Duration of the treatment 45-60 minutes
Fit for Everyday Life Take things easy for 1–2 weeks
Recovery Time 10 to 14 days
Follow-up Treatment Follow-up with your surgeon
Treatment offered at All clinics

What Is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a minor surgical procedure that removes excess fat, skin and wasted muscle from the upper and lower eyelids, clearing the eyes and giving a more youthful appearance. For some, it can also improve vision.

There are two main types, and you can have one or both:

  • Upper blepharoplasty: upper eyelid surgery targets loose or hooded skin on the upper lids. As well as making you look more rested, it can help when excess eyelid skin starts to interfere with your peripheral vision.
  • Lower blepharoplasty: lower eyelid surgery addresses bags and excess skin beneath the eyes, sometimes carried out using a transconjunctival approach, where the incision is made inside the lower eyelid rather than on visible skin.

Having both done together is known as a double blepharoplasty.

You may also see it called eyelid surgery, an eye lift or hooded eye surgery. It’s a different procedure to a brow lift, which repositions the eyebrows rather than the eyelids, so it’s worth checking with us which one actually matches your concern.

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What To Expect During Your Appointment

  • Before your surgery, your surgeon carries out several checks to plan your treatment. This can include an eye exam to test tear production, vision field testing to check for any blind spots, and eyelid photography, which helps plan the procedure and gives you a clear before-and-after record.
  • You’ll then be given a local anaesthetic in the upper or lower eyelid, so you may feel some pressure or movement as it’s injected, but you shouldn’t feel pain.
  • For an upper blepharoplasty, your surgeon cuts along the natural fold of the eyelid to remove excess skin, muscle and fat, before closing the site. For a lower blepharoplasty, the incision is made just below the lashes, in the eyelid crease, or inside the lower lid (transconjunctival blepharoplasty), before repositioning or removing excess fat, skin and muscle and closing the incision.
  • The procedure itself takes around 45 minutes to an hour, and you’ll be able to go home the same day.
  • Over the following 10 to 14 days, it’s normal to notice some blurred or double vision, light sensitivity, puffy or numb eyelids, swelling, bruising and discomfort around the incision lines. Cool compresses over the eyes for the first day or two help reduce swelling, and any prescribed eye drops or ointments should be used as directed.
  • You’ll be asked to sleep with your head raised for a couple of days, wear UV400 sunglasses to protect against sun damage while you heal, avoid contact lenses and make-up until fully healed, and attend a follow-up appointment so your surgeon can check on your healing.
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Benefit one

Brighter, more rested eyes

Removing excess skin and fat opens up the eye area, so you look less tired, which often helps give a more youthful appearance.

Benefit two

Can improve your field of vision

When heavy upper lids start to block your vision, removing them can help make tasks like driving and reading easier.

Benefit three

Long-lasting results

Eyelid surgery results are long-lasting. Although your eyes carry on ageing naturally over time, the skin and fat removed during surgery don't simply return.

Benefit four

Carried out by a GMC-registered surgeon

Your eye lift will be undertaken by GMC-registered plastic reconstruction surgeon Ricardo Tejero (GMC No. 4286916), so you can rest assured you're in well-practised hands. Dr Tejero has spent many years working with the NHS and has worked in various hospitals across the country.

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    Why Choose Aesthetics Of Essex

    Blepharoplasty is one of the bigger decisions on this page, so who’s actually doing it matters more than usual. Ricardo Tejero, a GMC-registered plastic reconstruction surgeon with years of NHS experience, carries out your eyelid surgery.

    We’ve been established in Essex since 2012, with three boutique clinics in Upminster, Rayleigh and Maldon. For something as personal as changing how your eyes look, we’d rather talk you through exactly what blepharoplasty can and can’t do for you at a free, no-obligation consultation than tell you what you want to hear.

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    Blepharoplasty Pricing

    Upper blepharoplasty

    £2,250

    Removes excess skin from the upper eyelid to open up the eye area.

    Lower blepharoplasty

    £2,950

    plus anaesthetists costs

    Removes or repositions excess fat and skin from beneath the eye.

    Upper and lower blepharoplasty

    £4,250

    plus anaesthetists costs

    Removes or repositions excess fat and skin from the upper eyelid and from beneath the eye.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What can blepharoplasty treat?

    Blepharoplasty can be used to:

    • Remove excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids
    • Remove excess skin and fat from the lower eyelids
    • Reduce eye bags
    • Reduce lines and creases around the eyes
    • Improve peripheral vision
    Am I a suitable candidate for blepharoplasty?

    A good candidate for blepharoplasty is generally in good health, with realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve. This usually includes people with baggy or drooping upper eyelids, upper eyelid skin that’s starting to affect peripheral vision, excess skin on the lower eyelids, or bags under the eyes that don’t settle on their own.

    Blepharoplasty is typically performed on patients aged 35 and over, though if droopy eyelids run in the family, you may decide to have it done earlier. Your surgeon will also talk through your medical history at your consultation to check that the procedure is right for you.

    The best way to find out if you’re suitable, and the results you can realistically expect, is to book an initial consultation with our team.

    Is blepharoplasty painful?

    Blepharoplasty is carried out under local anaesthetic, sometimes with sedation. You’ll feel some pressure or movement as it’s injected, and shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure itself. Some swelling, irritation and bruising are normal afterwards, and painkillers, eye drops and cool compresses can help manage any discomfort.

    How long is recovery and what's involved?

    Most people take it easy for the first week or two while bruising and swelling settle. In the first 10 to 14 days, it’s normal to notice some blurred or double vision, light sensitivity, puffy or numb eyelids, and soreness around the incision lines.

    To help recovery:

    • Use cool compresses over your eyes for around 10 minutes every hour on the day of surgery, then 4 to 5 times a day the following day, to help reduce swelling
    • Use any prescribed eye drops or ointments as directed
    • Sleep with your head raised higher than your chest for 2 to 3 days
    • Wear UV400 sunglasses to limit sun exposure and protect against sun damage while you heal
    • Keep the surgical area clean, and avoid contact lenses or make-up until you’re fully healed, to avoid irritating the incision lines

    Your surgeon will give you a personalised aftercare plan and will want to see you at a follow-up appointment to check on your healing.

    What does blepharoplasty cost?

    £2,250 for an upper eye lift and from £2,950 for a lower blepharoplasty. For both an upper and lower eye lift, you can expect to pay around £4,250.

    For an accurate quote for your specific eyelid surgery, it’s best to book a consultation or view our price list.

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