Blepharoplasty – Eyelid / Eye Bag Removal Surgery

A blepharoplasty procedure can help men and women of all ages to overcome the inevitable signs of skin ageing above, below and around the eyes.  The ultimate aim of the surgeon is to remove and smooth the loose, lined skin around the eye area.

This treatment is also commonly referred to as eyelid or eye bag surgery, and is available at One Ashford Hospital in Kent and One Hatfield Hospital in Hertfordshire.

A successful blepharoplasty procedure will create a brighter, fresher, more youthful eye area and improve the overall facial appearance without leaving obvious signs that surgery has taken place.

Early signs of ageing and sun damage tend to affect the fragile skin around the eye long before other facial areas become affected.  It is consequently quite common for patients to request this procedure in their late thirties or forties, or as a complementary procedure to other facial surgery, such as a facelift or laser resurfacing procedure in later years.

How is a Lower or Upper Blepharoplasty Procedure Performed?

When performing upper eyelid surgery, the surgeon will normally excise a narrow crescent shaped portion of skin and underlying tissue from the middle of the upper lid, leaving a microscopic incision, which will follow the natural crease line of the upper lid.

A lower blepharoplasty procedure is typically performed to improve a tired eye appearance (commonly referred to as ‘eye-bags’).  The procedure involves the surgical removal of fat just below the surface of the skin and loose skin around.  This procedure is performed through a microscopic incision, normally just below the lower lash line.

Younger patients may only need fat removing from beneath the lower eye area.  Such fatty deposits can be hereditary and can be removed from the inside of the lower lid, thus completely avoiding any external excisions.  This advanced procedure is known as a transconjunctival blepharoplasty.

These procedures can be performed singularly or in combination and can be performed under both local and general anaesthetic.  The type of anaesthetic will often dictate how long a patient is expected to stay in hospital to recover.  A procedure performed under local anaesthetic will commonly be performed as a day case and a procedure performed under general anaesthetic will commonly involve an overnight stay in hospital.  Under normal conditions eye bag surgery can take around an hour to perform.

Who is Suitable for the Procedure?

• Men and women of all ages who are generally unhappy with their aged or lined appearance
• Men and women who suffer from looking tired or “jaded”, even when they are well rested
• Women who need to avoid eye make-up (which has a tendency to look “caked-on” or to disappear into skin folds as lines and creases develop and deepen)
• Men and women who feel that their self esteem or confidence is affected by their concerns and feelings about their ageing facial appearance

What are the Expected Results?

This particular procedure can provide excellent and relatively speedy results.  However, a blepharoplasty is a very precise procedure and should only be provided by a Consultant Plastic Surgeon who is fully qualified and highly experienced to skillfully perform this type of surgery.

Improved results will take place almost immediately following surgery but will be obscured by the inevitable bruising and swelling that takes place following this type of procedure.  After the initial swelling has settled down (usually after the first week), subtle improvements to the contour and newly refined eye area will take place for up to six months following surgery.

How will you Feel After Blepharoplasty Surgery and what is the Recovery Period?

Whilst eyelid surgery / eye bag surgery is usually considered a reasonably minor procedure, the operated area is often quite tender and bruised for a week following surgery and the actual eye area can become sensitive and dry.  Analgesic tablets (pain killers) are always provided for any discomfort, and usually an antibiotic/anti-inflammatory cream.  Patients are encouraged to stay as mobile and upright as possible during their early recovery stage to help reduce any swelling or bruising.  Patients usually describe the way their eyes feel, as ‘uncomfortable’ and ‘light’, rather than painful in the initial recovery stages.

It is usual for patients to take at least a week away from work to recover following this procedure.  Patients are especially asked to avoid direct sunbathing on the eye area for at least twelve months following surgery.

Need Help?

We perform many different cosmetic surgery procedures, including breast enlargement, face lift, abdominoplasty, plus many more.  At One Healthcare we can book you in to see a specialist Consultant Plastic surgeon for an initial consultation, usually within 48 hours.  Rhinoplasty surgery is available at One Ashford Hospital in Kent and One Hatfield Hospital in Hertfordshire.

You can’t usually use your private medical insurance for cosmetic surgery but you can pay directly for your Blepharoplasty – Eyelid / Eye Bag Removal Surgery treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages. If you are able to use your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at One Hatfield Hospital.

Why One Healthcare

• Modern purpose-built hospital opened in March 2016 (Ashford) December 2017 (Hatfield)
• Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-ray and Ultrasound
• 0% and low finance options**
• Private, spacious, en-suite rooms
• Specialist Physiotherapy and nursing teams
• Little or no waiting time
• ‘Ultra clean air’ theatres
• Freshly prepared food
• Calm, dignified experience

**Terms and conditions apply

Contact us and find out more

If you live in and around the Kent area and would like to visit our One Ashford Hospital please click here

If you are based in and around Hertfordshire and would like to visit the One Hatfield Hospital please click here.