What is Blepharoplasty? Here Are Five Important Things You Should Know About Eyelid Surgery in London

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery or eye bag removal, is one of the most sought-after facial rejuvenation procedures in the UK. It is designed to address drooping upper eyelids, bags under the eyes, skin laxity and overall tired-looking eyes, helping patients look refreshed, more youthful, and enhancing their natural features and facial structure.

At The Clinic, located in the heart of Chelsea in London, blepharoplasty is performed by Dr Maryam Zamani, our founder and world-renowned oculoplastic surgeon who specialises in both upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty. If you’ve been wondering what blepharoplasty is, read on to find out the five most important things to know.

1. The Basics of Blepharoplasty: It Can Be Upper or Lower

Blepharoplasty is a delicate surgical procedure that removes or repositions excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids. It is designed to address some of the most common concerns around the eyes, including:

• Sagging or hooded upper eyelids
• Puffy bags beneath the eyes
• Wrinkled or loose skin around the eyelids

Depending on your needs, blepharoplasty may be performed on the upper lids, lower lids, or both. In some cases, it can also be combined with other rejuvenating procedures to achieve the most harmonious, natural result.  This may include elevation of the brows as well.

Upper blepharoplasty: Removes or repositions excess skin and fat from the upper eyelid, reducing hooding and heaviness that can make eyes look tired or obstruct vision.

Lower blepharoplasty: Targets puffiness, under-eye bags, and loose skin beneath the eyes, restoring smoother contours and a brighter under-eye area.

Some patients may benefit from either an upper or lower blepharoplasty, while others achieve the best results with a combination of both and can be done in conjunction with other treatments.. For those who are not ready for surgery, our signature LumiEye Protocol offers an advanced non-surgical alternative, tightening the skin around the eyes and restoring a refreshed, rejuvenated appearance.

2. It’s About Subtle, Natural Rejuvenation

The goal of blepharoplasty is not a dramatic change. It is refined rejuvenation. Patients often say they look more awake and rested after surgery, without losing their natural expression. Dr Zamani’s philosophy centres on artistry and precision, ensuring that results are always natural, never overdone.

3. What to Expect from Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

During surgery, a discreet incision is made along the natural eyelid crease to remove excess skin and/ or reposition excess fat. This approach leaves a fine scar that becomes virtually invisible once healed.

Before the procedure, the amount of skin to be removed is carefully marked while the patient is upright, and confirmed again lying down, to ensure both precision and proper eyelid closure. Surgery is carried out under local anaesthetic, sedation or general anaesthetic and usually takes 30-60 minutes. Fat pads may be trimmed or repositioned to improve contour and restore a more youthful look. Fine, non-dissolvable sutures are placed and removed one week later.

Recovery

• Initial bruising and swelling resolve in 1–2 weeks, though full results develop over several weeks.
• Antibiotic ointment and artificial tears are prescribed for comfort.
• Cold compresses and sleeping with the head elevated are recommended in the first 48 hours.
• Patients can resume most daily activities the day after surgery, but should avoid strenuous exercise until cleared.
• Driving is not recommended until after the first post-operative check.
• Sutures are removed after one week, and makeup can usually be worn again within 7–10 days.

Mild numbness, tightness, and dryness are common but temporary. Complications such as infection, delayed healing, or vision changes are rare when the procedure is performed by an experienced oculoplastic surgeon.

4. What to Expect from Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

For patients troubled by puffiness or sagging under the eyes, lower blepharoplasty provides a highly effective solution.

• If only fat is removed or repositioned, the incision can be placed inside the eyelid (transconjunctival approach), leaving no visible scar. This technique also reduces risks associated with external incisions.
• When skin laxity is present, a fine incision may be made just beneath the lash line to remove excess skin. By following the eyelid’s natural crease, the resulting scar is discreet and blends seamlessly with the skin.
  In patients with eyelid laxity, a canthal suspension (canthopexy) may be performed to support the lower lid and prevent complications.

Surgery usually takes 1-2 hours, depending on complexity. Fat pads may be trimmed or redraped to restore smooth contours.

Recovery

• Swelling and bruising are expected but typically improve within 1–2 weeks.
• Antibiotic ointment and artificial tears are prescribed for comfort.
• Cold compresses and sleeping elevated help reduce swelling during the first 48 hours.
• Most patients resume daily activities within 24–48 hours, but exercise should be avoided for 2 weeks.
• Driving is not recommended until after the first post-operative check.
• Sutures, if used, are removed after one week, and makeup can be resumed 7–10 days post-surgery.

Temporary tightness, numbness, or dryness are common but usually resolve with time.

5. Results Can Last for Years

Upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty are both considered long-lasting procedures. Many patients enjoy results for 7-10  years, with eyelids maintaining a firmer, more youthful appearance long term.

Though ageing continues naturally, blepharoplasty is one of the most enduring aesthetic surgeries available and can be redone.  Generally, once fat is removed, it does not return.  Skin laxity will recur with the normal ageing process.

Make Sure You Choose the Right Surgeon in London

When researching blepharoplasty in London, it’s important to look for an oculoplastic surgeon. This subspecialty training ensures advanced expertise in eyelid anatomy and function, reducing risks and achieving refined results.

As both an ophthalmologist and aesthetic doctor, Dr Maryam Zamani brings unparalleled knowledge of the eyes, ensuring her patients receive safe, sophisticated outcomes.

Whichever eye treatment you are exploring for aesthetic rejuvenation, Maryam and her team will carefully assess your suitability, outline the benefits, and recommend the most effective treatment pathway for you. In expert hands, blepharoplasty becomes more than a treatment; it is a trusted tool to restore comfort, confidence, and support long-term wellbeing.

Book your consultation here.

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