How much does Blepharoplasty cost?

The package price for upper blepharoplasty for both eyes under local anaesthetic starts from £3750.00 (this includes the pre-op assessment, the surgery itself, dressing clinic appointment and follow-up after surgery. The cost of excess eyelid removal surgery varies depending on the severity of your eyelid changes, whether you have had surgery before, and if the procedure is performed under local or general anaesthetic. The hospital or clinic fees also vary for each procedure so the blepharoplasty cost depends on where you decide to have your surgery.

What are the reasons for having Blepharoplasty surgery?

Due to the delicate nature of the skin and supporting structures, the eyes can show signs of ageing early on. Excess folds of loose skin, bulging eye bags due to excess underlying fat, and sun damaged skin with wrinkles all contribute to the appearance of tired, more aged eyes. This can lead to feelings of self-consciousness and low self-confidence. For ladies, the overhanging skin can make it difficult to apply or wear eye make-up. When there is significant excess overhanging skin, the eyelids or eyelashes can feel heavy and vision can even be obstructed.

Blepharoplasty surgery with removal of the loose folds of skin and any excess fat can improve the contour and make the eyes look brighter, more youthful and rejuvenated. Your eyes will feel lighter, it will be much easier to wear eye make-up, and there should be no further obstruction of your vision.

Where can I receive treatment for Blepharoplasty in London?

Miss Tadiparthi provides consultations and surgery at a variety of locations across Central and South London:
‍
‍Central London: Chelsea / Sloane Square and Harley Street Locations

‍South London: Shirley Oaks Hospital in South Croydon and North Downs Hospital in Caterham.

Please do get in touch or request an appointment online if you wish to know more about blepharoplasty surgery.

What happens during a Blepharoplasty consultation?

During the consultation, Miss Tadiparthi, will discuss your concerns and goals, assess your eyes and inform you whether the eyelift surgery would be beneficial and what can be achieved. She will also go through your medical history, medication and any mental health concerns to confirm your suitability for blepharoplasty surgery. If you are suitable for surgery, she will go through the surgical options, explain the procedure, the likely scarring and any potential risks.

How is Upper Blepharoplasty performed?

Upper blepharoplasty is usually performed using local or general anaesthetic as a ‘day case’ so that you are able to go home the same day.

Skin markings are carefully made on the eyelid fold to mark out the excess upper eyelid skin. The local anaesthetic fluid is then injected into the area, even if you are put to sleep to minimise any bleeding and bruising. An incision is made in the upper eyelid crease on each eyelid and an ellipse of skin is removed. A thin strip of muscle and sometimes fat may be removed if required to provide a good contour. Care is taken to preserve the deeper important structures and not to remove too much skin so that the eye closes and functions normally after the eye lift surgery. The wound is cauterised to stop any bleeding and the wound is then closed with deep and skin sutures. The skin stitches are removed in the clinic around 7 days after the blepharoplasty surgery.

How is a Lower Blepharoplasty performed?

Lower blepharoplasty is usually performed under general anaesthetic as a ‘day case’ so that you are able to go home the same day.

The incision is marked out carefully on the lower eyelid skin just below your lash line. Local anaesthetic fluid is then injected into the area when you are put to sleep to minimise any bleeding and bruising. During the surgery, any pockets of excess fat and excess eyelid skin is removed to improve the contour of the lower eyelid. Care is taken to preserve the deeper important structures and not to remove too much skin so that the eye closes and functions normally after the lower eyelid surgery. The wound is cauterised to stop any bleeding and the wound is then closed with deep and skin sutures. The skin stitches are removed in the clinic around 7 days after the blepharoplasty surgery.

How long do the results last?

Blepharoplasty can produce long-lasting, natural results. Your eyes should look brighter and more youthful after eyelid surgery.

Typically, patients can expect their eyelid lift results to last around at least 10 to 15 years or more. Many patients do not require further eyelid surgery. However, as the natural ageing process continues, you may develop further skin laxity and the eyelid lift surgery can easily be repeated if necessary.

More Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Blepharoplasty

Who is suitable for eyelid surgery?

Most individuals with excess, loose skin, sagging eyelids, or have eye bags, are suitable for eyelid surgery. A consultation with a qualified surgeon is essential for an accurate assessment.Most patients are suitable for surgery. However, if you are very young (especially under the 18 years), have a mental health disorder or have a severe medical condition, you may not be suitable for surgery and we would not be able to offer you the procedure.

At what age should I consider blepharoplasty?

Ageing varies with every individual as does the underlying reasons for having blepharoplasty surgery. While some may consider eyelid surgery in their 40’s, others may not feel the need for any intervention until their 60’s when the excess skin or eye bags become more pronounced. So, there is no ideal age and the decision is very individual.

Is blepharoplasty performed in men?

Ageing around the eye affects men and women alike. Although the majority that have surgery are female, eyelid surgery can also be performed in men who are concerned with overhanging upper eyelid skin or lower eye bags with equally good results.

Is blepharoplasty surgery painful?

Eyelid surgery can be uncomfortable but is not that painful as the surgery is limited to just the skin and any underlying excess bulging fat. Your eyes may feel tight due to swelling and it may be difficult to close your eyes the first 2 weeks after surgery.

You will be given pain killers to help with any discomfort and drops / ointment to apply regularly to the eyeball, to keep the eyes lubricated and avoid dry eyes for the first 2-3 weeks. Any discomfort and most of the swelling and bruising should resolve after the first 2-3 weeks.

Is eyelid surgery safe?

When performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon, blepharoplasty is generally safe. However, like any surgery, it carries some inherent risks that will be discussed during the consultation. So it is important to consider these risks and consider if you wish to have eyelid surgery. You can find a detailed list of all common risks in our patient information leaflet here.

How should I prepare for blepharoplasty treatment?

It is important that you fully disclose your medical history, prescribed or over the counter medications, smoking, drinking and use of any recreational drugs to your surgeon at the consultation, the anaesthetist and pre-assessment nurse before the surgery. We can then ensure that the surgery is done safely and that you achieve the best results following the surgery.

In general, Miss Tadiparthi’s recommendations include:

Avoid any recreational drugs or smoking for at least 6 weeks before surgery to minimise wound complications and adverse reactions with the general anaesthetic.
A healthy lifestyle and a moderate alcohol intake is advised.
Certain medications such as, aspirin, warfarin, rivaroxaban and clopidogrel need to be stopped around 2 weeks ahead of the surgery to prevent excessive bleeding during and after the surgery and blood collecting within the wound.
Ensure that you have someone to go home with straight after the procedure, that you have adequate support at home and that you have taken adequate time off work to rest from the surgery. We recommend that you book 7 to 10 days off work but you should be able to work from home the day after surgery.

What are the potential risks and complications with a blepharoplasty?

Eyelid surgery is very successful and patients are happy with the results in most cases. Complications are rare but they will be discussed during your consultation and you must take these on board before proceeding with surgery.

There are permanent scars but these are barely visible once healed. Other potential risks include, bruising, swelling, infection, bleeding, altered sensation, asymmetry, residual excess eyelid skin. Rarer complications include inability to close the eyelids, pulling down of the lower eyelid (ectropion) or loss of vision (risk is less than 0.01%) due to the collection of blood behind the eyeball.

A comprehensive list of all the risks and complications are detailed in our patient information leaflet here.

Where are the incisions made?

Incisions are typically made in the natural creases of the upper eyelids or just below the lower lash line, minimising any visible scarring.

How long do I have to stay in the hospital?

Blepharoplasty is often performed as a ‘day case’ procedure, so you will be able to go home the same day and an overnight stay is not required.

How long does eyelid surgery take?

The duration of the procedure varies depending on the extent of the surgery and whether you have a local or general anaesthetic. On average, it can take between 1 to 1.5 hours for either upper or lower eyelid surgery. When both are performed together, surgery can take 2 to 2.5 hours depending on the complexity.

What is the aftercare after eyelid lift surgery?

You will be given post-operative care instructions to follow straight after the surgery. At 7 days, any stitches on the eyelid skin will be removed, the wounds cleaned and new paper strip dressings will be applied. These remain for another 1 week.

You will have thin paper strip dressings on the wound for 2 weeks after surgery. During these 2 weeks, you can wash your face but wash away from the eyelid area where you have the surgery.

An antibiotic based ointment and eye drops will be given to you to apply to the eyeball three times a day to keep the eyes lubricated and avoid them getting dry.

You will be given pain killers to help with any discomfort for the first 2-3 weeks, any pain should resolve after this time.

To help with swelling and bruising, it is best to sleep a little upright or stay propped up with 2-3 pillows at night. This helps to drain any excess eyelid fluid. Bruising and swelling mostly goes in the first 6 to 8 weeks but the full recovery can take up to 12 months.

What follow-up will there be after my blepharoplasty surgery?

Miss Tadiparthi will see you at 3 months and again at 12 months for a final follow-up after your procedure to ensure the scars are healing well and that you are happy with the results.

What is the recovery after eyelid surgery?

Full recovery may take a few weeks. Here is a guide on when you can return to your normal daily activities:

‍Work: it should be possible for you to work from home in one or two days after the surgery. If you need to go to the office, it is best to take 7 to 10 days off work to recover and give the wounds sufficient time to heal.

‍Driving should be avoided for 2 weeks after surgery as you will not be covered by your insurance. If your vision is normal, you are pain free and able to do an emergency stop comfortably, it should be fine to return to driving. However, it is important to inform your car insurance company before driving your car to confirm that you are insured.

‍Makeup: Although make-up can be applied to the rest of your face, it should be avoided for 4 weeks to the eyelids where you have had surgery to avoid any potential infection.

‍Exercise: gentle exercise is fine after 2 weeks once all the dressings are removed and the wound is healing as expected. For heavier, more intensive exercise, it is best to wait until 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

How do I wash or apply makeup after a blepharoplasty?

You will have thin paper strip dressings on for 2 weeks after surgery. After 2 weeks, you no longer require any dressings over the eyelid wounds and the eyelid skin can be cleansed gently when you wash your face and a moisturiser should be applied to the scars daily. Although make-up can be applied to the rest of your face, it should be avoided for 4 weeks to the eyelids where you have had surgery to avoid any potential infection.

Will the results appear natural?

When performed by an experienced and skilled surgeon, blepharoplasty can produce beautiful and natural results that enhance your facial features.

How long will I be off work after eyelid surgery?

If you can work from home, it should be possible for you to return to work in one or two days after the surgery. If you need to go to the office, it is best to take 7 to 10 days off work to recover and give the wounds sufficient time to heal.

How soon can I drive after eyelid surgery?

Driving should be avoided for 2 weeks after surgery as you will not be covered by your insurance. If your vision is normal, you are pain free and able to do an emergency stop comfortably, it should be fine to return to driving. However, it is important to inform your car insurance company before driving your car to confirm that you are insured.

I am afraid of general anaesthesia. Can eyelid surgery be performed under local anaesthesia?

Upper eyelid surgery can be performed under local anaesthetic while you are awake. Local anaesthetic is injected into the eyelid skin where the incisions are planned to make the area numb. For lower eyelids, sedation can also be necessary to make you feel more relaxed during the surgery.

Can I go home alone after blepharoplasty surgery?

After surgery, it is advised to return home with a trusted family member or friend either in a taxi or own car as you will still be under the effects of the anaesthesia.

Will I be left with noticeable scarring after eyelid surgery?

Blepharoplasty skin incisions are strategically placed to minimise any visible scarring but overall, eyelid skin heals remarkably well and the scars are hardly noticeable once settled. Initially the scars may be a little red and feel lumpy but after a few months, the scars fade and are barely visible.

Will I need to wear a bandage after blepharoplasty?

Bandages are not required after eyelid surgery. There will be thin strip paper dressings covering the wound. When you return at 7 days the skin stitches are removed and new paper strip dressings will be applied which are kept on for another week. In total, there are thin paper strip dressings for 2 weeks after surgery. There may be some swelling and bruising which will go down after a few weeks.

Can blepharoplasty surgery be repeated?

Yes, eyelid surgery can be redone if you have had previous eyelid surgery and there is asymmetry or residual excess tissue. If you had blepharoplasty surgery a few years ago, and have developed further loose eyelid skin due to natural ageing or from repeated use of BotoxTM then the eyelid surgery can be repeated.

Book Your Blepharoplasty Consultation

Book your Blepharoplasty Consultation with award winning plastic surgeon Miss Sujatha Tadiparthi

What is Blepharoplasty?