Eyelid Surgery FAQs – Q&A about Blepharoplasty

, also known as eyelid lift surgery, can help people achieve and refreshed eyes without looking constantly tired. Centre for Surgery is recognised as a leading UK expert in eyelid surgery, and here we answer your most commonly asked questions about all aspects of blepharoplasty surgery.

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EYELID LIFT BENEFITS

Blepharoplasty offers several benefits for people who want a fresher, more alert appearance. The procedure removes excess skin and fat from the upper or lower eyelids, which helps reduce heaviness, puffiness and hooding. Many patients find that their eyes look brighter and more defined, giving the whole face a younger and more rested expression. The improvement can also make applying makeup easier and allow the natural shape of the eyes to stand out more clearly. When heavy upper lids affect vision, surgery can improve the field of view and reduce the strain associated with constantly lifting the brows. Results are long-lasting, and most patients enjoy a significant boost in confidence as their eyes regain a smoother and more youthful contour.

Blepharoplasty can be combined with other cosmetic procedures such as a , and to enhance overall .

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Eyelid surgery is highly for eliminating tired-looking eyes. The eyelids are tightened, and bulging fat is removed, helping reduce puffy eyes and eyelid wrinkles. Most patients find they achieve more striking-looking eyes, when combined with makeup.

Blepharoplasty surgery is not designed to alter the shape of the eye. A lateral canthoplasty, also known as almond eye surgery, can alter the position of the lateral canthus, which may slightly change the shape of the outer eye for a lifted appearance.

Eyelid surgery is not intended to alter the actual shape of the eyes, but it can give the of bigger eyes by removing excess skin and fat.

are characterised by excess skin and fat that droops over the upper eyelid, sometimes the eyelashes. This can make the eyes look tired or aged. A variety of factors including genetics, ageing and certain medical conditions can cause hooded eyelids.

Bags under the eyes refer to puffiness or swelling in the lower eyelid area. They can be caused by ageing, genetics, lack of sleep, diet and certain medical conditions. In more severe cases, surgery such as may be considered to remove excess skin and fat.

A lower blepharoplasty can help to get rid of dark circles under the eyes if they are caused by herniated fat. However, eyelid cannot excess pigmentation, which also causes dark circles.

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A can help improve the appearance of hooded eyes to some extent by lifting the eyebrows and forehead to a more youthful position, reducing excess skin around the upper eyelids. In some cases, a combination of a brow lift and may be recommended for optimal results.

can be useful in selected cases of mild to moderate ageing affecting the eyes. However, laser resurfacing cannot entirely remove droopy or sagging eyelids. Most patients can achieve effective correction of age-related eyelid changes with blepharoplasty.

SUITABLE CANDIDATES FOR EYELID SURGERY

Yes. Centre for Surgery observes a mandatory reflection period between your consultation and your date. This ensures you have had sufficient time to consider your decision fully, ask any remaining questions, and feel completely confident before proceeding. Your surgeon will confirm the specific timeframe at your consultation.

There are several different types of blepharoplasty surgery, including:

Ideal candidates for blepharoplasty include:

Although there is no ideal age Anti-Wrinkle for Women eyelid surgery, most people who choose a blepharoplasty are over 40.

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Yes. Men can have eyelid lift surgery just like women. Eyelid surgery is becoming increasingly popular among men seeking a more youthful, alert and refreshed look.

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HOW TO PREPARE FOR EYELID SURGERY

Ideal preparation for a stopping any medicines containing aspirin, which could increase the risk of bleeding. Smoking should be at least four weeks before and after surgery to healing. You should avoid excessive sunlight exposure for at least two weeks before and after surgery. You will need to arrange for a responsible adult escort to pick you up after surgery. Follow our standard preoperative fasting instructions on the day of your surgery.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be fastened from the front. Avoid T-shirts or any item of clothing that has to be removed over your head. Bring cold packs to reduce swelling after and equipment to store your contact lenses.

EYELID SURGERY PROCEDURE

"Eyelid surgery" is a general term that refers to any surgical procedure on the eyelids, while "blepharoplasty" specifically refers to the surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the eyelids to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance. The two terms are often used interchangeably.

Eyelid surgery can be performed under local or general anaesthesia. Upper blepharoplasty can be comfortably performed under local anaesthesia. Lower blepharoplasty or combined upper and lower eyelid surgery is best performed under a general anaesthetic for your comfort.

Upper eyelid takes approximately 30 minutes. Lower eyelid surgery takes approximately 60 minutes. Combined upper and lower blepharoplasty takes two hours.

Blepharoplasty is generally considered a minor or moderate surgical procedure. It is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, and recovery time is relatively short compared with more invasive surgeries.

Upper blepharoplasty generally involves administration of local anaesthesia (or general at the patient’s request); marking of the eyelids to plan the incision within the natural fold of the upper eyelid; of excess skin, body fat and in some cases a small amount of muscle; and meticulous closure of the incisions, often with absorbable sutures.

Lower blepharoplasty involves local or general anaesthesia; an incision just below the lash line or a transconjunctival incision inside the eyelid; removal or redistribution of excess skin, fatty tissue and muscle; repositioning of fat pads if necessary; and meticulous closure of the incision with fine sutures or skin adhesives.

is a surgical procedure performed to correct issues with the lateral canthus — the corner of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meet. It can be done for cosmetic such as lifting drooping lower eyelids, or to correct eyelid malposition. Canthoplasty can be performed on its own or combined with other eyelid surgery procedures.

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RECOVERY AFTER EYELID SURGERY

Most patients will notice their appear bruised and swollen for the first week after surgery. After approximately two weeks, bruising and swelling will have mostly disappeared, and you will be able to return to most types of work.

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Typically, patients can return to work and normal within one to two weeks after surgery. The incisions made during surgery will be closed with stitches or surgical tape, which will be removed within one to two weeks. Incision lines will then continue to heal and fade over the next weeks.

Follow your surgeon’s post-operative care carefully. Get plenty of rest to allow proper healing, and avoid smoking for at least four weeks after surgery. Avoid any vigorous activity, including going to the gym, and avoid excessive sunlight exposure. Minimise screen time to avoid eye strain. Eat a healthy diet and keep well hydrated.

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You must sleep on your back with your head in an elevated position for at least one week after surgery.

Make-up can be safely applied approximately three weeks after surgery. Applying makeup too early may irritate the eyes and delay recovery.

You should avoid driving a car for at least 72 hours after surgery.

Recovery after requires at least three to four weeks for full healing to occur.

Contact lenses should be avoided for at least three weeks after eyelid surgery as premature application can affect eyelid healing.

Your surgeon will position incisions within the natural curves and skin folds of the eyelids. Over time, scars will gradually turn faint white. Once the incisions have fully healed, silicone gel can be to the scars after four weeks.

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Eyelid surgery results should begin to look noticeable two weeks after surgery. The results will continue to improve after six weeks, once most of the swelling has disappeared.

EYELID LIFT RESULTS

Upper eyelid surgery can produce results that last between five and ten years. Lower blepharoplasty may produce results that last your entire lifetime. It is important to bear in mind that the natural ageing process cannot be stopped by surgery, and the face will continue to show signs of ageing over time.

Eyelid surgery permanently removes excess skin, fat and muscle from the upper and lower . However, the natural ageing process will continue over time.

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RISKS OF BLEPHAROPLASTY SURGERY

Potential risks and complications of blepharoplasty include:

Expertly performed surgery can produce results that last in excess of ten years, as long as patients maintain a healthy lifestyle including avoiding smoking and minimising sunlight exposure.

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Eyelid surgery is performed under local anaesthesia or IV sedation, meaning the patient is awake but relaxed and will not feel pain during the procedure. After surgery, some mild pain and discomfort may occur, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications prescribed by the surgeon.

is a minor procedure performed under local anaesthetic and is not associated with significant pain or discomfort in the postoperative period.

We would recommend choosing a specialist plastic surgeon to minimise the risk of complications. Recognised complications , excessive scarring, visual disturbance and bleeding.

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HOW TO FINANCE EYELID SURGERY

Eyelid surgery is typically considered a cosmetic procedure and is not usually by the NHS. The NHS will only provide eyelid surgery if it is deemed medically necessary — such as if the patient has a functional problem with their eyelids that affects their vision, or if the patient has a condition that causes the eyelids to droop excessively (eyelid ptosis). If eyelid surgery is purely cosmetic, patients will need to pay for it privately.

Private medical does not ordinarily cover cosmetic procedures such as blepharoplasty. You may qualify for privately insured treatment if you have developed an eyelid abnormality causing a medical such as visual disturbance or . Check with your insurer first.

Centre for Surgery offers a full range of finance options through Chrysalis Finance, including 0% APR for eligible applicants.

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To choose the best eyelid surgeon, ensure they are certified in plastic surgery by checking the GMC specialist register. Look for a with extensive eyelid surgery experience, and review their before-and-after photos. Ask about their qualifications, experience and approach to managing potential complications.

Eyelid surgery can be a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of the eyes and correct functional problems caused by sagging skin or excess fat. It can help create a more youthful, refreshed appearance and improve vision problems caused by drooping eyelids.

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Eyelid lift surgery at Centre for Surgery

Centre for Surgery is a specialist cosmetic surgery clinic in London specialising in the full range of eyelid surgery, including upper and lower blepharoplasty, , almond eye surgery and . Call us today at or complete the contact form below to book a consultation.

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Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s Baker Street, delivering plastic and cosmetic through GMC-registered specialist . Our expertise spans facial procedures including and , , for men, and body contouring procedures such as and . Patient safety, surgical excellence and natural-looking results sit at the heart of everything we do.

Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s iconic , offering plastic and cosmetic surgery led by consultant surgeons.

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