Blepharoplasty (eyelid lift surgery)

What is blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is the name given to a type of cosmetic surgery used to improve the appearance of the eyes by removing excess soft tissue from the upper and/or lower eyelids. In doing so, it can make your skin appear smoother, firmer and more youthful, while also making your eyes look wider and a more prominent feature of your face.

The popularity of blepharoplasty is on the rise, with studies showing a 13% increase in the number of procedures between 2024 and 2025. This made blepharoplasty the third most popular cosmetic surgery in the UK, with over 3,000 procedures performed.

What is blepharoplasty also known as?

Blepharoplasty is also sometimes referred to as an eyelid lift, hooded eye surgery or eyelid reshaping.

What are the benefits of blepharoplasty?

There are a wide range of benefits associated with blepharoplasty. These include:

1. Rejuvenated appearance

Many people who choose to have blepharoplasty are actively looking to address tired, puffy or drooping eyes in a bid to look more youthful. The surgery can remove excess fat that causes bags and puffiness and pull skin tighter to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

2. Correcting asymmetry

A perfectly symmetrical face is very rare, but some people experience asymmetry across the appearance of their eyes that leaves them lacking in confidence. Blepharoplasty can be used to correct any imbalances, so you feel happier in your own skin.

4. Reduced eye strain

Heavy upper eyelids can put extra strain on the muscles in your forehead, as you instinctively use them to lift your brows so that you can see clearly. You may not even realise it, but this can cause chronic headaches and tiredness. Blepharoplasty can provide a permanent lift that helps eliminate eye strain and associated pain.

5. Improved vision

Although it's rare, some people experience eyelid sagging that is so significant that it obstructs their eyes and vision. Blepharoplasty is the most effective way to remove excess fat, skin and muscle to reduce the size of your eyelids and improve their positioning, so that you can enjoy a full field of vision again. If your eyelid itself is dropping below the pupil of your eye, you may need a different type of operation called ptosis surgery.

6. Excellent success rate and long-lasting results

Blepharoplasty has an excellent success rate, with moderate to high satisfaction rates across surveyed patients. Exactly how long results last can vary between patients, but reports suggest that many people remain satisfied with the outcome of their procedure for at least ten years.

What medical conditions can blepharoplasty treat?

Blepharoplasty isn’t purely a cosmetic procedure. It can also be used to treat a number of medical concerns. These include:

1. Dermatochalasis: This is the name given to describe excessively sagging skin on your eyelids. It’s caused by a loss of elasticity in your skin, which is normal as you get older. Over time, this loss of elasticity combined with gravity can cause eyelids to become increasingly looser, and this can create a tired-looking appearance, even if you feel fully awake. It most often affects your upper eyelids, but the lower ones can start to sag too.
2. Ptosis: Ptosis is a condition characterised by weakness of the muscles responsible for lifting an eyelid. This causes the affected eyelid to hang noticeably lower, potentially to the point where it impairs your vision.
3. Skin irritation: Moderate to severe dermatochalasis can eventually lead to folds of skin forming. When this happens, it’s common to get irritation, itching and even soreness and infection in the overlapping folds of skin. Blepharoplasty can remove excess skin so that this doesn’t happen.
4. Headaches: As we now know, heavy brows and eyelids can cause chronic headaches. Blepharoplasty can lighten your forehead load so that these are less likely to happen.
5. Ectropion/entropion: These rare conditions occur when your eyelid turns inwards (ectropion) or outwards (entropion), which causes dryness, irritation and potentially even damage to your cornea, which is the clear dome covering the front part of your eye.

Cosmetic reasons for blepharoplasty

The main cosmetic reason why people get blepharoplasty is that they want to look more youthful. The natural ageing process isn’t kind on any part of your body, and your eyelids are no exception. Gravity, along with natural age-related changes to the skin and soft tissues around your eyes, causes them to lose strength and elasticity. Blepharoplasty can remove excess fat, skin and muscle and pull the skin tighter again, eliminating lines and wrinkles.

Some of the cosmetic issues that blepharoplasty can address include:

• Hooded eyes
• Droopy upper eyelids
• Under-eye bags
• Excess skin
• Puffiness

If you are unsure if blepharoplasty can help resolve some of the concerns that you have about the appearance of your eyes, speak to your surgeon or a member of our healthcare team.

What are the different types of blepharoplasty?

There are different types of blepharoplasties, and which you’ll be recommended will depend on the issues that you’re trying to address.

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty targets your upper eyelids, removing fat, excess skin and muscle to reduce their size and eliminate a hooded appearance. It’s also the procedure that is recommended if heavy upper eyelids and brows are obscuring your vision.

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is used to address sagging skin, muscle and fat from the lower eyelids, eliminating the appearance of bags, puffiness and fine lines and wrinkles. It too can help create a smoother, more youthful appearance.

Combined blepharoplasty

Unsurprisingly, combined blepharoplasty surgery is where both the upper and lower eyelids are treated at the same time. It is sometimes combined with other cosmetic procedures such as a facelift to further enhance its effects.

Revision blepharoplasty

Finally, revision blepharoplasty is the name given to a secondary, more specialised procedure to correct a previous blepharoplasty surgery in the unlikely event that you’re unhappy with the results, or that you’re experiencing functional issues such as tight eyelids or dry eyes. Revision blepharoplasty is normally complex and cannot be undertaken for at least 6 to 12 months after the initial surgery.

Who is suitable for blepharoplasty?

You may be a good candidate for blepharoplasty if you:

• Are physically healthy with no chronic, uncontrolled conditions
• Have good eye health, with no sign of conditions such as glaucoma or dry eye
• Are a non-smoker, as smoking can significantly increase your risk of complications and delay your recovery
• Have excessive skin, drooping or heavy eyelids, or eye bags that haven’t improved with non-surgical treatments
• Are over the age of 30, as cosmetic surgery treatments are often not recommended before this time
• Have realistic expectations for the outcome of your surgery.

Some people wonder, “Can men have blepharoplasty?” - while it’s a cosmetic surgery treatment that is typically more popular with women, there are a growing number of men now actively considering or undergoing blepharoplasty treatment.

Who is not suitable for blepharoplasty?

You may not be a suitable candidate for blepharoplasty if you:

• Have an active, severe or unstable eye condition such as glaucoma, a detached retina or severe dry eye syndrome
• Have uncontrolled medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease or thyroid disease
• Take blood thinners, although they can usually be stopped for surgery
• Are pregnant/breastfeeding
• Suffer from body dysmorphia
• Have fine lines and wrinkles only, rather than excess skin and sagging
• Have unrealistic expectations about what your surgery can achieve.

What are the alternatives to blepharoplasty?

Most people who are unhappy with the appearance of their eyes try non-surgical methods of treatment first, before undergoing blepharoplasty.

Some of the non-surgical treatments that you may want to consider include, but aren’t limited to:

• Botox: Botox is an injectable treatment that temporarily blocks nerve signals to the targeted muscles, preventing them from contracting and keeping skin smooth and firm, even when you’re making facial expressions. It’s a temporary treatment that best suits the brow area, which then has an effect in pulling the upper eyelids up, with results usually lasting up to 4 months before a further injection is required.
• PDO thread lifts: This cosmetic procedure involves inserting fine threads under your skin, which anchor into deeper layers of tissue. They are then pulled up and back to gently lift sagging upper eyelids and brows. At around 12-18 months, results usually last longer than Botox.
• Dermal fillers: Fillers are another injectable cosmetic treatment. As their name suggests, they work by filling areas where there is excess skin. They do this using gel-like substances such as hyaluronic acid, with plump out the space, restoring lost volume and making skin appear tighter, smoother and firmer. Also known as tear trough fillers, they are a great way to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles and are particularly effective on the lower half of your face. Like Botox, the results are temporary, usually lasting between 8 and 12 months.
• Co2 laser resurfacing: This is a minimally invasive treatment that uses controlled pulses of laser energy to tighten and resurface the delicate skin around the eyes. It works by vaporising the outer layer of skin and stimulating natural collagen production, which contracts and firms the eyelid area without the need for incisions. Best suited to those with mild to moderate skin laxity, it reduces wrinkles and improves skin texture and elasticity, with results that can last for years.

What is the difference between blepharoplasty and ptosis surgery?

While both blepharoplasty and ptosis surgery address issues with the area around the eyes, they are different surgeries. Blepharoplasty is primarily a cosmetic surgery that targets removing excess fat, muscle and skin around the eyes to rejuvenate appearance and, in some cases, remove visual obstructions.

Ptosis is a condition characterised by a drooping upper eyelid, usually caused by a weakness in the muscle there. Ptosis surgery is designed to address this visible drooping, which it does by tightening, shortening or repositioning the muscle so that it holds the eyelid in a more natural, symmetrical position.

Usually, ptosis surgery is combined with blepharoplasty surgery for the best overall result.

How should I prepare for blepharoplasty?

You should prepare for blepharoplasty in the same way that you prepare for any other type of surgical procedure. Taking proactive steps to prepare can lower the risk of some types of complications, improve your rate of recovery and your overall outcome from your procedure.

Some of the ways that you can prepare for blepharoplasty include:

• Eat a healthy, balanced and nutritious diet
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Stop smoking if you do, as research shows that it can increase your risk of complications and delay your recovery
• Follow your consultant’s instructions about stopping any regular medications if required
• Avoid alcohol in the days before your procedure – it’s widely accepted that drinking it shortly before surgery can increase your risk of complications and have a negative impact on recovery times
• Arrange for someone to take you to your appointment, and to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours after your surgery, while your anaesthetic wears off.

Always follow all the recommendations made by your consultant (surgeon) and Nuffield Health medical team.

What happens at my pre-operative assessment?

As with all surgeries, you’ll need to have a pre-operative assessment. This is an appointment designed to determine that your chosen procedure is suitable for you, and to plan what will happen during the surgery itself.

For blepharoplasty, some of the pre-op assessment steps may include:

• A physical evaluation of the skin around your eyes to assess the extent of the sagging and its impact, if any, on your vision
• An eyelid evaluation, which will check exactly how much excess skin you have, how well the muscles are working and if you’d benefit from ptosis surgery instead/as well
• Evaluation of your eyes to check your vision and to exclude conditions that may adversely affect the results of blepharoplasty surgery, such as severe dry eyes
• General health screening, looking at things such as your weight, blood pressure, heart rate, etc.
• Finding out about your past medical history, including asking about any current medications you take
• Discussing what will happen during your surgery, including planning for your anaesthetic.

What happens during blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty can be carried out using either local or general anaesthetic. Local anaesthetic numbs the area for surgery, but you’ll still be awake. It can be combined with sedation if necessary to help keep you comfortable and calm. General anaesthetic puts you to sleep for the duration of the surgery. Your consultant will help you to decide which anaesthetic option is best for you.

In most cases, a blepharoplasty procedure is quite quick, taking an estimated 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on whether you’re having a single or combined surgery.

Exactly what will happen during the surgery will depend on whether you’re having upper or lower blepharoplasty. If you’re having upper eyelid surgery, your consultant will make an incision along the natural crease of your upper eyelids. In lower blepharoplasty, this is made either just below your lash line, or inside the lower eyelid. This placement is done with the intention of hiding scars in the natural folds of your eyelids as much as possible.

Excess skin, fat and muscle can then be removed or repositioned to eliminate sagging and rejuvenate the overall appearance of the area. Incisions are closed using either fine stitches or surgical glue and covered with dressings.

It’s performed as a day surgery, meaning you won’t have to stay overnight at the hospital and should be able to go home a few hours after your procedure.

Is blepharoplasty painful?

No, whichever anaesthetic option you choose, its use means that the procedure itself won’t be painful. The effects should also last for a short while after the surgery is complete, after which you’ll be prescribed painkillers to help keep you comfortable.

Post-surgery discomfort is very common and usually reaches its peak around 2 days after your procedure. After this, it should start to ease. Most people find that they can manage with over-the-counter pain relief when they return home.

How long does it take to recover from blepharoplasty?

As a fairly straightforward surgery, the initial recovery from blepharoplasty usually only takes a few weeks. However, it can take up to 6 months for all of the swelling to subside and your scars to start to fade.

A typical recovery timeline for blepharoplasty looks something like this:

How long does swelling and bruising last after blepharoplasty?

It really depends on each individual. Bruising typically lasts for a few weeks, and while most of the swelling will ease within this time, it can take up to 6 months for it to go completely. Cold compresses and sleeping with an extra pillow can help reduce swelling, especially in the first few days after surgery.

When can I sleep on my side after blepharoplasty?

Your consultant (surgeon) will recommend that you don’t sleep on your side straight away after blepharoplasty. This is because sleeping on your side or front can pull on your incisions and affect the symmetry of your healing. You’ll be advised to sleep on your back with your head elevated for at least 2 weeks to help counteract swelling and get the best possible results from your treatment.

When can I drive after blepharoplasty?

You should not drive for at least 24 hours after blepharoplasty. In most cases, you’ll be advised to wait at least 4 to 7 days to give your incisions time to heal, but it’s always important to follow the advice of your surgeon. You’ll also need their permission, and to ensure you meet the minimum visual standard for driving, otherwise you could find that your insurance won’t cover you in the event of an accident.

When can I exercise after blepharoplasty?

It all depends how quickly you heal, but you definitely shouldn’t do too much too soon and give your body time to recover. You should be able to resume activities like walking within 48 hours, but other exercise should be increased gradually. If you want to take part in strenuous exercise like running, cycling or contact sports, you should wait at least 4 to 6 weeks and get the all clear from your surgeon beforehand.

When can I wear contact lenses after blepharoplasty?

Again, you’ll need your consultant to give you permission to wear contact lenses after blepharoplasty, but most people can start wearing them within 2 weeks. If you try to wear them and you experience any discomfort, dry eyes or irritation, take your lenses out and wait another week before trying again.

What are the possible risks and complications of blepharoplasty?

It’s generally considered safe, but like any surgery, there are some risks and complications to be aware of.

 Common blepharoplasty side effects:

• Bruising and swelling around your eyes
• Temporarily blurred vision
• Temporary sensitivity to light
• Eyes that feel gritty, dry or itchy
• Tightness around your eyes
• Numb eyelashes - you cannot feel them when you put mascara on; this can last 6 months.

Uncommon complications associated with blepharoplasty:

• Infection at the site of the incisions
• Bleeding under the skin
• Ectropion, which is where the lower eyelid pulls down and rolls outwards
• Difficulty closing your eyes completely
• Visible, thick scarring
• Asymmetry in the appearance of your eyes
• Under-correction, where not enough skin has been removed
• Over-correction, where too much skin has been removed. This is much more serious as it can lead to permanent eye damage and may require skin grafts
• There is a very small risk to your vision with serious complications.

If you have any concerns at any point of the recovery process, always speak to your surgeon or a member of your medical team.

What is the success rate of blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is widely considered to be a very successful surgery, with one study showing satisfaction rates of 85%. Exact success rates vary by individual, but by following the post-operative instructions given to you by your surgical team, you can help reduce your risk of complications and optimise the outcome of your treatment.

How much does blepharoplasty cost at Nuffield Health?

Select your local Nuffield Health hospital to find contact details and guide prices for blepharoplasty. Please note that the guide price stated is an approximate cost of treatment only. You will be given a fixed all-inclusive price for treatment following your initial consultation with a consultant.