon fee averages: Upper $3,359; Lower $3,876. These figures exclude anesthesia, facility, and related costs.
- Patient‑reported total cost (RealSelf): U.S. average ~$6,159 (range $2,126–$15,500).
- Orange County (includes Newport Beach) average (RealSelf): $5,853.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty refreshes the eyes by removing excess skin, tightening muscles, and repositioning or conservatively removing fat. It can be cosmetic (upper, lower, or both) or functional (e.g., upper eyelid skin obstructing vision).
Average Cost of Eyelid Surgery in 2025
Two realities to reconcile:
- ASPS reports the surgeon fee only (national averages): Upper $3,359; Lower $3,876.
- RealSelf reflects patient‑reported totals (surgeon + facility + anesthesia when reported): U.S. avg $6,159; Orange County avg $5,853.
Use both to triangulate your budget: ASPS for core surgical fees and RealSelf for what patients actually pay all‑in.
Cost by Type of Eyelid Surgery
| Procedure | Typical Cost Insight | Notes |
| Upper Blepharoplasty | ASPS surgeon fee avg. $3,359; many totals fall between $3k–$6k | Can improve vision if the skin obstructs the visual field. Often performed under local sedation. |
| Lower Blepharoplasty | ASPS surgeon fee avg. $3,876; totals often between $3.8k–$6.5k+ | More complex; commonly includes fat repositioning. |
| Combined (Upper + Lower) | Often $5k–$12k total (patient‑reported) | One anesthesia, one recovery; higher total, but bundled vs staging. |
| Transconjunctival Lower | Within lower‑lid ranges | Incision inside the eyelid → no external scar; faster recovery in selected candidates. |
Specialized & Ethnic Eyelid Surgery
Ethnic eyelid anatomy and goals deserve a tailored approach — this is a core strength for Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva.
- Asian Double Eyelid Surgery (Upper crease creation/enhancement) — RealSelf avg ~$5,255 (range up to ~$12k).
- Epicanthoplasty (Medial canthoplasty) — Typically an add‑on; pricing varies with complexity.
Explore Dr. Taghva’s educational resources:
Newport Beach vs. Other Major U.S. Cities
Patient‑reported average totals (RealSelf “Costs by major U.S. metro”):
| Metro | Avg Total |
| Orange County, CA (Newport Beach area) | $5,853 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $8,026 |
| San Diego, CA | $5,300 |
| San Francisco, CA | $5,100 |
| Seattle–Tacoma, WA | $6,098 |
| New York City, NY | $6,551 |
| Miami, FL | $4,125 |
| Dallas–Fort Worth, TX | $6,140 |
| Chicago, IL | $5,200 |
| Atlanta, GA | $5,367 |
| Washington, DC | $7,100 |
| Tampa, FL | $8,166 |
How to read it: Higher cost‑of‑living + premium branding (e.g., Beverly Hills, Manhattan) skew higher; high‑volume markets (some parts of Miami) skew lower.
Factors That Influence Cost
- Surgeon expertise & credentials (facial plastic, oculoplastic, volume of eyelid cases).
- Geography & overhead (coastal hubs, premium enclaves).
- Facility & anesthesia (accredited center vs. hospital; anesthesiologist vs. CRNA).
- Case complexity (fat repositioning, ptosis repair, canthoplasty, revision).
Complex Cases & Revision Blepharoplasty
Revision and complex cases typically cost more due to scar tissue and planning complexity; $5,000–$12,000+ is common. Large cohort data show ptosis repair revision around 8.7% overall (higher in some anterior‑approach series).
Additional & Hidden Costs
Budget for: consultation, pre‑op testing, prescriptions, recovery supplies, and follow‑ups. RealSelf’s cost page outlines typical quote components (surgeon, anesthesia, facility, tests, aftercare).
When is Blepharoplasty Covered by Insurance?
You may be thinking about the possibility of having blepharoplasty covered by insurance. Most health insurance companies go through a detailed process to determine whether your blepharoplasty is considered to be medically necessary. This process typically requires you to share three key pieces of information with them about your eye condition.
If your excess upper eyelid skin droops enough to block your peripheral vision, please contact your insurance company about coverage. Here’s how to get blepharoplasty covered by insurance (or at least try!):
Give your insurance company comprehensive notes from your doctor.
Ask your plastic surgeon, oculoplastic surgeon, or primary care provider to document the following factors in their physician’s notes:
- Position of your lids measured using standard oculoplastic measurement techniques to prove the excess lid skin is within less than 2 millimeters of the pupil
- Proof of an impaired visual field
- Complaint from you, the patient, about how the drooping of your upper eyelids prevents you from doing your usual day-to-day activities such as driving, working, or reading peacefully and effectively
Obtain external ophthalmic photographs of the front and sides of your eyes.
You may need to visit an ophthalmologist for this step, but to get your blepharoplasty covered by insurance, you’ll need high-resolution photos of your eyes that prove the extra eyelid skin drapes within less than 2 millimeters of the center of the pupil.
Take a visual field test.
Again, you may need to visit an ophthalmology office for this step. A visual field test assesses your sight with your eyelids in their natural position and with them taped up. Depending on how dramatic of a difference you have in your vision with and without the tape, your insurance will decide whether or not your blepharoplasty is medically necessary.
Financing Options
Many practices accept CareCredit® and similar healthcare financing; RealSelf notes CareCredit is widely accepted. You can also use HSAs/FSAs where eligible.
Here at LEA Plastic Surgery, we accept CareCredit.
Recovery & Longevity of Results
Typical timeline (varies by patient and technique):
- Days 1–3: Cold compresses helpful; head elevation; use prescribed drops/ointment.
- ~10–14 days: Most people feel comfortable in public; bruising/swelling largely improved; many return to desk work.
- Weeks–Months: Final refinement over several weeks; scars continue to soften for months.
For a day‑by‑day look, see our Blepharoplasty Recovery Guide.
How long do results last?
ASPS characterizes results as long‑lasting. Longevity varies by anatomy, skin quality, and adjunct treatments. (Many surgeons observe upper‑lid improvements often persist for years, and lower‑lid fat repositioning can be very long‑lasting.) Avoid one‑size‑fits‑all claims; your plan should be individualized.
Read more for information on how long blepharoplasty results last
Before and After Photos
Explore some before and after photos of blepharoplasty surgeries performed by Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva at Newport Beach. For lower blepharoplasty, visit this page.
Risks & Safety Considerations
Common/temporary: swelling, bruising, dryness, light sensitivity.
Less common/serious: infection, visible scarring, eyelid malposition (ectropion/entropion), or need for revision. (Transconjunctival lower‑lid approaches avoid an external incision.)
Complementary Procedures & Non‑Surgical Alternatives
- Brow lift for brow descent contributing to upper‑lid heaviness.
- Skin resurfacing (CO₂/erbium laser) can improve fine lines/texture; ASPS average physician fee for skin resurfacing was $1,829 (2023)—not bleph‑specific but useful context for periorbital tightening.
- Botox® / RF microneedling / Thermage® / fillers can subtly help in selected cases but don’t duplicate surgical changes; RealSelf explains tradeoffs and when nonsurgical options make sense.
Maintenance & Long‑Term Benefits
Healthy skin care, sun protection, judicious neuromodulators/fillers, and periodic resurfacing can maintain and enhance results over time. (Your surgeon will individualize this based on anatomy and goals.)
Choosing the Right Surgeon
- Board certification (ABPS) and focused eyelid experience
- Extensive before/after gallery with natural results
- Clear plan for anesthesia, facility accreditation, and aftercare
- Comfort, communication, and realistic expectations
Explore options on our Blepharoplasty Procedure Page.
Is A Blepharoplasty Worth It?
Based on over 7,497 reviews from eyelid surgery patients on RealSelf, the procedure boasts a 93% “worth it” rating.
Depending on whether you decide to get an upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or double blepharoplasty, benefits you may be able to enjoy after your eyelid rejuvenation surgery include:
- Boosted confidence
- A younger-looking appearance
- Diminished dark circles and eye bags
- Bigger and brighter eyes
- A defined upper eyelid crease
- Better visual perception
- Eliminated excess skin and fat in the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both
- Reduced fine lines
- A more alert, energetic appearance
FAQs
Is eyelid surgery worth it?
Many patients report high satisfaction and a refreshed look; RealSelf shows strong “Worth It” ratings and explains tradeoffs.
Will insurance cover my upper‑lid surgery?
Sometimes, usually only when there’s documented visual field obstruction and medical necessity. Requirements vary by payer (visual fields + photos are commonly requested; Medicare LCD allows clinical documentation alone in many cases).
How much does Asian double eyelid surgery cost?
RealSelf’s U.S. average is ~$5,255 (range up to ~$12,000).
Do lower‑lid incisions leave a scar?
Transconjunctival lower bleph uses an incision inside the eyelid—no external scar. Not every patient is a candidate.
Final Thoughts
In Orange County/Newport Beach, patient‑reported average total for blepharoplasty is ~$5,853, sitting near the national average but reflecting a market with elite, eyelid‑focused surgeons and accredited facilities.
At LEA Plastic Surgery, Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva offers Ivy‑League training and ethnic blepharoplasty expertise—a major advantage for patients seeking nuanced, natural results.
Ready to discuss options? Book a private consultation.
External References
- ASPS – Blepharoplasty: Costs, Results & Recovery
Eyelid Surgery cost page + 2023 statistics report (upper $3,359, lower $3,876; 120,747 cases). American Society of Plastic Surgeons - RealSelf – Eyelid Surgery Costs (U.S., states, major metros)
U.S. average ~$6,159; metro table incl. Orange County $5,853. RealSelf.com - AAO – Documenting Medical Necessity for Functional Blepharoplasty
Visual fields (taped/untaped) + photos are often requested. aao.org - CMS (Medicare LCD) – Blepharoplasty, Eyelid Surgery, Brow Lift Clinical notes/photos may suffice; policy nuances by payer. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- StatPearls – Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty Internal incision; no external scar. NCBI
- Cleveland Clinic – Blepharoplasty Recovery
Public‑ready in 10–14 days; full healing takes longer. Cleveland Clinic - ASPS – Average Fee for Skin Resurfacing (context for CO₂/erbium)
$1,829 average physician fee (2023). American Society of Plastic Surgeons - RealSelf – Double Eyelid (Asian) Surgery Cost
- Avg ~$5,255; up to ~$12k. RealSelf.com
