Blepharoplasty is a precise treatment that refreshes your eyelids and overall appearance. It tightens loose skin and soft tissues that change with age, easing hooding and under‑lid bags.
The operation is well established and carried out by an experienced surgeon. Incisions are placed to blend with natural creases, and fine stitches are used for a discreet finish.
Many procedures are day cases under a local anaesthetic, though general anaesthetic is an option. Typical recovery involves discharge within a few days and stitch removal at about five to ten days.
Benefits include improved vision, comfort and facial harmony, alongside long‑term eyelid health. Results appear as bruising settles, often from three weeks, and can last five to ten years for most people.
A tailored consultation provides clear information on treatment options, expected outcomes and transparent guidance on price and cost. Our suite of services offers evidence‑based support to help you decide with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Blepharoplasty refreshes eyelids and enhances facial appearance.
- Performed by experienced surgeons with subtle incision placement.
- Often a day‑case operation with stitches removed in 5–10 days.
- Can improve vision, comfort and long‑term eyelid health.
- Results emerge as swelling settles and may last 5–10 years.
- Individual consultation gives tailored information and clear cost guidance.
Personalised eyelid treatment to refresh the area around your eyes
Treatment for the lids is personalised to address specific ageing changes and any functional concerns. A consultant will discuss goals and assess skin, muscle and fat to create a tailored plan.
What blepharoplasty can improve: excess skin, eye bags and wrinkles
Blepharoplasty targets excess skin, softens wrinkles and reduces lower bags to refresh the area around eyes.
- Removes drooping folds that weigh on the upper eyelids.
- Reduces puffiness and fat pockets in the lower eyelids.
- Smooths fine lines to improve overall appearance.
Who it’s for: patients with hooded upper eyelids, lower eyelid bags or vision concerns
Typical candidates are patients with hooded upper eyelids that affect vision, lower eyelid puffiness or a tired look. Your consultant will explain realistic outcomes and how the plan suits your face.
Medical need versus cosmetic procedure: when eyelid surgery supports eye health and vision
When hooding causes visual field loss or irritation, the approach is medical and aims to protect vision and long‑term health. For people seeking an improved appearance, the focus is aesthetic while still prioritising comfort and pain control.
Cosmetic eye surgery
Careful planning sets the scene for distinct work on the upper and lower eyelids. A tailored plan separates treatment for the heavy upper lid from the lower lid that shows bags or loose skin.
Upper versus lower eyelid surgery: what’s different?
The upper eyelid approach uses an incision in the natural crease to lift a heavy lid and remove excess skin. The lower lid incision sits just below the lashes to smooth bags and tighten skin.
- Upper: crease incision, lifts and trims skin to ease hooding.
- Lower: sub‑lash incision, conserves tissue while reducing fat pockets.
- Both can be combined (upper lower) to harmonise the frame.
How the procedure works: precise incisions, removal of excess skin and fat, fine stitches
The typical operation lasts up to 1.5 hours. The process follows a clear sequence: careful markings, a discreet incision, measured removal of skin and fat, then closure with very fine stitches.
A consultant will choose the safest operation for your anatomy and conditions, often recommending day surgery. Many patients have a local anaesthetic injected into the eyelids for comfort and faster discharge.
| Step | Upper eyelid | Lower eyelid | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incision | Natural crease | Below lashes | Minimal visible scar |
| Tissue work | Skin trimmed, fat adjusted | Fat repositioned or removed | Refined contour |
| Anaesthetic & stay | Local or general, day case | Local or general, day case | Predictable recovery |
Your consultation and surgical plan with an expert consultant surgeon
A detailed consultation helps match treatment to your anatomy and personal goals.
Assessment, expectations and cooling‑off: building a safe, realistic plan
At your initial consultation a consultant will assess eyelid shape, skin quality and the effect on your vision. This review includes medical history and any current medications.
Clear information is given about likely results, recovery time and any limits so patients can decide with confidence. Your surgeon will explain risks and follow‑up timing.
Providers recommend a minimum two‑week cooling‑off period between the consultation and booking. This allows time to reflect and to ask further questions.
Practical pre‑op steps and booking
Before the procedure you may be advised to stop smoking several weeks earlier and keep to a steady, healthy routine. Avoid hair removal near the eyelid area for a week before the operation.
To book an appointment contact our services team for price guidance and available dates. A structured timeline is agreed for consent, the operation and follow‑up to safeguard health and vision outcomes.
| Stage | What happens | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation | Assessment by consultant, plan and costs | Initial visit |
| Cooling‑off | Time to consider and ask questions | At least two weeks |
| Pre‑op | Health checks and practical advice | Weeks before procedure |
| Operation & follow‑up | Consent, procedure, arranged reviews | Set at consultation |
What to expect on the day: anaesthetic, comfort and going home
Expect a structured, calm day: arrival, anaesthetic, the procedure and monitored recovery before you go home. Staff complete checks, make markings and confirm consent at your appointment.
Day‑case care and discharge
You will receive either a local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic depending on the plan. Recovery is supervised and you leave the clinic the same day once safe.
Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. Do not plan to drive until vision is fully clear.
Pain relief and immediate care
Mild pain and tightness in the lid area are common. We usually supply medicines for up to 14 days and give clear instructions on how to take them.
Use cold compresses and keep your head elevated to reduce swelling around eyes. Lubricating drops help if eyes feel sticky, dry or watery.
Practical home care and recovery timeline
- Clean lids gently with plain water; avoid bending and heavy lifting for a few days.
- Do not wear contact lenses for two weeks; light make‑up may be allowed after about five days if approved.
- Stitches are removed at an arranged appointment 5–10 days after the procedure.
- Most patients return to work between 7 and 20 days, depending on whether upper eyelid or lower eyelid treatment was done.
Watery eyes, mild soreness and bruising are normal. Results begin to show from about three weeks as swelling settles and the team checks healing and comfort at follow‑up.
Recovery guidance, aftercare and potential complications
Early aftercare focuses on reducing swelling and protecting vision while tissues settle. Bruising and swelling often peak around days 1–2 and then ease, commonly turning yellow by days 10–14.
After surgery: swelling, bruising, vision changes and when to drive
Expect mild blurred vision for a few days. Do not drive until your vision is completely clear and you have checked with the team.
Typical temporary symptoms include dry or itchy eyes, light sensitivity and watery discharge. Use cold compresses, head elevation and prescribed pain relief to aid comfort.
Stitches are usually removed 5–10 days after the operation. Keep the eyelid skin clean with water only until cleared to use products.
Risks and rare complications: how we minimise and manage them
Rare complications include excessive skin removal, bleeding into the socket, corneal abrasion, double vision and unsatisfactory appearance.
Red flags — increasing pain, bleeding that won’t stop for 10–15 minutes, or blurred vision beyond 3–4 days — need urgent assessment. Our team provides contact numbers and arranged reviews to protect long‑term health and results.
| Symptom | Typical timing | Care | When to call |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swelling & bruising | Peaks days 1–2, improves by 10–14 days | Cold packs, rest, head elevated | If worsens after day 4 |
| Blurred vision | Usually clears in days | Rest, avoid screens, check drops | If persists beyond 3–4 days |
| Bleeding or severe pain | Immediate post‑op or early days | Apply gentle pressure, seek help | If bleeding >15 minutes or rising pain |
Pricing, finance and what’s included in your eyelid surgery
Transparent fees and simple finance options take the worry out of booking treatment. Below are example UK prices to help you budget and compare the medical (ophthalmology) and cosmetic pathways.
Transparent costs: example prices for upper and lower eyelids in the UK
Initial consultation from £226 (ophthalmology/medical) or £285 (cosmetic). Typical treatment prices (self‑pay):
- Both upper eyelids: from £4,085 (ophthalmology) or from £4,714 (cosmetic).
- Both lower eyelids: from £6,644.
- Both upper and lower (combined upper lower): from £8,847.
Payment options and 0% finance subject to terms
0% finance is available over 10 months in many cases. Example monthly illustrations:
| Procedure | Ophthalmology (per month) | Cosmetic (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Both upper eyelids | £408.50 | £471.40 |
| Both lower eyelids | £664.40 | — |
| Upper and lower | £884.70 | — |
What your price covers: consultation, procedure and follow‑up care
Typical packages include the procedure fee, consultant and surgeon care, theatre use, follow‑up visits and stitch removal at 5–10 days. We often include a standard pre‑op consultation and arranged post‑op checks.
Member benefits can reduce the listed price by around 10% for eligible members. Final cost varies with the extent of excess skin removal, any fat repositioning, choice of anaesthetic and whether one or both eyelids are treated.
Note: Take‑home medicines for up to 14 days may be an extra cost for some people. We discuss all likely charges at your consultation so you leave with a clear price and a recommended plan. Book an appointment to explore finance, timing and available dates with our team of experienced surgeons and consultants.
Conclusion
Blepharoplasty refines both upper and lower eyelid contours to smooth wrinkles, remove excess skin and improve how your eyes look and feel.
Early healing takes place over the first weeks and visible improvements begin at about three weeks. Most people return to normal activities and work between 10 and 20 days. Results commonly last five to ten years, with revision needed in fewer than 4% of cases.
Book a consultation or appointment with a surgeon to discuss a tailored upper eyelid, lower eyelid or combined upper lower plan. Our experienced surgeons handle skin and fat carefully to achieve natural outcomes and support comfort, health and vision.
Transparent price guidance, clear timing and ongoing services are available to suit your needs. Ask questions so we can align expectations and ensure a smooth, reassuring experience from first contact to follow‑up.
