Drooping eyelids and under-eye bags are among the most common cosmetic concerns that patients bring to Precision Surgery. Whether the problem is purely aesthetic or is beginning to affect your peripheral vision, blepharoplasty — commonly known as eyelid surgery — can produce transformative, natural-looking results.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat from the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Upper blepharoplasty addresses hooding of the upper lids, which can make the eyes appear smaller and tired. Lower blepharoplasty targets puffiness and bags beneath the eyes. In some patients, both upper and lower procedures are performed at the same time for a fully refreshed result.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
The best candidates are adults who are bothered by one or more of the following:
- Excess skin that partially blocks the upper visual field
- Upper lid skin resting on the eyelashes
- Persistent puffiness or bags under the eyes
- Drooping lower lids that reveal white below the iris
- A tired or aged appearance that does not match how they feel
A thorough consultation is essential to confirm that you are medically fit for surgery and that your expectations are realistic.
Your Consultation at Precision Surgery
During your consultation in Birmingham, your surgeon will take a detailed history, examine your eyelids carefully, and assess the quality and quantity of excess skin and fat. Photographs are taken for your medical records and to aid surgical planning. Your surgeon will discuss the planned technique, the anaesthetic options (local anaesthetic with sedation or general anaesthetic), the expected recovery, and all risks and benefits. There is never any pressure to proceed — this is your decision, made at your own pace.
The Procedure
Upper blepharoplasty incisions are placed within the natural eyelid crease, making scars virtually invisible once healed. Lower blepharoplasty incisions are placed just below the lower lash line or, in some cases, on the inside of the lower lid (transconjunctival approach) so that no visible scar is created at all. The procedure typically takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours depending on whether upper and lower lids are treated. Most patients go home the same day.
Recovery: Week by Week
Days 1–3: Swelling, bruising, and tightness around the eyes are normal and expected. Cold compresses help reduce swelling. Most patients rest at home and sleep with their head elevated.
Days 4–7: Bruising begins to yellow and fade. Sutures are usually removed at around day 5–7. Many patients feel comfortable being seen in public by the end of the first week, especially with sunglasses.
Weeks 2–4: The majority of bruising and swelling resolves. You may return to office-based work within 10–14 days. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 3–4 weeks.
6 Weeks: The final result is coming through. Scars continue to fade and soften over the following months. Most patients are delighted with their refreshed, natural appearance at this stage.
Risks and Complications
Blepharoplasty is a well-established procedure with a strong safety record when performed by a trained plastic surgeon. As with any surgery, risks include bleeding, infection, asymmetry, dry eyes, and scarring. Your surgeon will discuss all of these with you in detail and explain the steps taken to minimise them.
Real Patient Results
We are proud to share genuine before and after photographs from our patients at 6 weeks post-surgery on our blepharoplasty page. These images demonstrate the natural, rested results that are achievable with careful surgical technique.
Book a Consultation in Birmingham
If you are considering blepharoplasty, the first step is a consultation with our specialist plastic surgeon at Precision Surgery in Birmingham. We offer flexible appointment times and a relaxed, pressure-free environment. To book, please visit our website or call our clinic directly.
