Blepharoplasty: A Guide to Eyelid Surgery

What is blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)? 

Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the eyes and sometimes the patient’s vision. It involves the removal of excess skin from the upper and/or lower eyelids and the repositioning or removal of fat. 

As part of the ageing process, the eyelids stretch and the muscles supporting them weaken. That can cause several cosmetic issues, such as bags under the eyes, sagging eyebrows and droopy upper eyelids, which can all significantly impact how we look and feel. 

Blepharoplasty typically takes between one and three hours. It is performed using local or general anaesthetic depending on the type of treatment you require, and most people go home on the same day. 

Lifting eyelids and correcting hooded eyelids with blepharoplasty

The blepharoplasty procedure your surgeon uses will depend on how you are affected. For example, if you have droopy or hooded eyelids, where excess skin covers the eyelid and leaves a visible crease, upper eyelid blepharoplasty will provide the desired result. On the other hand, if you have large bags under the eyes, lower eyelid blepharoplasty is the appropriate procedure.  

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty

This procedure, also known as droopy or hooded eyelid surgery, concentrates on the area between the eyebrow and eyelashes and only requires local anaesthesia. Your surgeon will make an incision in the creases of the upper eyelid to remove underlying fat, tissue and excess skin and tighten the muscles. If there is a pre-existing eyelid hollowness then they will reposition the fat to fill the void.  

Once the surgeon has removed or repositioned the tissue to improve the appearance and restore the field of vision, they will close the incision using tiny sutures to make any scarring almost invisible. 

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty

Lower blepharoplasty, also known as eye bag removal, is a more complex procedure, has a longer recovery period and must be performed under general anaesthesia. Your surgeon will make an incision under the lower eyelash and remove or redistribute muscle, fat and excess skin as appropriate. They then use sutures or glue to close the incision. 

How much does eyelid lift surgery cost? 

Blepharoplasty typically costs between £3,000 and £6,000 in the UK. When calculating the cost, bear in mind that the initial consultation and follow-up care may not be included in the price. 

At Enhance Medical, blepharoplasty procedures cost from £3,995; a combined upper and lower blepharoplasty costs £5,695. That price includes pre- and post-operative appointments, your pre-operative assessment, 12 months of aftercare, all prescribed medications and 24/7 nurse care. That’s everything you need for complete peace of mind. Finance packages are also available so you can spread the cost over time. 

How to qualify for eyelid surgery with the NHS

You may be eligible for blepharoplasty on the NHS if the excess skin affects your vision. You should contact your GP to arrange an appointment and they can refer you for further assessment. To qualify for NHS treatment, you must prove that the blepharoplasty procedure will improve your vision or that the condition is causing you mental or physical discomfort.

Upper eyelid surgery is more common on the NHS than lower eyelid blepharoplasty. That’s because hooded or droopy eyelids are more likely to hinder a patient’s vision than eye bags or extra skin on the lower eyelids.   

How long does blepharoplasty last?

The results of the blepharoplasty procedure should last a lifetime. Nothing will undo the treatment you have had. The fat and excess skin that was removed will not grow back. However, the march of time will continue, you will develop more fine lines in the area and the skin will continue to lose its elasticity. That means there will come a point when the results of the surgery are less pronounced. 

That said, once you have had eyelid lift surgery, you should not need a repeat procedure. Instead, we recommend that patients consider non-surgical treatments if they feel the results are wearing off. For example, dermal filler can smooth out the eye area for a more youthful appearance. 

Blepharoplasty side effects 

All surgery carries a risk of side effects and complications. However, the complications associated with blepharoplasty are rare and the vast majority of side effects resolve themselves without causing any serious issues.

Immediately after the procedure, you can expect some bruising and swelling around the eyes, but that will disappear within the first two weeks. For some patients, it may only last a few days. You may also suffer from dry and watery eyes, and some patients have blurred vision for a week or two after the operation.

Some rare but more serious complications include:

• Infection – If your eyelids become red, tender and swollen, you may have a post-operative infection. Contact your clinic immediately as you may need antibiotics and it might be necessary to restitch the wound. 
• Asymmetry – In rare cases, some loose skin may persist, creating an asymmetry between the two eyes. Choosing an experienced surgeon reduces the risks and follow-up surgery should resolve it.  
• Scarring – Positioning the incision in the eyelid’s natural fold means scarring will be disguised and eventually becomes unnoticeable. However, sometimes the scar does not heal properly and can thicken. 
• Bleeding – There’s usually a very small amount of bleeding that stops shortly after the operation. If the bleeding continues, you should contact the clinic immediately.    

We will discuss all the side effects and risks during our preoperative consultation and answer all your questions to help put your mind at rest. 

High-quality eyelid surgery with Enhance Medical

If you struggle with low confidence, are unhappy with the appearance of your eyes or suffer from vision problems due to excess fat and skin around the eye area, we can help. 

At Enhance Medical, our cosmetic surgeons have extensive experience performing eye bag removal and hooded eyelid surgery and always ensure the highest quality of care.  Find out more about blepharoplasty at Enhance, view our clinic locations and book a free consultation for a personalised quote and to discuss your goals with one of our surgeons.