08/13/2026
One of the first places we tend to notice aging? Around the eyes.
For many middle-aged patients, excess upper eyelid skin can start to make the eyes look heavier, more tired, or older than they feel. That’s why one of the most common awake procedures Dr. Joe performs is an awake upper blepharoplasty, also known as upper eyelid surgery.
During an upper blepharoplasty, Dr. Joe removes excess skin and, when needed, addresses the underlying fat pads around the eyelid muscles to create a more refreshed appearance.
And yes — this procedure can often be performed while you’re awake.
Depending on the patient and treatment plan, some patients may receive medication to help them relax, while others are comfortable with local anesthetic alone. The goal is to keep the experience comfortable while avoiding general anesthesia when appropriate.
If your eyes are starting to look tired even when you’re not, an upper blepharoplasty may be one of the procedures worth asking about.
Interested in awake upper eyelid surgery in the Minneapolis–Twin Cities area? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Joe to find out if you’re a candidate.