kitchen overhead lights

My 30 yr old house has 3 double sets of 4' florescent bulbs built into the soffit which give good light for working at the kitchen counters.

Except the lights go on and off at random so I know the ballast and maybe capacitors need replaced.

These lights have plastic grid grills covering them which are very old and outdated in appearance.

I'm not asking for estimates as I have an idea. What I wonder is how much work is involved in installing ceiling recessed lights? I think I'd rather do that then pay to fix the existing lights.

Then I'd also have to hire someone to patch the old holes with drywall so that would drive my cost up.