Eyelid Lift
Blepharoplasty
The following two sections contain information on upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty. The two procedures can be carried out independently of each other or together, depending on individual anatomy and goals.
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat from the upper eyelids. It can be performed for functional or cosmetic reasons. It is in fact the most common cosmetic procedure performed worldwide.
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What Is Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty?
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is designed to improve the appearance or function of the upper eyelids. As we age, the skin around the eyes can become loose or heavy, causing a "hooded" look or even interfering with vision. In some cases, younger individuals may develop excess skin due to genetics.
This procedure removes the redundant tissue to create a more open, rested appearance or to restore clear vision.
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Who Might Benefit from the Procedure?
You may be a good candidate if you have:
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Loose or sagging skin that folds over the natural eyelid crease
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A heavy or tired appearance caused by excess upper eyelid skin
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Difficulty applying makeup to the upper lids
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Visual obstruction due to overhanging skin
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A desire for a more youthful, alert look
In some cases, blepharoplasty is combined with ptosis surgery if the eyelid itself is drooping.
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What Does the Surgery Involve?
Upper lid blepharoplasty is typically performed under local anaesthetic, sometimes with sedation (sometimes called "twilight anaesthesia"). The surgery:
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Involves a small incision placed within the natural eyelid crease
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Allows for removal of excess skin and, if needed, a small amount of muscle or fat
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Leaves a faint hidden scar line in the natural eyelid fold, which is difficult for others to see
The procedure usually takes around 45 minutes, and patients go home the same day.
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Will I Need Any Tests Before Surgery?
Yes, a full consultation is required before surgery. Depending on your medical history and whether you are having general anaesthesia or sedation, you may also need pre-assessment with the anaesthetic team​
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What Is the Recovery Like?
Recovery is generally quick and well-tolerated:
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Swelling and bruising peak at 2–3 days, then settle over 1–2 weeks
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Cold compresses help reduce swelling
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Most patients feel comfortable returning to normal activities within 14 days
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Sutures are usually removed after 7 days
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Final results are visible within 6-8 weeks, with scars continuing to fade over several months
You’ll be given clear aftercare instructions and a follow-up plan.
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Are There Any Risks?
As with any surgery, blepharoplasty carries risks. These may include:
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Bruising, swelling, or temporary discomfort
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Dry eyes (usually temporary)
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Scarring (usually minimal and well hidden)
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Asymmetry or over-/under-correction
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Infection (rare)
​All risks will be discussed fully during your consultation.
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Is It Covered by Insurance?
Upper lid blepharoplasty is considered cosmetic and therefore not covered by insurance. A detailed quote will be shared with you after your consultation.
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Why Choose an Oculoplastic Surgeon for your upper blepharoplasty?
Oculoplastic surgeons are eye doctors (ophthalmologists) with specialist training in plastic surgery around the eyes. Because the eyelids are complex, delicate structures that play a critical role in protecting the eye and maintaining vision, it’s important to have surgery performed by someone who understands both aesthetic and functional considerations.
As an ASOPRS-trained and BOPSS-member oculoplastic surgeon, Miss Ting offers a modern, precise approach to blepharoplasty with a focus on natural results and patient safety.
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to reduce puffiness, under-eye bags, and/or loose skin beneath the eyes. It is a delicate and nuanced operation, and is best performed by an oculoplastic surgeon trained in the anatomy and support structures of the eyelid.
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What Is Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty?
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is designed to improve the appearance of the area beneath the eyes by:
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Removing or repositioning fat causing puffiness or "bags"
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Tightening or removing loose skin and fine wrinkles
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Smoothing the transition between the lower eyelid and upper cheek
Unlike upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid blepharoplasty is almost always cosmetic.
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What Causes Under-Eye Bags or Loose Skin?
Under-eye bags and sagging skin are typically due to:
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Age-related changes in fat distribution and skin elasticity
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Weakening of the eyelid support structures
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Genetics (some people develop bags at a younger age)
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Lifestyle factors like sleep, allergies, or fluid retention
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Inflammation of the eye socket such as in thyroid eye disease
How Is the Surgery Performed?
There are two main surgical approaches, and the right one depends on your anatomy and goals:
1. Transconjunctival Approach
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Fat is removed or repositioned via an incision inside the eyelid (no external scar)
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Best for patients with good skin tone and puffiness but minimal excess skin
2. Skin Approach (Transcutaneous)
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Involves a small hidden incision just below the eyelashes
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Allows removal of both fat and excess skin, and tightening of the eyelid if needed
The surgery is typically performed under local anaesthetic with sedation, or under general anaesthetic in some cases. It takes around 90 minutes.
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What Are the Risks of Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty?
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is a nuanced procedure that must be approached with precision, artistry and care. Because of the delicate anatomy and the close relationship between the eyelids and the eye itself, this surgery carries specific risks, including:
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Eyelid retraction or downward pulling of the lid — this can occur if too much skin is removed or if the eyelid’s natural support structures are weakened
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Dry eye or exposure of the eye surface, particularly if the surgery is overly aggressive or the eyelid no longer closes fully
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Double vision, in rare cases where the muscles that control eye movement are affected
These risks are uncommon but important to understand. For this reason, lower eyelid surgery is best performed by an oculoplastic surgeon — a specialist with advanced training in both the cosmetic and functional aspects of eyelid surgery. Oculoplastic surgeons are not only skilled in achieving natural aesthetic results, but also in preserving eyelid function and protecting eye health. When needed, they incorporate supportive techniques (such as canthopexy or canthoplasty) to reduce the risk of complications and improve long-term outcomes.
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What Is Recovery Like?
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Most swelling and bruising settles over 10–14 days
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Cool compresses and head elevation help speed recovery
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You may experience mild tightness or dry eye in the first week
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Stitches are usually removed after 7 days (if placed externally)
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Final results become more noticeable over 6-8 weeks
Is This Procedure Covered by Insurance?
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is generally considered cosmetic and is not covered by private medical insurance. A personalised quote will be provided after your consultation.
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Why Choose an Oculoplastic Surgeon for your lower eyelid blepharoplasty?
Lower eyelid surgery demands a detailed understanding of the eyelid’s structure and how it interacts with the eye itself. As an ASOPRS-trained and BOPSS-member oculoplastic surgeon, Miss Ting specialises in surgery around the eyes — where both appearance and eye health must be preserved. Her approach combines precision, safety, and natural-looking results, with an emphasis on protecting eyelid function.