Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can remove excess skin and fat bags around the eyes and create a fresher, more open look. It may be relevant both for age-related changes and hereditary traits already in the 30s–40s. If heaviness is due to drooping brows, a forehead or brow lift may be more appropriate than eyelid surgery alone.

Who is it for?

Eyelid surgery may be relevant for excess skin hiding the upper lid crease, loose skin that may affect vision, a puffy/tired look, fine wrinkles on the lower lids, bags and dark circles under the eyes, or lowered lower lids.

Upper eyelids

Upper eyelid surgery is typically done under local anaesthesia. The incision is placed in the natural crease, excess skin and possibly small fat pads are removed, and the wound is closed with fine suture. Sutures are removed after about 1 week. The operation typically takes about 1 hour.

Lower eyelids

Lower eyelid surgery can be done under local or general anaesthesia and often addresses fat deposits, excess skin and laxity. In younger patients a small incision inside the lid may be enough to empty the fat bag. When tightening skin, the incision is typically placed just under the lashes, and the transition between cheek and lower lid can be smoothed.

Aftercare

Keep the head elevated, use cooling for the first days, and expect most swelling in the first 3 days with fading swelling and discoloration over about 2 weeks. Avoid heavy lifting in the first week. The result typically lasts around 10 years depending on age, lifestyle and genetics.