Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) in Toronto & Burlington

Eyelid Surgery to Restore a Refreshed, Natural Appearance

Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Mark McRae and Dr. Matthew McRae provide personalized eyelid surgery to treat droopy eyelids, under-eye bags, and excess eyelid skin, delivering safe, natural-looking results.

From consultation through surgery and follow-up, your care is led directly by your surgeon.

Procedures Performed

Upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or combined blepharoplasty

Procedure Time

45 minutes – 2.5 hours
(depending on upper, lower, or combined surgery)

Recovery Time

Upper lids: 2–4 weeks
Lower lids: several months for the final result

Cost

$5,000-14,000

Expert Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) in Toronto & Burlington

McRae Plastic Surgery provides eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) in Toronto and Burlington with a focus on precision, safety, and natural-looking results.
Drs. Mark and Matthew McRae are board-certified plastic surgeons who personally perform consultations, surgery, and post-operative care, ensuring continuity and individualized treatment for every patient.

Why Patients Choose McRae Plastic Surgery for Eyelid Surgery

Our approach prioritizes safety, anatomical precision, and results that look refreshed, never overdone.

Meet Your Eyelid Surgeons

Eyelid surgery requires a detailed understanding of facial anatomy, eyelid function, and aesthetic balance. At McRae Plastic Surgery, blepharoplasty is performed by board-certified plastic surgeons with advanced training in facial and reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Matthew McRae and Dr. Mark McRae work collaboratively within a surgeon-led practice, allowing for careful planning, thoughtful decision-making, and an added level of perspective for procedures involving the delicate structures of the eyelids.

Dr. Mark McRae

Dr. Matthew McRae has extensive experience in facial surgery, including upper and lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). His approach to eyelid rejuvenation is conservative and anatomy-driven, prioritizing natural results, eyelid function, and long-term balance.

Dr. Matthew McRae

Dr. Mark McRae is a board-certified plastic surgeon with broad experience in aesthetic and reconstructive craniofacial surgery. His meticulous surgical approach and attention to proportion contribute to safe planning and refined outcomes, particularly when eyelid surgery is combined with other procedures such as facelift.

Why Eyelid Surgery Is a Lasting Solution

blepharoplasty before after

If you’ve tried non-surgical treatments such as fillers or skin tightening around the eyes and found the results short-lived or inconsistent, it may be time to consider a more durable option. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) addresses the underlying causes of drooping eyelids and under-eye bags by removing or repositioning excess skin and tissue, something injectable treatments cannot reliably achieve.

Unlike temporary treatments that require ongoing maintenance, eyelid surgery offers long-term improvement in eyelid contour and eye appearance, while preserving a natural, rested look.

Eyelid surgery is one of the most commonly performed facial procedures worldwide because it produces visible yet subtle rejuvenation when performed with proper technique and judgment. Rather than masking the problem, blepharoplasty corrects it directly, reducing puffiness, improving eyelid definition, and restoring a refreshed appearance that stands the test of time.

At McRae Plastic Surgery, eyelid surgery is performed by Dr. Mark and Matthew McRae, board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive experience in facial and eyelid surgery. Each procedure is carefully planned based on eyelid anatomy, skin quality, and facial balance to ensure results that are natural, precise, and never overdone.

The procedure typically takes one to three hours, depending on whether the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both are treated. While swelling and bruising are expected early in recovery, results continue to improve over time, with refinements in eyelid contour and skin quality becoming more apparent over the following months.

“Dr. McRae did an amazing job on my lower blepharoplasty. He was very kind and thorough, answered all of my questions, and the staff was wonderful throughout the process. I’m extremely happy with my results.”

Who Is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

blepharoplasty before after

You may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) if you are a healthy adult and are bothered by changes around your eyes that make you look tired, older, or less refreshed than you feel.

Many patients consider eyelid surgery if they experience:

  • Drooping or heavy upper eyelids
    Puffy under-eye bags
  • Excess eyelid skin that affects appearance or vision
  • A tired or aged look despite adequate rest

Blepharoplasty is commonly performed in adults over 30, but candidacy depends more on eyelid anatomy, skin quality, and overall health than on age alone.

Medical Factors to Discuss at Your Consultation

Certain medical or eye-related conditions do not automatically exclude you from eyelid surgery, but they do require careful evaluation. These may include:
  • Chronic dry eyes or other ocular surface issues

  • Glaucoma or retinal conditions

  • Uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure

  • Thyroid-related eye disease (such as Graves’ disease)

  • Bleeding disorders or medications that affect healing

During your consultation, Dr. McRae will review your medical history, examine your eyelids, and determine whether blepharoplasty is appropriate or whether an alternative approach would be safer or more effective.

A Personalized Assessment Matters

Eyelid surgery is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. The safest and most natural results come from individualized planning based on anatomy, eye health, and goals. A consultation allows you to understand what eyelid surgery can realistically achieve and whether it aligns with your expectations.

Eyelid Surgery Before & After​

 

View real patient results following eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) performed at McRae Plastic Surgery. These before-and-after photographs illustrate improvements in eyelid contour, under-eye fullness, and overall eye appearance using precise, surgeon-led techniques.
Each result reflects individual anatomy, surgical planning, and healing, with the goal of achieving a refreshed, natural look. 

Check out more blepharoplasty before and after images.

What Type of Eyelid Surgery Do You Need?

 

If changes around your eyes make you look tired, aged, or affect your vision, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) may help. The specific approach depends on which part of the eyelid is affected and what changes are present.
You do not need to determine this on your own. A consultation allows your surgeon to assess eyelid anatomy and recommend the most appropriate treatment. The guide below explains the most common options.

Upper Eyelid Surgery (Upper Blepharoplasty)

Upper eyelid surgery is typically recommended if you have:

  • Drooping or heavy upper eyelids
  • Excess skin that makes the eyes look tired or hooded
  • Upper eyelid skin that interferes with vision

Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin and, when appropriate, small amounts of fat to create a more open, refreshed appearance while preserving natural eyelid shape.

Lower Eyelid Surgery (Lower Blepharoplasty)

Lower eyelid surgery may be appropriate if you have:

  • Puffiness or bags under the eyes
  • A tired or hollow appearance beneath the eyes

Lower blepharoplasty focuses on repositioning or removing excess fat and improving eyelid support, rather than simply tightening the skin, to achieve smooth, natural results.

Combined Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery

Many patients benefit from treating both the upper and lower eyelids together. A combined approach allows for balanced rejuvenation of the eyes and is often more efficient than staging procedures separately.

Additional Procedures That May Be Considered

In some patients, optimal eyelid rejuvenation involves addressing surrounding structures of the face. Depending on anatomy and goals, eyelid surgery may be combined with:

  • Facial Fat Grafting – Restores volume around the eyes and upper face to soften hollowing and improve transitions
  • Direct Excision of Festoons – Removes prominent cheek festoons when present
  • Brow Lift – Elevates a low or heavy brow that contributes to upper eyelid hooding
  • Facelift – Addresses midface and lower face laxity that can affect the appearance of the lower eyelids

These procedures are recommended selectively and only when they contribute meaningfully to balance, longevity of results, and overall facial harmony.

Why Choose McRae Plastic Surgery for Your Eyelid Surgery in Toronto?​

blepharoplasty before and after
 

Choosing McRae Plastic Surgery for your eyelid surgery means trusting a team of highly qualified professionals. Dr. McRae and our team are board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and Fellows of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. We also serve as Associate Professors at the University of Toronto’s Department of Surgery, ensuring you’re in expert hands.

We focus on giving natural, subtle results that help you look and feel your best. Every procedure is customized to your needs, and we are committed to safety throughout your surgical procedure.

At McRae Plastic Surgery, your well-being and satisfaction are our top priorities. We use the latest Health Canada-approved techniques and technologies to deliver beautiful results in a safe, supportive environment.

Common Signs of Aging in the Upper Eyelids

As we age, changes in the structure and support of the upper eyelids can alter both appearance and function. The most common age-related changes involve skin redundancy, brow position, and fat distribution, issues that can often be addressed surgically.
You may notice one or more of the following:

  • Excess Upper Eyelid Skin (Dermatochalasis):
    Redundant skin can fold over the natural eyelid crease, creating a heavy or hooded appearance and, in some cases, interfering with vision.
  • Loss of Visible Tarsal Plate (“Makeup Space”): As excess skin descends, the portion of the upper eyelid where makeup is typically applied becomes less visible or disappears altogether, making the eyes appear smaller and less defined.
  • Lowered Brow Position: Descent of the brow can push additional skin onto the upper eyelid, worsening hooding and contributing to asymmetry between the eyes.
  • Bulging Upper Eyelid Fat: Prolapse of orbital fat can create fullness or puffiness in the upper eyelids, adding to a tired or aged appearance even in well-rested individuals.

These changes are structural rather than skin-quality related, which is why upper eyelid surgery (upper blepharoplasty), sometimes combined with brow lifting, can provide meaningful and long-lasting improvement when appropriately indicated.

Common Signs of Aging in the Lower Eyelids

Aging of the lower eyelids is driven primarily by changes in fat position, eyelid support, and the transition between the eyelid and cheek. These structural changes can create a tired or aged appearance even in otherwise healthy, well-rested individuals.

Common surgically relevant changes include:

  • Lower Eyelid Puffiness or Bags: With time, orbital fat can bulge forward, creating fullness or “bags” beneath the eyes that are often most noticeable in the morning or with fatigue.
  • Effacement of the Tear Trough: The natural groove between the lower eyelid and the cheek can deepen or become more visible as surrounding structures change, disrupting the smooth contour of the lower eyelid–cheek junction.
  • Imbalance Between Fat Prolapse and Volume Loss: Aging frequently involves a combination of fat protrusion in some areas and volume deficiency in others, contributing to an uneven or hollowed appearance beneath the eyes.
  • Loss of Lower Eyelid Support: Subtle weakening of lower eyelid support can accentuate puffiness and contour irregularities, affecting the overall shape and position of the lower lid.

These changes are structural rather than surface-level skin issues, which is why lower eyelid surgery (lower blepharoplasty) often focuses on fat redistribution, contour refinement, and support preservation, rather than simple removal of tissue.

How Eyelid Surgery Is Performed at Our Clinic

Consultation & Surgical Planning

Every eyelid surgery begins with a personal consultation. Your eyelids, brow position, eye health, and facial anatomy are carefully assessed to determine the most appropriate approach, whether upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Surgical planning focuses on achieving natural results while preserving eyelid function and symmetry.

Anesthesia

Anesthesia is customized based on the type of eyelid surgery being performed. Upper eyelid surgery is performed comfortably with sedation or local anesthesia. Lower eyelid or combined procedures may be done with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity and patient preference. Your anesthetic plan will be discussed in advance to ensure safety and comfort.

Surgical Approach

Incisions are carefully placed in natural eyelid creases or discreet locations to allow access to underlying structures while keeping scars as inconspicuous as possible. The exact approach depends on whether the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or surrounding structures are being addressed.

Eyelid Rejuvenation

During surgery, excess skin may be removed, fat may be repositioned or refined, and eyelid support structures are preserved or adjusted as needed. The goal is restoration of normal eyelid anatomy and contour, rather than over-tightening or excessive tissue removal.

Closure & Immediate Recovery

Incisions are closed with fine sutures designed to support healing and minimize scarring. Most patients return home the same day with protective instructions for the eyes. Sutures are dissolving but are routinely removed 1-2 weeks after surgery.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed. For upper eyelid surgery, bruising and swelling typically improve over 2–4 weeks. In the case of lower eyelid surgery, early swelling improves over the course of several weeks, with final refinement occurring over a few months. You will receive detailed aftercare instructions, including guidance on eye care, activity restrictions, and follow-up visits. Close monitoring throughout your recovery will help ensure safe healing and the best possible results.

How You Should Prepare for an Eyelid Surgery

blepharoplasty before after

How Recovery and Aftercare Work After Eyelid Surgery

blepharoplasty before and after

Recovery after eyelid surgery varies depending on whether the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both are treated. The timeline below provides a general overview of what most patients can expect.

Day of Surgery & First 48 Hours

Swelling, bruising, and tightness around the eyes are expected. Vision may be blurry, and eyes may feel dry or sensitive to light.

  • Rest with your head elevated
  • Use cold compresses as directed
  • Avoid strenuous activity and eye rubbing

These early changes are normal and improve gradually.

Days 3–7: Early Healing Phase

Swelling and bruising begin to settle, though they are often still noticeable.

  • Continue gentle activity only
  • Use prescribed ointments or drops as directed
  • Sutures are typically removed between days 5-14

Many patients feel comfortable being around others by the end of the first week, though signs of surgery may still be visible.

Weeks 2–3: Improving Appearance

Most bruising has resolved, and swelling continues to decrease.

  • Upper eyelid incisions begin to look more natural
  • Makeup may be resumed if approved
  • Light exercise is often allowed

Patients who had upper eyelid surgery alone often feel largely recovered at this stage.

Weeks 4–6: Continued Refinement
Residual swelling gradually improves, particularly in the lower eyelids.

  • Eyelid contours continue to soften
  • Incision lines fade and blend into natural creases
  • Most normal activities can be resumed

Patients who had lower eyelid surgery may still notice subtle tightness or swelling, which is expected.

2–3 Months and Beyond: Final Healing
Healing continues beneath the surface, especially after lower eyelid surgery.

  • Final contour and symmetry become more apparent
  • Scars continue to mature and fade
  • Follow-up visits ensure healing is progressing as expected

Lower eyelid results, in particular, often continue to refine over several months.

Important Notes About Recovery

  • Recovery timelines vary between individuals
  • Lower eyelid surgery generally requires more time for final refinement than upper eyelid surgery

Following aftercare instructions closely helps support optimal healing

Can Blepharoplasty Be Combined With Other Procedures?

 

In some patients, eyelid surgery alone does not fully address the changes contributing to a tired or aged appearance. When appropriate, blepharoplasty can be safely combined with other facial or body procedures to achieve a more balanced result while minimizing overall recovery time.
The decision to combine procedures is based on anatomy, goals, and safety, not routine practice, and is discussed carefully during consultation.

Blepharoplasty Combined With a Facelift

A facelift improves laxity in the lower face and neck, but it does not address changes around the eyes. In patients with aging affecting multiple areas of the face, combining a facelift with blepharoplasty allows each region to be treated directly.
This coordinated approach can create more consistent facial rejuvenation, rather than improving one area while leaving another unchanged.

facelift before and after

Blepharoplasty Combined With a Brow Lift

In some patients, upper eyelid hooding is driven in part by brow descent rather than eyelid skin alone. When this is the case, a brow lift may be recommended in addition to upper eyelid surgery.
Treating both areas together can restore brow position, reduce excess upper eyelid skin, and improve eyelid shape, often producing a more natural and durable result than eyelid surgery alone.

neck lift with facelift

The Two-Surgeon Advantage at McRae Plastic Surgery

In selected cases, eyelid surgery may also be combined with procedures elsewhere on the body using a two-surgeon approach, a unique feature of McRae Plastic Surgery.

With two fully qualified plastic surgeons operating together, procedures can be performed more efficiently, which may:

  • Reduce total time under anesthesia
  • Allow multiple areas to be treated safely in one setting
  • Shorten overall recovery compared with staging surgeries separately

This approach is used selectively and only when it improves safety, efficiency, and patient experience.

How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) at McRae Plastic Surgery starts at $5,000, with final pricing depending on the type of procedure and the complexity of your anatomy and goals (upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both).

Your quote is customized and discussed in detail at the consultation. Pricing typically reflects factors such as the surgical plan, anesthesia requirements, and whether eyelid surgery is being combined with other procedures.

What’s Included in the Price

Your surgical fee generally includes:

  • Surgeon’s fee and operative planning
  • Anesthesia (if required)
  • Surgical facility fees
  • Pre-operative assessment and instructions
  • Post-operative follow-up care

At your consultation, we’ll review exactly what is included for your specific plan so you feel informed and confident in your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Blepharoplasty, commonly referred to as eyelid surgery, is a procedure that addresses structural and age-related changes of the upper and/or lower eyelids. Depending on the area treated, surgery may involve removing excess skin, refining or repositioning fat, and restoring normal eyelid contour and support.
Modern eyelid surgery is not simply about tightening the skin. The goal is to preserve natural eyelid anatomy and function while improving heaviness, puffiness, or a tired appearance around the eyes.

Good candidates for eyelid surgery are generally healthy adults who are bothered by issues such as drooping upper eyelids, excess eyelid skin, or under-eye bags. Candidacy depends more on eyelid anatomy, eye health, and overall medical status than on age alone.
During consultation, your medical history, eye health, and healing considerations are reviewed to determine whether eyelid surgery, or an alternative approach, is appropriate and safe.

Eyelid surgery at McRae Plastic Surgery is highly individualized. Surgical planning takes into account eyelid structure, skin quality, fat distribution, brow position, facial balance, and baseline asymmetry.
Rather than using a one-size-fits-all technique, the approach is tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals to achieve natural, balanced results that age well over time.

Recovery varies depending on whether the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both are treated.

  • Bruising and swelling typically peak within the first few days after surgery.
    Most visible bruising resolves within approximately 2–3 weeks.
  • After upper eyelid surgery, many patients feel socially comfortable within a few weeks as swelling continues to improve.
  • After lower eyelid surgery, recovery is more gradual. While early swelling improves over weeks, final contour refinement may take several months, which is normal and expected.

Light daily activities can usually be resumed early, with a gradual return to normal routines as healing progresses. Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor recovery and guide each stage of healing.

Anesthesia is tailored to the procedure and the patient.
Upper eyelid surgery is commonly performed under local anesthesia.
Lower eyelid surgery may be done with local anesthesia alone, local anesthesia with sedation, or general anesthesia depending on complexity and patient comfort. All anesthesia is administered and monitored by a board-certified anesthesia team.

Eyelid surgery provides long-lasting improvement, particularly for excess skin and eyelid contour. While the natural aging process continues, most patients enjoy the benefits of surgery for many years. Longevity depends on individual anatomy, skin quality, and whether upper or lower eyelids are treated.

Yes. Eyelid surgery is commonly combined with procedures such as a brow lift or facelift to achieve balanced facial rejuvenation. In select cases, additional facial or body procedures may be performed during the same operation using a coordinated two-surgeon approach, which can reduce overall anesthesia time and recovery compared to staged surgeries.

Incisions are carefully placed within natural eyelid creases or inside the eyelid, where they are typically well concealed once healed. Scars continue to soften and fade over several months and are rarely noticeable in everyday interactions.

Temporary dryness or irritation can occur after eyelid surgery, particularly in patients with pre-existing dry eye symptoms. This is usually managed with lubricating eye drops and resolves as healing progresses. Eye health is carefully evaluated before surgery to minimize this risk.

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty focuses on removing excess skin, and when appropriate, adjusting small fat pads, to restore a more open, rested appearance and, in some cases, improve visual obstruction.
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is designed to address under-eye bags and contour changes. It commonly involves fat repositioning rather than removal, support of the lower eyelid, and smoothing the transition between the eyelid and cheek for a refreshed but natural result.

McRae Plastic Surgery

 

Toronto Location:

Address: 30 Bond Street, Martin Family Center, B1 (Ground Level), Donnelly Wing

Toronto, ON M5B 1W8

Office Phone Hours for General Patient Inquiries:

  • Monday-Friday: 7:30 am – 3:30 pm
  • Phone: 416-360-4000 ext. 5830


Cosmetic Surgery Phone Hours for Toronto Location:

  • Monday-Thursday: 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
  • Phone: 416-638-3499


Burlington Location (Cosmetic Surgery):

Address: 4300 Upper Middle Road Unit 2

Burlington Ontario Canada.

L7M4P6

Clinic Office Hours:

  • Friday: 8:00 am – 3:30 pm


Cosmetic Surgery Phone Hours:

  • Phone: 416-638-3499
  • Monday-Thursday: 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm


Stoney Creek Location (Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery):

Address: Specialty Clinics, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton – King Campus – Lower Level.

2757 King Street East,

Hamilton ON, L8G5E4