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

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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

Eyelid Reduction (upper and lower blepharoplasty)

Renowned Plastic Surgeons

Performed under local anaesthetic

Best Clinic Group UK and Trustpilot 5 star rating

See our before and after photos

Renowned Plastic Surgeons

Performed under local anaesthetic

Best Clinic Group UK and Trustpilot 5 star rating

Home » Cosmetic Surgery » Face & Eye » Eyelid Reduction

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 July 16th 2020

Related Cosmetic Surgery

At The Private Clinic our Cosmetic Surgeons have been successfully carrying out upper and lower blepharoplasty for decades. The results often take 5 to 10 years off a person’s face.

Blepharoplasty, sometimes known as eyelid lift surgery or eye bag removal, is a simple, safe and quick procedure to remove excess fat and skin from around the eyes.

Upper eye lid and under eye surgery may be used to:

Reduce drooping eyelids or hooded eyelids,
Tighten any creases and folds in the upper or lower eyelids
Lift skin under the eye
Remove eye bags and puffiness from under the eye

Procedure Time

1 hour

Washing

1 - 2 weeks

Sexual Activity

4 weeks

Travel

6 weeks

Anaesthetic Type

Local anaesthetic, general for lower

Hospital Stay

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

Types of Eyelid Surgery

We all have different needs and wants, which is why your eyelid surgery will always be tailored to you. Depending on the nature and severity of your excess eyelid skin, you may need either upper, lower, or combined blepharoplasty, and the procedures differ in terms of their process and recovery.

Upper Blepharoplasty
Upper blepharoplasty is a relatively short procedure that can take as little as 30 minutes. Usually performed under local anaesthetic, an upper blepharoplasty requires minimal downtime and has lessened risks making it one of the safest and most speedy invasive procedures available. Patients can return home swiftly after their procedure with a huge difference to their eyes and face.

Lower Blepharoplasty
More complex than the upper blepharoplasty but still relatively quick, procedures for the lower lids often require general anaesthetic and take between 1-2 hours to perform. Eye Bag Removal can be done as part of a lower or combined blepharoplasty, helping to reduce puffiness, without causing a hollowed out look.

Upper and Lower/ Combined Blepharoplasty
For those with more severe problems, a combination of both upper and lower can take place to restore a youthful and refreshed appearance, but the look you want and the best method to achieve it will always be discussed fully at the consultation stage.

as seen in

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

The first stage of your blepharoplasty treatment journey will be a consultation with one of our expert surgeons.
At your consultation, your surgeon will go through the blepharoplasty procedure in detail and examine the areas that you are concerned about to assess your suitability for blepharoplasty surgery.

Your surgeon will then discuss:

Your medical history
Your expectations from surgery
Risks and Complications of blepharoplasty Surgery
Aftercare

Following your consultation, you will be introduced to your dedicated patient coordinator who will be your point of contact should you wish to proceed with blepharoplasty surgery.

Eyelid Surgery

Types of Eyelid Surgery

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

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

Combined Blepharoplasty* (Upper and lower eyelid)

Approximately 2 hours
As above for each eyelid
Usually requires general anaesthetic

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

After your blepharoplasty

Regardless of whether you are having an upper, lower, or combined blepharoplasty, our surgeons always use extreme precision along the natural folds of your eyes to prevent scarring and ensure a recovery that is as quick as possible. The result is a naturally rejuvenated and refreshed face with excess skin and fat from around the eyes removed.

With Upper Blepharoplasty (upper eyelid) there is minimal downtime and you can return home shortly after.
With Lower & Combined Blepharoplasty there is more downtime than upper blepharoplasty, the exact amount depending on the individual patient.

To prevent scarring, these procedures use very fine sutures to close incisions, which are removed after 4-5 days.

Consultation

The Consultation

Your surgeon will then discuss:

Your medical history
Your expectations from surgery
Risks and Complications of blepharoplasty Surgery
Aftercare

Following your consultation, you will be introduced to your dedicated patient coordinator who will be your point of contact should you wish to proceed with blepharoplasty surgery.

Pre Op

The Procedure

Eyelid Surgery

Types of Eyelid Surgery

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

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

Combined Blepharoplasty* (Upper and lower eyelid)

Approximately 2 hours
As above for each eyelid
Usually requires general anaesthetic

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

Aftercare

After your blepharoplasty

To prevent scarring, these procedures use very fine sutures to close incisions, which are removed after 4-5 days.

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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.

Eyelid Reduction is Available in these Clinics

London Harley Street

Birmingham

Manchester

Leeds

London Hospital

Things to Consider

Our advice on what to consider when deciding to have an eyelid reduction 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

“The Private Clinic took really good care of me and I have been very pleased with the results, I would certainly recommend them”

Blepharoplasty – Deborah

FUE Hair Transplant and Blepharoplasty – Graham

Monica Daniel

2020-12-25

Excellent treatment guided by Dr.Nicholas Kalavrezos and the Anaesthesia Team led by Dr Martinez. It was mg first time under General A and I wasn’t too excited. From start to finish all the nurses were superb, the room was clean and my food was also yummy. Sometimes it pays to sort your Private Medical Insurance our. The surgery was booked in less than a week after my 2nd consultation. MRSA and Covid Test also were done prior. I can not recommend The Harley Street Clinic enough. Thank you everyone. Regards Monica

Aless

2020-12-21

I had an eye vein removed by laser , I’m very happy with the results ,I still need a check up Marie is very kind and said on my next visit she will laser the vein if it’s not gone , but so far so good the big part of the vein has gone. but unfortunately iv not been able to get to London because of the COVID, so hopefully I can go for my check up next year.

Rob

2020-12-21

Great experience. Had two operations with these guys and great service, really put you at ease on the day, great post op support and amazing results! Cannot recommend highly enough

Theo Bundock

2020-12-19

Very friendly and helpful, very happy with the service.

Michael Neslund

2020-12-17

Had a FUE hair transplant on 16 December with Dr Furqan Raja. He and the two nurses he worked with were fantastic! They made me feel very comfortable throughout the procedure and constantly checked in with me. I had 1700 grafts taken from the back of my head and put into the front where I had gone bald either side of my windows peak. It took a bit longer than I thought (about 8.5 hours) but this was due to the high quality, attention to detail and best result they wanted to achieve for me. I had the procedure done at the Leeds clinic but could have chosen Manchester too. I travelled two hours there and back in one day. I am now following the after care information they gave me and also the full kit of products they provided (all included in the price) to help me make sure I look after the new grafts properly. I have follow up appointments with the nurse and access to an emergency on call nurse 24/7 if required. But so far, I have no pain and everything is exactly as described to me in advance of the procedure. I did a LOT of research online and found many of the other national FUE/FUT hair transplant clinics too sales driven and very pushy. Dr Furqan Raja and the team at the private clinic gave me time and space to decide on what was right for me, and importantly they never sold to me but just answered all my questions in a professional, caring and trustworthy manor. This is why I chose them and looking at the early results I am pleased I did! If you speak to other clinics and do your research, make sure you also book a consultation with The Private Clinic. Alex Clair in Manchester was my Patient Coordinator and he went out of his way to help me and gave me lots of free, practical and helpful information up front. Their straightforward, honest and friendly approach was great throughout. Highly recommended Dr Furqan Raja, Alex Clair and the whole team.

Sophie Veerasawmy

2020-12-17

All of a sudden I noticed these veins under my eyes, it was soooo upsetting to see everyday! I didn’t think I could do anything about them. Until I googled and it came up with Harley street and they did removal of under eye veins. I rang the them up and they was so helpful! And from there I was booked in and was so happy to know I can get something done! Everytime I called up nothing was a problem and was always happy to talk to me and answer any questions I had. When it came to the day of the procedure, Marie was so calming and made me feel as relaxed as possible. It was a little uncomfortable but soooo worth it as the results are amazing! Very happy I chose Harley street for the this treatment! Thankyou so much!

Faiz

2020-12-16

Amazing, Brilliant service!!

Zeina

2020-12-15

I had a laser treatment with Maria at The private clinic. She’s very professional and very experience. the result is amazing!! Thank you Maria

Miss Kelly Phillips

2020-12-15

I had treatment with Nurse Marie. She was so kind. The first treatment was rather painful and when I came in for my second round I was very nervous. Marie was so caring, she totally understood and took her time treating. Would definitely recommend.

GlenFGee GeeB

2020-12-15

Anti – aging treatments with Dr Santa Cruz are a must for me. I have been seeing her for about 3 years now at the Private Clinic of Harley Street. Very knowledgeable and takes before and after photos which have been incredibly helpful when we want to see how much of a difference the treatment has made. I would highly recommend her as her treatments are 100% effective and painless. Also I feel safe with the covid -safe measures they have in place.