What happens during a blepharoplasty procedure?

During an upper blepharoplasty an incision is made within the natural eyelid crease. Excess skin and fatty pockets are then removed before the incision is then closed. A lower blepharoplasty procedure involves an incision usually below the lash line or inside of the bottom eyelid. Excess fatty tissue is then removed from the area and the incision is closed. Procedure Length Incisions Anaesthesia Used Downtime Upper Blepharoplasty (Upper Eyelid) A short procedure which can take only 30 minutes Incisions are made in the eyelid crease Typically performed using local anaesthetic Minimal downtime and you can return home shortly after Lower Blepharoplasty* (Lower Eyelid) Slightly more complex, the procedure can take between 1-2 hours Incisions will be disguised under the eyelashes or inside the eye Often requires general anaesthetic More downtime than upper blepharoplasty, the exact amount depending on the individual patient** Combined Blepharoplasty* (Upper and lower eyelid) Approximately 2 hours As above for each eyelid Usually requires general anaesthetic ** Same as above *Eye Bag Removal can also be performed in a lower or combined procedure, helping to reduce any puffiness, without creating a hollowed out appearance

Over 35 years of expert care

Best Clinic Group UK & Trustpilot 5 star

Nationwide Clinics

Award winning treatment plans

Over 35 years of expert care

Best Clinic Group UK & Trustpilot 5 star

Nationwide Clinics

Award winning treatment plans

Under Eye Bags Removal

Renowned Plastic Surgeons based in the UK

Combined with fat transfer can take years off your face

Renowned Plastic Surgeons based in the UK

Combined with fat transfer can take years off your face

Home » Cosmetic Surgery » Face & Eye » Eyebag Removal

What's on this page

Medically reviewed by Lorcan Sheppard BSc MBBS FRCA, Chief Medical Officer and the Medical Advisory Committee for The Private Clinic.
Last Reviewed December 2nd 2021

Related Cosmetic Surgery

Under Eye Bags Removal is a simple, and one of the most common, forms of Lower Blepahroplasty that reduces the amount of excess fat and skin tissue. At The Private Clinic our Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons are highly experienced in lower blepharoplasty. In many cases they combine the procedure with an upper blepharoplasty at the same time.

When addressing excess skin or fatty tissue during Lower or Combined Blepharoplasty, an incision is made below the lower eyelash line or inside the lower lid, making any scarring barely visible following surgery.

Blepharoplasty has one of the fastest recovery times of any plastic surgery procedure. After two weeks any swelling should be very subtle, and results can be quite dramatic giving a refreshed and younger appearance.

Procedure Time

1 hour

WASHING

1 - 2 weeks

SEXUAL ACTIVITY

4 weeks

TRAVEL

6 weeks

ANAESTHETIC TYPE

Local anaesthetic, general for lower

Hospital

Day case

DRIVING

1 week

Back to Work

4 weeks

FULL RECOVERY TIME

4 - 6 weeks

Sleeping

Elevated on back for 1-2 weeks

SUPPORT GARMENTS

None

UP & MOBILE

Immediately

EXERCISE

1 - 2 weeks

Final Results

2 - 3 months

The Reasons for Choosing Blepharoplasty

Eyes are usually the initial focal point for any person’s face. Puffed eye bags can be the result of ageing or genetics. They are caused by fatty deposits that accumulate under your eyes.

Eyebags can become more pronounced as your skin ages and your collagen levels deplete. Many patients feel that they give the impression of being constantly tired, or ageing a bit more rapidly than they’d like.

Lower Blepharoplasty with a small fat transfer to the cheeks can take years off your age and leave you looking refreshed.

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Before & After

Our Plastic Surgeons will work alongside you to help you achieve your goals
Simply book a consultation today to hear about the best options available for you.

What to Expect

The Private Clinic has been treating patients for over 35 years with thousands of people placing their trust in us each year. We pride ourselves on being able to offer a personalised service. We have a team of friendly nurses and expert surgeons who understand the importance of this decision and will support you throughout your journey with us.

Consultation
Pre-Operation
The Procedure
Aftercare

The Consultation

At The Private Clinic our Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons are highly experienced in lower blepharoplasty. In many cases they combine the procedure with an upper blepharoplasty at the same time.

Eye Bag Removal treatment consultations are available in our London Harley Street, Birmingham, Leeds, Northampton, Milton Keynes and Manchester clinics.

Pre-Operative Appointment

In the interests of patient safety all our patients are assessed against our patient selection criteria. Following your consultation your medical history will be reviewed and the pre-operative nurse will choose which pre-operative tests to carry out which are going to be most appropriate to you. Most pre-operative assessments include a blood test, MRSA swabs, urine test and a blood pressure test.

Under Eye Bags Surgery

The procedure can take between 40 minutes and two hours, depending on the complexity of the case. Any excess fat that causes puffiness is removed, while any unwanted loose skin can also be addressed.

Our surgeons pay extreme attention to detail and make sure that their incisions follow your face’s natural lines and creases to avoid scarring and achieving aesthetically pleasing results. Your eye bags will be reduced so that you look refreshed, rejuvenated and more youthful.

After your blepharoplasty

Your Cosmetic surgeon will advise you on whether the procedure will be done under local or general anaesthetic.

We advise that a friend or family member chaperone you home following the procedure.

To ease your recovery and to prevent scarring, we use very fine sutures that will be taken out after 4-5 days. You can usually expect a recovery time of 1-2 weeks. It is advisable to take a week off work.

Consultation

The Consultation

Eye Bag Removal treatment consultations are available in our London Harley Street, Birmingham, Leeds, Northampton, Milton Keynes and Manchester clinics.

Pre Op

Pre-Operative Appointment

The Procedure

Under Eye Bags Surgery

The procedure can take between 40 minutes and two hours, depending on the complexity of the case. Any excess fat that causes puffiness is removed, while any unwanted loose skin can also be addressed.

Aftercare

After your blepharoplasty

Your Cosmetic surgeon will advise you on whether the procedure will be done under local or general anaesthetic.

We advise that a friend or family member chaperone you home following the procedure.

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FAQs

A blepharoplasty is the medical term for eyelid or eyebag surgery to improve the appearance of drooping eyelids or large eyebags that also may be affecting the sight of the patient. The procedure involves reshaping the upper or lower eyelid by removing or repositioning of excess tissue, as well as reinforcing surrounding soft tissues. There are 3 types of blepharoplasty procedures; Upper Blepharoplasty which targets the eyelid and upper portion of the eye but not including the brows. Lower Blepharoplasty which targets the lower portion of the eye and a combined blepharoplasty which is when an upper and lower blepharoplasty are performed at the same time.

Eye bags or sagging around the eyes can be corrected with blepharoplasty surgery. The procedure removes excess skin underneath the eye resulting in a fresher look.

During an upper blepharoplasty an incision is made within the natural eyelid crease. Excess skin and fatty pockets are then removed before the incision is then closed. A lower blepharoplasty procedure involves an incision usually below the lash line or inside of the bottom eyelid. Excess fatty tissue is then removed from the area and the incision is closed.

	Procedure Length	Incisions	Anaesthesia Used	Downtime
Upper Blepharoplasty (Upper Eyelid)	A short procedure which can take only 30 minutes	Incisions are made in the eyelid crease	Typically performed using local anaesthetic	Minimal downtime and you can return home shortly after
Lower Blepharoplasty* (Lower Eyelid)	Slightly more complex, the procedure can take between 1-2 hours	Incisions will be disguised under the eyelashes or inside the eye	Often requires general anaesthetic	More downtime than upper blepharoplasty, the exact amount depending on the individual patient**
Combined Blepharoplasty* (Upper and lower eyelid)	Approximately 2 hours	As above for each eyelid	Usually requires general anaesthetic	** Same as above

*Eye Bag Removal can also be performed in a lower or combined procedure, helping to reduce any puffiness, without creating a hollowed out appearance

The average price for blepharoplasty surgery for an upper eyelid procedure starts at £2,900 (under local anaesthetic) or £3,570 (under general anaesthetic) and the cost for a lower eyelid procedure starts at £4,360 (under general anaesthetic). If you require a full blepharoplasty (both upper and lower eyelids), prices start from £5,630. We don’t follow a one-price-fits-all policy and prices are quoted on a case by case basis. You will be given an accurate quote for your requirements following your consultation. Consultations with our plastic surgeons are £100 at our clinics in London Harley Street, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton. All consultations with Mr Dario Rochira are now £175 which includes a Covid-19 test. We also offer consultations with our highly experienced Patient Coordinators which require a £25 refundable deposit to secure your place. These are available in Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton.. Patient coordinators are able to offer you all the information you require prior to meeting a surgeon. Please note all consultations available at our Harley Street clinic are with a surgeon.

Results are instant however everyone heals at a different rate. Most visual swelling should go down after a month and the majority see results within 2-3 months of their procedure.

Eye bag Removal is Available in these Clinics

London Harley Street

Birmingham

Manchester

Leeds

Northampton

Things to Consider

Our advice on what to consider when deciding to have a blepharoplasty procedure:

1. When choosing a clinic, you should always do your research, and only go to an established, reputable clinic.

The Private Clinic has been in the cosmetic surgery industry for over 35 years. We are here to answer all of your questions and give you peace of mind.

2. When choosing a surgeon, make sure you know who you’ll be seeing. Their expertise, qualifications and patient satisfaction rate are important factors to take into consideration.

At The Private Clinic, we only source the most experienced and specialised surgeons. Find out more about our plastic surgeons here.

3. Price should never be the deciding factor when choosing where to have your treatment. Safety should be your number one priority and feeling confident that they will look after you – not only before, but also after your procedure

4. When it sounds too good to be true, it often is. Always find out what your clinic’s reputation is.

Our excellent reputation for patient safety and satisfaction, honest advice and outstanding care means your journey with The Private Clinic will be an exciting experience to a newfound shape.

Patient Stories

Outstanding care, patient satisfaction and results mean everything to The Private Clinic Team

Read about our patients’ experiences to see what you can expect from our award-winning procedures.

eye lift eye bag removal eyelid surgery blepharoplasty mobile

Blepharoplasty – Deborah

When Deborah attended one of her regular beauty appointments and they started to use tape to hold up her upper eye area, she knew that she needed to do something about it. After researching all of the possible options to help improve the appearance of her eyes, Deborah decided to...