Open Up Your Eyes — and See the Difference Instantly
Upper Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) in Ottawa with Dr. Mehrad Jaberi
Remember when you could apply eyeshadow and actually see it? When your eyes looked open, bright, and awake without any effort? If those days feel like a distant memory — if your eyelids feel heavy, your eye makeup disappears into folds, or you find yourself unconsciously raising your brows just to see better — you're not alone.
Upper eyelid surgery is one of the most satisfying procedures in all of plastic surgery. It's relatively quick, the recovery is genuinely easy, and the results are immediate. Patients literally open their eyes after surgery and see a difference right away — even through the swelling. And the best part? No one can tell you had anything done. The scar hides in your natural eyelid crease. Invisible.
Quick Facts
| Procedure Time | ~1 hour |
| Anesthesia | Local with sedation |
| Recovery | 7–10 days |
| Results Last | 10–15+ years |
| Starting From | $5,000 |
What Is Upper Eyelid Surgery?
Upper blepharoplasty is the removal of excess skin (and sometimes a small amount of fat) from the upper eyelids. That's it. Simple concept, transformative result.
As we age, the skin on our upper eyelids stretches and loses elasticity. It accumulates in folds that can range from mildly annoying (your eyelid crease disappears) to functionally problematic (the skin literally hangs over your lashes and blocks your peripheral vision). Some people develop a "hooded" appearance that makes their eyes look smaller, sleepier, and older.
Dr. Jaberi precisely removes only the amount of skin that's excess — no more, no less. The art is in knowing how much to take. Too little and you won't see a difference. Too much and your eyes won't close properly. This is why you want a board-certified plastic surgeon who does this regularly, not someone who offers it as an occasional side service.
The incision follows your natural eyelid crease, so when your eyes are open, the scar is completely hidden. When your eyes are closed, it's a fine line that fades to near-invisible within a few months. Genuinely one of the best-hidden scars in all of surgery.
Who's the Perfect Candidate?
Upper eyelid surgery might be perfect for you if:
- You have hooded or heavy upper eyelids
- Excess eyelid skin is obstructing your vision (especially peripheral)
- You look tired or sleepy even when you're well-rested
- Your eyelid crease has disappeared under folds of skin
- Applying eye makeup has become frustrating or pointless
- You want a subtle but impactful rejuvenation with minimal downtime
This procedure works beautifully for both men and women, and it's popular across a wide age range — from patients in their 40s to their 80s. If extra skin on your upper lids is bothering you, age isn't a barrier.
What to Expect — The Easiest Recovery in Plastic Surgery
Your Consultation
Dr. Jaberi will examine your eyelids carefully — checking skin excess, fat position, brow position, and eye function. He'll also check whether a droopy brow might be contributing to the heaviness (this changes the treatment plan). If your eyelids are severe enough to affect your vision, he'll arrange a visual field test to see if OHIP might cover the functional component.
You'll leave the consultation knowing exactly what to expect — the procedure plan, recovery timeline, and cost. No surprises.
Surgery Day
This is about as low-key as surgery gets. You'll receive local anesthesia with light sedation — you're comfortable and relaxed but don't need to be fully asleep. The procedure takes about an hour for both eyes. Dr. Jaberi carefully marks the skin to be removed (he does this while you're sitting upright, because gravity matters), makes his incision in the eyelid crease, removes the precise amount of skin, and closes with fine sutures.
You'll walk out of the clinic within a couple of hours with cold compresses on your eyes and written aftercare instructions. Easy.
Recovery Timeline
Swelling and bruising peak. Cold compresses, head elevation, and taking it easy. Your eyes may feel tight — that's the healing kicking in. Artificial tears keep your eyes comfortable.
Swelling starts to improve noticeably each day. You can see the new eyelid shape already emerging. Most discomfort is gone.
Sutures removed. Most bruising has faded or is easily covered with concealer. Many patients feel comfortable running errands and going out.
Back to work and most normal activities. You can wear makeup again. The incision line is pink but fading.
The scar matures and becomes nearly invisible within the crease. Your final result — bright, open, refreshed eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be — if there's a functional component. If excess eyelid skin is blocking your peripheral vision (documented by a visual field test), OHIP may cover the surgery. The cosmetic enhancement element — making your eyes look brighter and more youthful — is typically separate. Many patients have OHIP cover the functional portion and pay out-of-pocket for the cosmetic refinements. Dr. Jaberi's team will help you navigate this process.
This is one of the most important questions in upper-face rejuvenation, and it's why a proper consultation matters so much. Sometimes what looks like excess eyelid skin is actually a droopy brow pushing skin onto the lid. If you only do eyelid surgery, the result won't last as long because the underlying brow descent hasn't been addressed. Dr. Jaberi evaluates both and will tell you honestly if you need one, the other, or both.
Yes — your vision isn't affected by the surgery. Your eyes might be a bit swollen and you'll want to keep them lubricated with artificial tears, but you can see right away. Most patients can read their phone and watch TV by the afternoon of surgery day. We do recommend avoiding screens for extended periods the first day to let your eyes rest.
Cosmetic upper eyelid surgery with Dr. Jaberi starts at $5,000. If OHIP covers the functional component, the out-of-pocket cost for cosmetic refinements may be lower. You'll receive an exact quote during your consultation — no hidden fees, no surprises.
Your eyes will look like your eyes — just more open, brighter, and more defined. Dr. Jaberi removes only the excess skin that's weighing things down. The goal is to restore what time has taken, not to change your fundamental eye shape. Patients consistently say, "I look like myself again" — and that's exactly the point.
Yes, and many patients do. Combining upper and lower blepharoplasty is safe, efficient, and means one recovery instead of two. If you have upper lid heaviness and under-eye bags, addressing both at once gives the most harmonious, balanced result. Dr. Jaberi will let you know if this combination makes sense for your goals.
Ready to See the World With Fresh Eyes?
If heavy, hooded eyelids have been bothering you — whether it's a cosmetic concern or they're genuinely affecting your vision — take the first step. Book a consultation with Dr. Jaberi and find out how 60 minutes of surgery can change the way you see yourself (and the way the world sees you).
Book Your ConsultationOr call us directly: 613-591-1188