Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) : what is it?
Blepharoplasty corrects excess skin on the upper eyelid and herniated fat pads on the lower lid. The eye area is the first part of the face to age: excess skin on the upper lid settles onto the lash line over time, making the gaze look tired, and in advanced cases narrows the field of vision. Under-eye bags form when fat pads push forwards. The change achieved by this small operation has a far greater effect on facial expression than most people expect.
Who is a suitable candidate?
- Excess skin on the upper lid resting on the lashes
- A permanently tired or angry-looking gaze
- Bags and shadowing on the lower lid
- Excess skin narrowing the field of vision
- Conditions such as dry eye or thyroid eye disease already assessed
How is it performed?
On the upper lid the incision is made within the natural crease; once healed it merges with the crease and becomes invisible. Excess skin and, if needed, a thin strip of muscle are removed.
On the lower lid there are two routes: if there is also excess skin, the incision sits just below the lash line; if only the bags are the problem, the work is done through the inner surface of the lid (transconjunctival) and no external scar remains.
Rather than removing fat entirely, it can be repositioned to fill the hollow beneath the eye. This prevents a sunken, aged appearance.
Recovery
The timeline below shows an average course. Your personal recovery depends on your age, skin quality, smoking and the extent of the operation.
Cold compresses are applied regularly. Blurred vision and watering in the first hours are normal. The head is kept elevated.
Swelling and bruising peak on days 2 – 3. Sutures are removed on day 5 – 7. Screen time is limited and contact lenses are not worn.
Bruising resolves; make-up is allowed after day 10. Scars look pink but remain within the crease of the lid.
Scars fade and disappear, lid contours become clear and the result looks natural.
Possible risks
Every surgical procedure carries risk. Knowing them is not meant to frighten you but to let you decide with full awareness. Each point is discussed individually at your consultation.
- Temporary blurred vision and dry eye
- Downward pulling of the lower lid (ectropion), rare
- Asymmetry or a difference between the two lids
- Too much or too little skin removed
- Bleeding, infection
This page is for general information and does not replace a consultation. The method that may apply to you, the expected outcome and the risks can only be determined after a medical examination.
Frequently asked questions
Will the scar show?
On the upper lid the incision sits within the natural crease and is not visible with the eyes open. Where the lower lid is treated from the inside, there is no external scar at all.
After how many days can I go out?
Most people return to daily life after 7 – 10 days. How much bruising occurs varies from person to person.
My brows are also low; is that corrected in the same operation?
Brow descent is a separate problem requiring a brow lift. At your consultation we assess how much of the excess skin is due to it.
