Eyelid Surgery Fact Sheet

The objective

Eyelid surgery - or blepharoplasty - is performed to correct droopy, puffy or ‘baggy’ eyelids to give a more youthful or alert appearance, by removing excess skin, fat and muscle from around the upper and/or lower eyelids. This surgery cannot correct ‘crow’s feet’ or dark circles under the eyes.

The procedure

The operation is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic and can take 1-3 hours. Sometimes, it can be carried out with a local anaesthetic and sedation.

The procedure may be carried out on the upper or lower eyelids or both. On the upper eyelids, the surgeon will make cuts into the natural lines and creases of the eyelid and into the lines at the corner of the eye. On the lower lids, cuts are made below the eyelashes, so that scars will run along natural folds and are less conspicuous. Excess fat, muscle and loose skin are then removed, and the incisions are closed with fine stitches.

Sometimes, only fat will be removed from a cut on the internal lower eyelid. This is called transconjunctival blepharoplasty and will not leave a scar.

The outcome

Following surgery, the eyes will be covered with pads and the eyelids are supported with sterile tape. Any remaining stitches are removed after 2-7 days. You may need to apply a special ointment and cold compress to help healing.

The area may be swollen and painful for a few days, and it can take 2-3 days for normal vision to return after the eyes have stopped watering.

You will normally be able to leave the hospital within a few hours, though sometimes an overnight stay may be required. You can return to work after 7-10 days and should avoid strenuous activity for 2-3 weeks.

After the swelling has eased, the eyelids should appear firm without droop or bagginess.

The risks

All general anaesthesias carry associated risks, but complications particular to eyelid surgery include infection, itchiness, and swelling that pulls the lower lid away from the other, as well as vision problems (such as glaucoma) connected with operating so closely to the eye. Haematoma under the eyelid (a blood clot) is another risk.

You may find tiny whiteheads across the line where the stitches were which might need surgically removing with a fine needle.

Others problems include asymmetry of the eyes, where they look different and may need corrective surgery, and also possible permanent damage to the eye area.

The costs

In the UK, expect to pay from £3,000 to £5,300. Abroad, expect to pay from £820 (Belgium) to £2,500 (Italy).

The availability

Eyelid surgery is widely available in private cosmetic surgery clinics within the UK and abroad.

The popularity

Eyelid surgery is popular with both men and women who do not feel happy with having a ‘droopy’ or ‘baggy’ appearance of their eyelids, which can be due to ageing or may also be inherited. Sometimes, people opt for cosmetic eye surgery to improve their sight, if saggy skin in the upper lids hangs over the eyelashes obstructing their vision.