With age the eyelid skin stretches, the muscles weaken and the fat that cushions the eye bulges forward. The result is hooded upper lids that can feel heavy or even narrow the field of vision, and bags and hollows under the eyes that make the face look tired.
Blepharoplasty — eyelid surgery — corrects this by removing or repositioning the excess skin, muscle and fat through incisions hidden in the natural lines of the lid.
Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery
Upper Blepharoplasty
Excess skin and a small amount of fat are removed through an incision in the natural crease of the upper lid, so the scar sits in the fold and is hidden when the eye is open. It addresses hooded, heavy lids and can improve the upper field of vision when the skin hangs over the lashes.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Bulging fat under the eye is removed or redistributed, and loose skin is tightened. The incision is placed just below the lash line or on the inside of the lid (transconjunctival approach) when only fat needs treating, leaving no external scar.
Anaesthesia and Recovery
Blepharoplasty is a day-care procedure under local anaesthesia, with light sedation if preferred. Stitches, where used, are removed at about 5–7 days. Expect bruising and swelling for one to two weeks; cold compresses and keeping the head raised help. Most people return to desk work within a week and resume contact lenses and eye make-up after the surgeon's review.
Who It Suits — And Who Should Wait
Blepharoplasty suits healthy adults bothered by excess eyelid skin or under-eye bags. Dry eyes, thyroid eye disease, uncontrolled blood pressure or diabetes, and certain blood thinners need assessment first. Dark circles caused by pigmentation rather than bulging fat are not corrected by surgery; Fat Grafting or non-surgical treatment may be more appropriate, and the consultation is where that distinction is made.
Risks and Limitations
Temporary dryness or watering of the eyes, bruising, small asymmetries and, rarely, a lower lid that sits slightly low after surgery are the main risks. Blepharoplasty does not remove crow's feet or lift the brow; those are addressed with Botox or a brow lift if needed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blepharoplasty done under general anaesthesia?
No. Eyelid surgery is a day-care procedure under local anaesthesia, on the upper eyelid, lower eyelid or both.
Will eyelid surgery leave a visible scar?
Upper-lid incisions sit in the natural crease and are hidden when the eye is open. Lower-lid incisions are placed just under the lashes or inside the lid, where there is no external scar.
How long does it take to recover from Blepharoplasty?
Bruising and swelling settle over one to two weeks. Stitches come out at about 5–7 days, and most people are back at desk work within a week.
Does Blepharoplasty remove dark circles?
Only when the darkness is a shadow cast by bulging fat. Pigmentation or hollowing under the eye needs a different approach, such as Fat Grafting or non-surgical treatment.
Is a consultation a commitment to surgery?
No. Use the consultation to understand your options, alternatives, limitations and recovery, then take the time you need to decide.
Can I get a cost estimate?
Yes — after assessment the clinic gives an individual estimate. Ask what it includes: hospital charges, anaesthesia, implants and follow-up.
This page is general information written by Dr Vybhav Deraje for patients and families. It does not replace an individual consultation; treatment plans depend on clinical assessment.