Blepharoplasty

A fresher, rested look while keeping your natural expression

If you feel like your eyes look tired even when you are not, it is often down to very specific changes around the eyelids. For some people it is extra skin on the upper lids that makes the eyes look heavier. For others it is under eye puffiness, or a shadow between the lower lid and the cheek. Blepharoplasty, also called eyelid surgery, is designed to treat these details with precision, so you look more refreshed without changing who you are.

What blepharoplasty can improve

Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Depending on your anatomy, it may help with:

  • Heavy-looking upper lids caused by excess skin
  • Under-eye bags and puffiness
  • A tired appearance caused by shadows and contour changes around the lower lid
  • In some cases, upper lid heaviness that can affect the visual field

A good goal is simple: you still look like yourself, just less tired.

Upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both

Upper blepharoplasty

Lower blepharoplasty

During your consultation, the plan is chosen based on your eyelid support, skin quality, and what is actually causing the tired look.

p>Upper eyelid surgery usually focuses on removing a measured amount of excess skin and, when needed, refining fat. The incision is typically placed in the natural eyelid crease so it becomes discreet as it heals.

Lower eyelid surgery often targets under-eye bags and the lid-to-cheek transition. There are different approaches depending on whether you need skin tightening:

  • An incision just under the lash line can allow access to treat bags and remove a small amount of excess skin.
  • A transconjunctival approach (inside the lower eyelid) may be used in selected cases to address puffiness by adjusting fat, without removing skin and without an external scar.

Recovery: what to expect

First week

swelling, bruising, and a tight feeling around the lids are common. Cold compresses and ointment are often used as part of aftercare, depending on surgeon instructions.

Days 10 to 14

many people look noticeably more presentable as bruising and swelling settle.

Back to work

the NHS notes that many people take around 2 weeks off work, depending on the job.

Full healing

it can take a few months for healing and scar maturation to fully settle, even though you will look improved much earlier.

Procedure and anaesthesia

Blepharoplasty is commonly performed as a day procedure. Dr Haddad’s information notes that it is often done under local anaesthesia, depending on the case and the surgical plan. Incisions are planned along natural lines so they are as hidden as possible once healed.

Results and longevity

Many patients say the main change is that they look more rested and open around the eyes. Results can be long-lasting, but ageing continues, so the area will still evolve over time. Scars are expected to fade gradually and may take months to fully soften.