Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the eyelid. This is done to remove unwanted bags from under the eye or to improve droopy or hooded eyelids.
What does eyelid surgery involve?
Eyelid surgery is either performed under general anaesthetic or using local anaesthetic.
Upper blepharoplasty
This is the more common type of eyelid surgery. An incision is made in the crease of the eyelid, within its natural fold. Our surgeons can then remove any excess fat or skin, before applying stitches to the incision. The scar should be barely visible, as the incision is made in the natural crease. This procedure usually takes up to one hour.
Prices
Local anaesthetic – from £2,800
General anaesthetic – from £4,800
Lower blepharoplasty
An incision is made in one of two places: just underneath the lower eyelashes, or on the inside of the eyelid. The surgeon can remove any excess fat from under the eye, and in some cases excess skin. This operation is very effective at removing eye bags but is less predictable at removing wrinkles because the amount of skin that can be removed may be limited, removing too much skin will cause the lower lid to be dragged down. This procedure can last up to two hours.
Prices
General anaesthetic – from £5,130
Prices – upper and lower
General anaesthetic – from £6,580
Recovery after eyelid surgery
Most patients will need to take a week off work following this surgery. Stitches may need to be removed or will naturally absorb into the skin. You will be seen for a review one week after for any tapes or stitches to be removed. You won’t be able to drive for several days post-operatively. You will have bruising and redness to the area, but these will fade over a few weeks.
It’s advisable to sleep with your head on three pillows for several days after the procedure. This will help to reduce swelling and will allow you to sleep more comfortably. You may be given cream or drops to use on the delicate eye area, and applying an ice pack can help to reduce any swelling. Painkillers can also help with any mild pain or discomfort. You will need to avoid swimming and rubbing the eyes during the first few weeks after surgery. This will help to reduce swelling and to speed up the healing process.
This treatment is offered by our surgical cosmetic clinic, Bristol Plastic Surgery. You can read more about eyelid surgery on their website.
