- Under Eyebag removal surgery remodels and tightens the eye area
- Refreshes the lower eye area by reducing eye bag formation
- Restores a more youthful appearance
- 0% Finance Available
What’s on this page
- About this Treatment
- Before & After Photos
- What to Expect
- Eyebag Removal FAQs
- Our Clinics
- Things to Consider
- Patient Stories
- Why the Private Clinic
- Meet the Surgeons
- Related Blogs & News
Medically reviewed by Lorcan Sheppard BSc MBBS FRCA, Chief Medical Officer for The Private Clinic of Harley Street, London.
Last Reviewed October 11th 2024
Related Cosmetic Surgery
Under Eye Bags Removal (Lower Blepharoplasty)
Under Eye Bags Removal is a surgical procedure that reduces the amount of excess fat and skin tissue from the lower eye area.
At The Private Clinic, our Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons are highly experienced in blepharoplasty procedures with countless experience so you can ensure that you are in the best of hands.
They are also able to combine the procedure with an upper blepharoplasty or a facelift at the same time. Consultations are available in London, Birmingham, and Northampton.
When addressing excess skin or fatty tissue during a Lower Blepharoplasty, an incision is made below the lower eyelash line or inside the lower lid, making any scarring barely visible following surgery.
Blepharoplasty has one of the fastest recovery times of any plastic surgery procedure. After two weeks any swelling should be very subtle, and results can be quite dramatic giving a refreshed and younger appearance.
The Reasons for Choosing Blepharoplasty
The eyes are usually the initial focal point of any person’s face. Puffed eye bags can be the result of ageing or genetics. They are caused by fatty deposits that accumulate under your eyes.
Eyebags can become more pronounced as your skin ages and your collagen levels deplete. Many patients feel that they give the impression of being constantly tired or ageing a bit more rapidly than they’d like.
Lower Blepharoplasty with a small fat transfer to the cheeks can take years off your age and leave you looking refreshed.
Blepharoplasty Techniques
There are many techniques available such as the pinch blepharoplasty, augmentation blepharoplasty (fat transfer) and orbiculares hitch. To find out which technique is best for you, book a consultation with our expert facial surgeons.
Eyebag Removal at a glance
Procedure Time
1 hour
Hospital
Day case
Anaesthetic Type
General Anesthetic
Support Garments
None
Washing
1 – 2 weeks
Driving
1 week
Up & Mobile
Immediately
Sexual Activity
4 weeks
Back To Work
2 weeks
Exercise
1 – 2 weeks
Travel
6 weeks
Sleeping
Elevated on back for 1-2 weeks
Full Recovery Time
4 – 6 weeks
Final Results
2 – 3 months
Ask us a question
Blepharoplasty Before & After Photos
Our Plastic Surgeons will work alongside you to help you achieve your goals
Simply book a consultation today to hear about the best options available for you.
What to Expect
The Private Clinic has been treating patients for over 40 years with thousands of people placing their trust in us each year. We pride ourselves on being able to offer a personalised service. We have a team of friendly nurses and expert surgeons who understand the importance of this decision and will support you throughout your journey with us.
The Consultation
At The Private Clinic, our Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons are highly experienced in lower blepharoplasty. In many cases, they combine the procedure with an upper blepharoplasty at the same time.
At your consultation, your surgeon will go through the lower blepharoplasty surgical procedure in detail. They will then examine your areas of concern and assess your suitability for Lower Blepharoplasty surgery.
Your surgeon will then discuss:
- Your medical history
- Your expectations from the surgery
- The risks and complications of Lower Blepharoplasty surgery
- The aftercare and recovery process of Lower Blepharoplasty surgery
After your consultation with the surgeon, you will be allocated a dedicated patient coordinator who will be your point of contact should you wish to proceed with a lower blepharoplasty procedure.
Eye Bag Removal treatment consultations are available in our London Harley Street, Birmingham, Leeds, Northampton, and Manchester clinics.
Pre-Operative Appointment
In the interests of patient safety, all our patients are assessed against our patient selection criteria. Following your consultation your medical history will be reviewed and the pre-operative nurse will choose which pre-operative tests to carry out which are going to be most appropriate to you. Most pre-operative assessments include a blood test, MRSA swabs, urine test and a blood pressure test.
They will also advise you of any precautions you need to take in the days or weeks leading up to your eye bag surgery procedure and let you know of any medication that you will need to stop taking ahead of your surgery.
Under Eye Bags Surgery
There are a variety of Lower Blepharoplasty techniques;
Most blepharoplasty procedures are performed under general anaesthetic in theatre. The procedures take around 1 hour to perform but this will vary depending on the complexity of the case.
Transconjunctival Lower Blepharoplasty
If the purpose of your lower blepharoplasty procedure is to reduce the appearance of lower lid bags then the transconjunctival approach could be suitable as the surgeon will be able to remove excess fat causing the bags by making an incision through the inside of the lower lid which means no visible scar on the exterior of the eye.
A transconjunctival blepharoplasty involves a small incision (1-1.5 cm) being made on the inside of the eyelid.
The excess fat creating the eye bag is then removed via this incision. The lower eye area then may be sculpted and repositioned based on your needs. The incision does not require stitches and usually closes within 24 hours.
Transcutaneous Lower Blepharoplasty
If you have excess loose wrinkled skin, then a transcutaneous technique would be better suited as it allows the surgeon to remove the skin.
A transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty involves an incision below the lower eyelash line.
Any excess fat that causes puffiness is removed, while any unwanted loose skin can also be addressed.
Orbiculares Hitch Blepharoplasty
This specialised technique involves tightening the underlying muscle of the lower eye, using sutures to lift it back up to a higher position by anchoring it to the bone just on the outer surface of the eye. The principle is very similar to lifting the muscle layer during a facelift. Once the muscle layer is tightened, most patients will find that what looked like redundant skin in the lower eyelid was actually sagging muscle, so very little skin needs to be removed (this is called a pinch excision, where only a thin strip of skin is removed just below the level of the lower eyelashes.
Pinch Blepharoplasty
A Pinch Blepharoplasty involves pinching the skin of the lower eyelid using forceps before then removing the excess skin without making an incision or touching the orbicularis muscle. This technique is suitable for those who are experiencing laxity of the lower eyelid skin but do not have prominent eye bags. This technique is a lot less invasive but it is a specialised technique and should only be performed by an experienced surgeon who can assess and take the right amount of skin to achieve the most effective result.
Results
Our surgeons pay extreme attention to detail and make sure that their incisions follow your face’s natural lines and creases to avoid scarring and achieve aesthetically pleasing results. Your eye bags will be reduced so that you look refreshed, rejuvenated and more youthful.
After your lower blepharoplasty
Immediately following your lower blepharoplasty procedure you can expect to experience some mild pain or discomfort as the anaesthetic wears off, this can be managed with pain medication which should be distributed to you after the procedure.
Swelling and bruising are common following a lower blepharoplasty procedure. Whilst any bruising tends to subside after a week, swelling can still be present for 3-4 weeks.
An appointment will be made for 1 week following your procedure where your stitches will be removed.
We recommend taking 10-14 days off work which will vary depending on your job role. If you can work from home in a desk-based role, then you may be able to return much sooner.
For the first couple of weeks, we recommended wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from becoming irritated by wind or sun.
You should keep the eyes dry whilst washing in a shower or bath for the first 3 days. After this time, the eyes can be gently washed before returning to your usual washing regime after the stitches have been removed and you have been advised that you can do so.
Recovery Time
Blepharoplasty surgery has one of the fastest recovery times of any plastic surgery procedure. After two weeks any swelling should be very subtle, and results can be quite dramatic giving a refreshed and younger appearance.
Best results are seen after 2-3 months. Lower eyelid scars are usually hidden by lashes and barely seen.
The Private Clinic have collaborated with Chrysalis Finance to offer 0% finance for our patients.*
*Acceptance is subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.
FAQs
An experienced surgeon will need to assess you prior to any procedure, but upper blepharoplasty is suitable for most people who are suffering with hooded, drooping or puffy eyelids. A lower blepharoplasty is ideal for patients who have lower eye drooping with signs of excess skin or prominent lower eye bags.
A combined upper and lower blepharoplasty may be recommended if the patient is experiencing both upper and lower eye drooping.
The procedure will not be suitable for those looking to rid of crow’s feet or some fine wrinkles. Your surgeon will be able to advise on other options like wrinkle injections or fillers.
A blepharoplasty is suitable for both male and female patients.
The best way to find out if upper, lower, or combined eyelid surgery is right for you is by scheduling a consultation with one of our expert surgeons today to learn more.
Most of our patients are day cases, with simple procedures taking as little as 30 minutes and longer cases taking up to 2 hours. The majority of patients return home after the procedure with no need for a hospital stay.
Incisions for an upper blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery are made in the natural crease of the upper eyelid.
Incisions for a lower blepharoplasty or eyebag surgery are made underneath the eyelashes or alternatively inside the eye.
Incisions for blepharoplasty procedures heal well and are rarely noticeable once healed following your procedure.
Eyelid/Eyebag surgery is performed under local or general anaesthetic so you will not feel anything during the procedure.
A few hours after the procedure your eyes may feel a little uncomfortable but you will be given painkillers to help with this and any discomfort usually settles after 48 hours.
Blepharoplasty surgery is not designed to treat wrinkles around the eyes as it’s primary focus. The results of your treatment may include a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles but if this is your main concern, it would be more beneficial to seek an alternative treatment.
Wrinkles around the eyes are best treated with wrinkle relaxing injections or laser rejuvenation treatments such as Regenlite.
Find out more about treating crows feet and eye wrinkles here.
A blepharoplasty only targets the upper and lower eyelid areas. To improve the appearance of your brow you would need to have a brow lift.
We also offer Ultherapy brow lifts if you are looking for a non-surgical option. Find out more.
Blepharoplasty procedures are commonly performed alongside facelifts, brow lifts and also facial fat transfer.
Dermal fillers can also be used post-procedure to help retain the results of the procedure by improving the tear trough area.
You will experience some swelling and bruising for up to two weeks but many return to social activities within one week post-procedure.
Any stitches that require removal will be removed 4-5 days post-procedure.
You may need pain relief in the first week to help with any discomfort while the eyelids heal, though your surgeon will discuss this fully with you.
It can take up to a few months for your eyelids to settle completely, but our medical team will offer you all the necessary advice and support for your healing process.
Depending on your case and procedure your surgeon may advise between 7-14 days off work, particularly for more complicated surgeries. You will need someone to take you home and we recommend that someone stays with you for the first 24 hours post-surgery.
You will not be able to drive immediately after a blepharoplasty. This is due to the after-effects of the anaesthetic that may still be in your system. Your vision may also be temporarily impaired immediately after surgery.
We would recommend that you avoid driving for a week or at least until you are off pain medication and feel comfortable doing so. We would advise against driving for long distances in the initial stages of healing too. If in doubt – do check with your surgeon.
Light to moderate exercise may be resumed at 1-2 weeks but it may take at least 3-4 weeks before you can get back to higher impact activities. Swimming / diving should be avoided for 6 weeks after surgery, or as per your surgeon’s recommendations.
You will be able to wear glasses as normal after eyelid or eyebag surgery. We advise waiting 2-3 weeks before wearing contact lenses again so we recommend that you have alternative glasses to wear if required.
We recommend waiting at least 10 days, but ideally 2 weeks before applying any type of eye make-up including eyeshadow, fake lashes, mascara and eyeliner.
This is to ensure that the eye area is kept as clean as possible during the initial recovery process.
Our experienced surgeons will only make incisions along the natural folds and creases of your upper eyelids. For a lower blepharoplasty procedure, incisions are made in the natural folds of the lower eye, beneath the eyelashes. These expert techniques make the risk of visible and undesirable scarring minimal.
An Asian blepharoplasty is a modified procedure that creates or redefines an upper eyelid crease. It is also known as double eyelid surgery.
There are several variations for an Asian blepharoplasty procedure and we recommend seeing a surgeon who specialises in this particular type of procedure and understands the Asian eyelid anatomy to ensure that you achieve the best results.
A blepharoplasty procedure is a relatively safe procedure but it does carry risks just like any surgical procedure would do.
Risks and complications that are associated with blepharoplasty in particular are; bleeding, dry eyes, infection, slight asymmetry in healing or scarring, swelling at the corners of the eyelids, temporary blurred vision, and whiteheads.
Your surgeon will discuss these all in full at your consultation.
We can offer patients a free blepharoplasty phone or video consultation with one of our experienced patient coordinators to discuss eyelid or eyebag surgery.
Our patient coordinators can provide you with information about the procedure and the best blepharoplasty surgeon to suit your needs.
To secure your timed phone or video appointment we will ask you to pay a £25 refundable deposit. This is refunded once the consultation takes place. You can change your appointment time up to 48 hours before.
Contact us to book a free phone or video consultation.
A blepharoplasty is the medical term for eyelid or eyebag surgery to improve the appearance of drooping eyelids or large eyebags that also may be affecting the sight of the patient.
The procedure involves reshaping the upper or lower eye area by removing or repositioning excess tissue, as well as reinforcing surrounding soft tissues.
There are 3 types of blepharoplasty procedures;
- Upper Blepharoplasty which targets the eyelid and upper portion of the eye but not including the brows.
- Lower Blepharoplasty which targets the lower portion of the eye and removes/reduces eyebags.
- Combined blepharoplasty which is when an upper and lower blepharoplasty are performed at the same time.
Eye bags or sagging around the eyes can be corrected with lower blepharoplasty surgery. The procedure removes excess skin underneath the eye resulting in a fresher look. Find out more.
During an upper blepharoplasty, an incision is made within the natural eyelid crease. Excess skin and fatty pockets are then removed before the incision is closed.
A lower blepharoplasty procedure involves an incision usually below the lash line or inside of the bottom eyelid. Excess fatty tissue is then removed from the eyebag area and the incision is closed.
|
Procedure Length |
Incisions |
Anaesthesia Used |
Downtime | ||
| Upper Blepharoplasty (Upper Eyelid) |
A short procedure which can take only 30 minutes |
Incisions are made in the eyelid crease |
Local anaesthetic |
Minimal downtime and you can return home shortly after | |
| Lower Blepharoplasty* (Lower Eyebag) |
Slightly more complex, the procedure can take between 1-2 hours |
Incisions will be disguised under the eyelashes or inside the eye |
General anaesthetic |
Slightly more downtime than upper blepharoplasty, the exact amount will depend on the individual patient. | |
| Downtime will vary depending on the patient but up to 2 weeks off work may be preferred. |
Approximately 2 hours |
As above for each eyelid |
General anaesthetic |
Downtime will vary depending on patient but up to 2 weeks off work may be preferred. | |
The average price for blepharoplasty surgery for an upper eyelid procedure starts at £4,400 (under local anaesthetic) and the cost for a lower eyelid procedure starts at £5,300 (under general anaesthetic).
If you require a full blepharoplasty (both upper and lower eyelids), prices start from £6,920.
We don’t follow a one-price-fits-all policy and prices are quoted on a case by case basis. You will be given an accurate quote for your requirements following your consultation.
Consultations with our plastic surgeons are £100 at our clinics in London Harley Street, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton.
We also offer consultations with our highly experienced Patient Coordinators which require a £25 refundable deposit to secure your place. These are available in Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton..
Patient coordinators can offer you all the information you require before meeting a surgeon.
Please note all consultations available at our Harley Street clinic are with a surgeon.
Finance Options
We work with our partnered finance provider ‘Chrysalis Finance’ to offer 0% finance* to our patients. Get in touch to find out more.
Results are instant however everyone heals at a different rate. Most visual swelling should go down after a month and the majority see results within 2-3 months of their procedure.
Eye bag Removal is Available in these Clinics
Things to Consider
Our advice on what to consider when deciding to have a blepharoplasty procedure:
1. When choosing a clinic, you should always do your research, and only go to an established, reputable clinic.
The Private Clinic has been in the cosmetic surgery industry for over 40 years. We are here to answer all of your questions and give you peace of mind.
2. When choosing a surgeon, make sure you know who you’ll be seeing. Their expertise, qualifications and patient satisfaction rate are important factors to take into consideration.
At The Private Clinic, we only source the most experienced and specialised surgeons. Find out more about our plastic surgeons here.
3. Price should never be the deciding factor when choosing where to have your treatment. Safety should be your number one priority and feeling confident that they will look after you – not only before, but also after your procedure
4. When it sounds too good to be true, it often is. Always find out what your clinic’s reputation is.
Our excellent reputation for patient safety and satisfaction, honest advice and outstanding care means your journey with The Private Clinic will be an exciting experience to a newfound shape.
Blepharoplasty Patient Stories
Outstanding care, patient satisfaction and results mean everything to The Private Clinic Team
Read about our patients’ experiences to see what you can expect from our award-winning procedures.
Why Choose The Private Clinic
- The Private Clinic are a multi-award-winning Cosmetic Surgery provider with over 40 years’ experience.
- We have world-class top specialist surgeons.
- Dedicated care with your expert facial surgeon and nursing team including a 24-hour helpline.
- We have state of the art hospital facilities.
- We have one of the highest patients’ satisfaction rates; Trustpilot 5 Star Rating
- We see over 15,000 new patients every year performing over 10,000 procedures.
- 96% of patients would recommend us to their friends and family.
- 0% Finance Available
Meet our Surgeons
We have a dedicated Plastic Surgeon and medical team who will be with you throughout your journey.
Blepharoplasty Procedures at The Private Clinic are performed by some of the UK’s top consultant facial plastic surgeons who have decades of experience.
Ms Monica Fawzy
MBChB, MRCS, FRCS (Plast)
GMC Number : 6051977
London Harley Street
MD
GMC Number : 7614248
London Harley Street & Birmingham
BS, MD
GMC Number : 6130664
London Harley Street
BSc, MB ChB (Hons), MD FRCS (Plast)
GMC Number: 4404969
London Harley Street
FRCS (OTOL-HNS), MRCS Ed, DO-HNS, MS in ENT, MBBS
GMC Number: 6066456
London Harley Street, Birmingham & Northampton
