The eyes are one of the most telling areas of our age. Unfortunately for some, they don’t always tell the truth. Age, over exposure to the sun, smoking and genetics all have a part to play in the way the skin around our eyes looks. If you’re feeling unhappy with loose skin or bagginess around the eyes,  you may be considering a corrective cosmetic procedure called blepharoplasty.



Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is fast becoming one of the most popular types of plastic surgery for men and women and it’s one that normally produces very good results. It’s a relatively straightforward operation and can often be undergone as a day case in hospital.
There are two types of blepharoplasty dealing with upper and lower lids and both operations can be performed at the same time if necessary.

Why Have Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty can effectively remove eye bags and ‘hooded’ eyelids leaving the under eye area with a flatter more youthful appearance and a more defined eye socket.

Eyelid surgery be extremely beneficial for those experiencing premature ageing around the eyes and appears ‘tired all the time’.  Occasionally excess eyelid eye lid skin can impair vision bringing a more urgent case for undergoing blepharoplasty.

Types of Blepharoplasty

Upper Eyelids

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is performed where there is an excess of skin above the eyes. It’s usually treated as a day case with a local anaesthetic and generally takes around 45 minutes.

The surgeon removes excess skin and fatty tissue by making a thin incision along the crease of the eye socket.  Afterwards, the eyelid will be stitched up and left to heal for five to seven days. There will be some bruising which can vary from person to person.

Lower Eyelids

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery performed to remove what are commonly referred to as eye bags. These aren’t the ordinary, puffy under eye bags that occur after a late night and solved by applying a cooling cream.  Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is undertaken where there is an excess of fatty tissue and /or loose skin underneath the eyes. These eye bags are permanent and often down to genetics.  Their removal can provide a flatter and more youthful appearance.

Surgery on the lower eyelids may involve an overnight stay and sometimes require a general anaesthetic. The surgeon will make a fine incision underneath the eyelashes, or alternatively inside the eyelid (Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty). Stitches should be kept in for five to seven days while the eyelid heals. Again, bruising varies from person to person. Generally you should be able to return to work between 7 and 14 days after surgery.

Before and After Surgery

Before undergoing surgery your surgeon will discuss what can be done for you. You should be in good general health and able to take around two weeks off work. Patients are often advised to take arnica, a homeopathic healing remedy, for about one to two weeks prior to surgery. This can help to minimize bruising.

 For the first three to four days after surgery you’ll need to rest with your head elevated while the swelling and bruising goes down.  You’ll be prescribed painkillers to help with the first few days but this quickly dissipates. Applying an icepack is also recommended to ease swelling. During the next couple of weeks you’ll also have to refrain from any strenuous activity that may put a strain on your scars.

With both types of eyelid surgery, scars should fade quickly to leave faint, barely noticeable white lines. Over time, it is possible that looseness or bagginess of skin will return. Again, this varies greatly and long term results can’t be guaranteed.

Possible Risks

As with any surgery, there are always risk factors and your surgeon should explain these to you beforehand. Generally, risks associated with eyelid surgery are small, however you should be aware of the possible risks and side effects that may occur with some people:

• Swelling and bruising around the eyes which should disappear completely within three weeks;
• Numbness around the scar area which can be permanent;
• Removal of too much skin from upper eyelid leaving the patient unable to properly close their eyes;
• Uneven repair of scar tissue, but this is unusual;
• Further swelling or pulling of the lower lid. This should correct itself but may require further surgery;
• Infection of the scar area;
• Usual risks associated with a general anaesthetic.

If you are considering undergoing blepharoplasty, spend some time researching and visiting qualified cosmetic surgeons. Ask for before and after pictures of previous patients so you’ll have a more realistic idea of what can be achieved.

The benefits of blepharoplasty can’t be understated.  For many, a blepharoplasty procedure can significantly improve appearance and restore self confidence.  If you’re unhappy with your appearance due to baggy, saggy eyes, blepharoplasty may be your answer.