What is Blepharoplasty Eyelid Surgery?

A Blepharoplasty, also known as Eyelid Reduction surgery, is a procedure which involves removing loose skin and repositioning the fat and tissues around the eyes. This gives the eyes a more open appearance, smoothing and improving the tone of the eye area, as well as improving the field of vision.

Due to the skin being thinner around the eyes, it is often one of the first areas affected by early signs of ageing, dramatic weight loss, and other skin damage. The skin may stretch, resulting in hooded eyelids or eye bags, or a reduced field of vision, among other common concerns. This may lead to a loss of confidence or self-consciousness, and having a reduced field of vision may impact participation in certain activities, such as driving safely.

Blepharoplasty is a highly versatile procedure that addresses a range of functional and aesthetic concerns in the eye area. As well as being performed as a standalone procedure, it is also often combined with other surgeries such as Facelift, Brow Lift, or Forehead Reduction, to enhance the final results.

Cadogan Clinic has assembled a team of the UK's top Consultant Ophthalmic and Plastic Surgeons, who are all experts in performing Blepharoplasty surgery.

Upper vs Lower Blepharoplasty

When considering Blepharoplasty surgery, you may see both Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty being referred to. Each of these procedures targets a different part of the eye area to address specific concerns.

Upper Blepharoplasty

Upper Blepharoplasty primarily treats the area covering the upper eyelid, extending up to the brow bone, which sits just under the eyebrow.

During an Upper Blepharoplasty, excess skin is removed from the upper eyelid, and the tissue is repositioned to smooth the skin and give the eyes a more open appearance. Removing this excess skin can also improve the field of vision, making daily activities such as driving easier.

Upper Blepharoplasty typically takes around 60 minutes and can be performed under either general anaesthetic or sedation.

Lower Blepharoplasty

Lower Blepharoplasty treats the area under the eye, from the lower lash line down to the bottom of the eye socket.

Similar to an Upper Blepharoplasty, a Lower Blepharoplasty typically involves removing excess skin from the area to create a smooth and toned appearance to the lower eye. However, repositioning the fat pads which sit under the eyes is also a regular part of Lower Blepharoplasty, which further enhances the final result.

Lower Blepharoplasty usually takes up to 90 minutes and is typically carried out under general anaesthetic as it is slightly more complex than a standalone Upper Blepharoplasty procedure.

Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty

As it is normal that concerns affecting the upper and lower eyelids may present together, your surgeon may recommend combining an Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty to treat the whole of the eye area.

This involves removing excess skin from the upper and lower eye areas, as well as repositioning the surrounding fat pads. This results in a comprehensive rejuvenation of the eye area.

Combined Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty typically takes up to two hours to perform and is performed under general anaesthetic.

Upper vs Lower Blepharoplasty: Differences in Results

While both Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty improve vision and rejuvenate the appearance of the eye area, there are differences in the results they achieve.

Upper Blepharoplasty Results

Upper Blepharoplasty as a standalone procedure targets the upper eyelid and brow bone.

Results from an Upper Blepharoplasty will include:

• Reduced excess skin, addressing hooded and sagging eyelids, improving the field of vision and giving the eyes a more open appearance
• Tightened skin over the brow bone, resulting in the eyes looking less heavy and tired
• Lines and wrinkles around the upper and outer eye are smoothed

Lower Blepharoplasty Results

Lower Blepharoplasty addresses the lower eyelid and eye socket area, extending down to the top of the cheekbone.

Lower Blepharoplasty Results will include:

• Removal of excess skin, improving the appearance of under-eye bags and achieving a smooth, youthful appearance
• Repositioning of the fat pads, addressing festoons, sunken eyes, and dark circles
• Signs of ageing, such as lines and wrinkles, are addressed, and the skin is smoother and more toned
• Balance with the upper cheek is restored by seamlessly blending the areas to create a proportional appearance between the upper and mid-face

Upper vs Lower Blepharoplasty: Differences in Recovery

Blepharoplasty recovery times will depend on the exact procedure you have undergone and various personal factors. Your surgeon will discuss your recovery during your consultation so that you can prepare in advance.

In general, Blepharoplasty recovery is straightforward, and you can expect to return to most of your daily activities within a couple of weeks.

After any Blepharoplasty procedure at Cadogan Clinic, you will have two follow-up appointments:

• The first is 7-10 days after your procedure to assess your initial recovery and remove any stitches
• The second is 6 weeks after your Blepharoplasty to discuss your results and recovery with your surgeon

During your recovery, you will be able to contact Cadogan Clinic’s specialist surgical nurses 24 hours a day for any assistance.

Upper Blepharoplasty Recovery

• Swelling and bruising – It is normal to expect some swelling and bruising, which usually resolves within 10-14 days
• Garments – Your medical team will provide a cooling eye mask which you should wear for a few hours a day to reduce swelling and aid healing
• Medication – You will be given eye drops and ointment to prevent infection which you should use daily as instructed
• Exercise – You should avoid strenuous exercise and activities for at least four weeks after surgery to protect your incisions
• Full recovery – You can expect to be fully recovered within 4-6 weeks

Lower Blepharoplasty Recovery

• Swelling and bruising – As Lower Blepharoplasty is targeting deeper tissues, swelling and bruising may last for up to four weeks
• Downtime – You will require a longer period of initial downtime, and may need to take up to ten days off work
• Garments – You will be given a cooling eye mask to address swelling and assist the healing process
• Medication – You will need to use eye drops and an ointment to prevent infection and protect the eye area
• Exercise – After Lower Blepharoplasty, you should avoid exercise and strenuous activities for 4-6 weeks
• Full recovery – You should be fully recovered within 6-8 weeks

Words From Our Founder