The procedure known as blepharoplasty, or more commonly "upper bleph," is experiencing a surge in popularity, particularly among celebrities, leading to widespread online discussion. While historically performed on older individuals to address sagging eyelids, excess skin, or vision obstruction, the surgery appears to be gaining traction with a younger demographic.
Several older celebrities, including Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton, and George Clooney, have spoken about or are speculated to have undergone eyelid surgery. Clooney reportedly joked in a 2007 interview that he had his eyes done to "look awake." However, recent online commentary suggests younger stars like Bradley Cooper, Mandy Moore, and Emma Stone may also be opting for the procedure to alter their appearance.
Jennifer Lawrence, 36, is the latest celebrity to face speculation about having undergone an "upper bleph." Following a photoshoot for The Cut, social media users commented that her appearance had changed, with some lamenting that the surgery was the "new veneers." Lawrence confirmed to The Cut that she had a breast lift and plans to have a facelift in the future, but did not mention eye surgery.
Plastic surgeons note that blepharoplasty involves removing or repositioning excess skin, muscle, and fat from the eyelids. Dr. Anthony Youn, a board-certified plastic surgeon, explains that candidates typically have excess skin on the upper lids, especially if it causes vision impairment. He cautions that the procedure can make the eyes appear feminized if overdone, and that less is generally more to maintain a natural look.
Dr. Rod Rohrich, a plastic surgeon at the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute, emphasizes the importance of natural results. He warns that removing too much skin or fat can lead to premature hollowing, dry eye, or difficulty closing the eyes. Rohrich also points out that hooded eyes are a natural feature and can be an important part of a person's identity.
Blepharoplasty was the top cosmetic surgical procedure globally according to recent data from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. In the U.S., the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported 118,978 eyelid surgeries in 2025, an increase of nearly 19% from the previous year. Despite this rise, patients aged 55 and over still constitute the vast majority of those undergoing the procedure. Individuals in their 20s and early 30s account for less than 3% of operations.
Factors such as makeup, lighting, aging, and weight changes can alter one's appearance. However, Youn suspects that eyelid surgery, sometimes combined with brow lifts, cheek lifts, or fat transfers, may be responsible for some of the dramatic transformations observed in Hollywood.
While the cost of the surgery can range from $6,000 to $15,000, insurance may cover it if excess skin severely impacts vision. Surgeons stress that the decision for surgery should be based on genuine need and not solely on changing trends. Rohrich advises that the best plastic surgery is "invisibly visible," meaning it enhances appearance without being overtly noticeable.