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 October 19th 2021

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

Northampton

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.