Eyelid lifts have become a hot topic in both aesthetic medicine and pop culture. From Instagram comments to celebrity news sites, there’s growing speculation around A-listers like Emma Stone, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lawrence, and Nina Dobrev, with fans and critics alike discussing the possibility of small, surgical tweaks to their eye areas.
But beneath the headlines and hashtags, blepharoplasty remains a trusted, time-tested procedure that addresses both aesthetic concerns and functional issues around the eyes. So what’s driving this new wave of interest in “early” eyelid lifts and hooded eye correction among younger celebrities? Is it just a Hollywood fad, or something more?
In her new post, San Diego facial plastic surgeon Dr. Janet Chao discusses this latest aesthetic trend in Hollywood, and explains why the idea of “barely-there” blepharoplasty and eyelid lifts for hooded eyes is actually not new.
First, what is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle from the upper or lower eyelids. For patients with hooded eyes, I perform this procedure to remove the excess skin that droops over the natural eyelid crease. This can create a more open, refreshed appearance.
There are two main types:
- Upper blepharoplasty focuses on drooping upper eyelids, often caused by aging or genetics.
- Lower blepharoplasty targets puffiness or under-eye bags.
Of course, many patients do combine both to get both upper and lower eyes enhanced at the same time.
Younger patients can get blepharoplasty too
While the procedure has long been popular among patients in their 40s, 50s, and beyond, I’m now seeing more younger patients interested in blepharoplasty, some in their late 20s to early 30s. Many are motivated by genetics rather than age-related changes. Hooded eyes can run in families, and for some people, it’s more about refining their natural contour and boosting confidence than addressing signs of aging. These patients have often lived with heavy eyelids their entire lives and are ready to make a change.
The Celebrity Effect: Subtle Eyelid Lifts Under the Spotlight
As I mentioned, eyelid surgery isn’t new—it’s been one of the most commonly performed facial procedures for decades. But what is new is the way celebrities and public figures are approaching it, and how that’s reshaping patient expectations in my practice.
The difference now is subtlety. When I look at the conversations happening around figures like Emma Stone, Taylor Swift, or Margaret Qualley, what strikes me is that people are noticing refinements rather than dramatic transformations. These are changes that enhance natural features rather than alter them completely. And that shift toward nuance has brought a wave of patients who want that same approach: results that look refreshed, not “done.”
What’s particularly interesting is how this celebrity influence has elevated the conversation around facial balance. Patients are coming in with a more holistic view of their features. They’re not just focused on their eyelids in isolation—they’re thinking about how their eyes relate to their brows, their cheekbones, their overall facial proportions. That’s a sophisticated understanding that leads to better surgical planning and more harmonious results.
“I am 4 weeks out from the procedure, and my eyes are now perfectly shaped, balanced, and, most importantly, they look natural. The incisions have healed so nicely.…In addition to providing stellar results, her bedside manner is incredible. She is warm, approachable, and genuinely listens to your concerns. I felt completely at ease throughout the entire process, never rushed, and fully informed. It’s clear she not only cares about achieving excellent aesthetic results but also about ensuring patient comfort. I have worked in healthcare and closely with surgeons for the last decade, and I can say it’s rare to find such an excellent, detail-oriented, and precise surgeon who also has an amazing bedside manner, but Dr. Chao has both.”
—5-star Google Review for Dr. Chao
Dr. Chao’s Take on This Trend
Truthfully, I think this trend is overwhelmingly positive. It’s encouraging patients to think about aesthetic enhancement as a tool for looking like themselves, just more rested and balanced. The focus on natural-looking results means people are seeking out experienced surgeons who understand facial anatomy and can deliver subtle improvements. And the openness around these procedures—even if it’s still speculative when it comes to celebrities—reduces stigma and helps patients feel more comfortable exploring their options.
About Dr. Janet ChaoDr. Janet Chao is a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon specializing in aesthetic procedures of the face and neck at Restore SD Plastic Surgery in La Jolla. With over a decade dedicated to perfecting facial surgery techniques, Dr. Chao combines technical precision with an artistic eye to create natural-looking results that enhance her patients’ unique features.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Chao, please give us a call at 858-224-2281 or fill out a contact form online.
Dr. Chao’s elite facial plastic surgery training and remarkable attention to detail offers patients safe, natural-looking results. She will work closely with you to understand your goals and concerns to bring your aesthetic vision to life.
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