How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost on Average?
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids to create a more refreshed, youthful appearance. It is one of the most popular facial procedures performed in the United States. Many patients combine eyelid surgery with a facelift or Botox for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
In 2026, most patients pay between $3,000 and $7,000 for eyelid surgery in the United States, depending on whether upper lids, lower lids, or both are treated.
| Procedure Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Upper Eyelid Surgery | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Lower Eyelid Surgery | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Upper and Lower Combined | $4,500 – $9,000 |
| Ptosis Repair (drooping eyelid) | $3,000 – $6,500 |
Eyelid Surgery Costs by Region
| Region | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Northeast (NYC, Boston) | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| West Coast (LA, San Francisco) | $4,500 – $9,000 |
| Southeast (Miami, Atlanta) | $3,500 – $7,500 |
| Midwest (Chicago, Dallas) | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| Southwest (Phoenix, Las Vegas) | $2,500 – $6,500 |
What’s Included in the Cost?
A complete eyelid surgery quote should include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fee, operating facility fee, pre-operative consultations, post-operative medications, and follow-up visits. Some providers charge separately for upper and lower lid procedures — always confirm what is included before booking.
What Factors Affect the Price?
Whether you are treating upper lids, lower lids, or both is the primary cost factor. Your surgeon’s experience and board certification, the geographic location of the practice, the type of anesthesia used (local vs. general), and whether additional procedures are combined all affect the total cost. Lower lid surgery is generally more complex and expensive than upper lid surgery.
Does Insurance Cover Eyelid Surgery?
In most cases, no. However, upper eyelid surgery may be partially covered by health insurance if drooping eyelids (ptosis) are severe enough to impair vision. A functional assessment and documentation from an ophthalmologist are typically required. Cosmetic lower eyelid surgery is not covered by insurance.
Financing Options
Many plastic surgery and ophthalmology practices offer financing through CareCredit or similar services. Eyelid surgery is one of the more affordable facial procedures compared to a full facelift, making it accessible for many patients with or without financing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does eyelid surgery last?
Results from upper eyelid surgery typically last 5–7 years, while lower eyelid results can last 10–15 years or longer. The natural aging process continues after surgery, but most patients enjoy long-lasting improvement.
What is the recovery time for eyelid surgery?
Most patients experience swelling and bruising for 1–2 weeks following surgery. Many patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities within 10–14 days. Full healing takes several weeks, with final results visible at 4–6 weeks.
Can eyelid surgery be done under local anesthesia?
Yes. Upper eyelid surgery is frequently performed under local anesthesia with sedation in an outpatient setting, making it one of the more straightforward facial procedures. Lower eyelid surgery may require general anesthesia depending on the complexity of the case.
Will eyelid surgery leave visible scars?
Incisions are carefully placed in the natural creases of the eyelids, making scars virtually invisible once healed. Most patients find that any residual scarring fades significantly within 3–6 months of surgery.
Disclaimer: All cost estimates are based on industry averages and publicly available data. Actual prices vary by provider, location, and individual procedure complexity. Always consult a board-certified plastic surgeon or ophthalmologist for a personalized quote.