Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
We remove excess skin from the upper lids and correct bags in the lower lids to reduce a tired look; when needed, this also opens the field of vision.
- Duration
- 1–2 hours
- Anaesthesia
- Local anaesthesia with sedation
- Hospital stay
- Same-day discharge
- Back to daily life
- 7–10 days
Blepharoplasty corrects excess skin and protruding fat pads of the eyelids. Heavy upper-lid skin can also narrow the field of vision; in that case the procedure has a functional reason, not only an aesthetic one.
Upper and lower lids
Upper-lid surgery is usually done under local anaesthesia, with the scar hidden in the lid crease. Lower-lid bags are corrected by repositioning fat; if there is no excess skin, the incision can be made inside the lid.
Examination first
A low brow can look like a heavy upper lid. This is distinguished at the consultation; the wrong procedure will not correct the look.
Risks
Temporary dry eye, watering, bruising, temporary tightness at the lid margin, asymmetry and, rarely, pulling down of the lower lid can occur. Patients with a history of dry eye are asked to have an eye examination before surgery.
Timeline
Consultation
Eyelid skin, fat pads, brow position and dry eye are assessed.
Day of surgery
Upper lid incisions follow the lid crease; lower lid incisions sit under the lashes or inside the lid.
First day
Cold compresses and rest with the head raised; watering and a gritty feeling are possible.
Day five
Stitches come out; bruising turns yellow.
Second week
Make-up and contact lenses wait for a check-up; most people return to work.
Third month
The scar fades into the lid crease; the final look is reviewed.
Questions to ask
Add the questions you tick to your consultation request, or print them and bring them along.
Patient experiences
The sagging of my eyelids affected both my look and my vision. I was back at work in the second week.
Comments are published with the patient’s written consent, using initials only. Results vary from person to person.
The information on this page is for general guidance and does not replace an examination. Every surgical and medical procedure carries risks and results vary from person to person. The right approach for you can only be decided at a face-to-face consultation.
