Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
Upper and lower eyelid surgery — the most common partner to a facelift — explained.
What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is surgery to rejuvenate the eyelids. Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin (and sometimes a little muscle or fat) from the upper lids that can make the eyes look hooded or tired and, in marked cases, obstruct vision. Lower blepharoplasty addresses under-eye bags and loose lower-lid skin.
Why it pairs with a facelift
The eyes are the first place we look and one of the first areas to show age — yet a facelift does not treat the eyelids at all. Someone can have a beautifully rejuvenated jawline but still look tired because the eyes were not addressed. This is why blepharoplasty is the single most common procedure combined with a facelift.
If your main concern when you look in the mirror is ‘tired eyes’, a facelift alone will not fix it. Eyelid surgery — sometimes with a brow lift — is what refreshes the eye area.
The procedure and scars
Upper blepharoplasty scars sit in the natural crease of the upper lid and are usually very inconspicuous once healed. Lower blepharoplasty can be done through an incision just below the lashes or, when only fat needs adjusting, from inside the lid (transconjunctival) with no external scar. It is often performed under local anaesthetic with sedation, or general anaesthetic when combined with a facelift.
Recovery
Bruising and swelling around the eyes are common for one to two weeks; many people are presentable within about ten days. Eyes may feel dry or gritty initially. Final results settle over weeks as residual swelling resolves. See general recovery guidance.
Common questions
Lower blepharoplasty is the definitive treatment for true under-eye fat bags, repositioning or removing the fat and tightening the skin. Dark circles or hollowing may need additional treatment such as fat transfer or fillers.
Yes — blepharoplasty is very commonly done on its own. It is combined with a facelift only when both the eyes and the lower face need attention.
Upper-lid scars hide in the natural crease and lower-lid scars sit just under the lashes or inside the lid, so they are typically very discreet once healed.