Eyelid surgery is usually performed on people over 40 when the signs of ageing have manifested. However, many people in their 30s opt for blepharoplasty with valid reasons, such as pronounced bags under the eyes or excess upper eyelid skin.

The skin around the eyes is very delicate and can show signs of ageing easily. Many patients want to know if eyelid surgery can help them get rid of wrinkles around their eyes.

The skin under the eyes appears smoother and firmer after blepharoplasty because excess tissue is removed and muscles are tightened. The procedure removes wrinkles caused by sagging skin or under-eye bags, but it does not treat other common eye wrinkles.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) can be performed alone to treat eye wrinkles, but Mr Haq can also combine it with other procedures. Depending on the type and intensity of the eye wrinkles to be treated, Mr Haq may recommend one of the following treatments:

Anti-wrinkle injections

Dermal fillers

Eyebrow or forehead lift

Besides blepharoplasty, Mr Haq will sometimes offer non-surgical cosmetic solutions such as tear trough fillers, temple fillers and mid-face enhancements, as the lower eyelids are part of the mid-face.

Yes, Mr Haq is frequently consulted for second or even third opinions after surgery has been performed elsewhere. Revision blepharoplasty surgery is complex and is best managed by a dedicated oculoplastic surgeon.

Item descriptionAgeing around the eyes can be caused by a number of factors. First, the skin sags as a result of the loss of elastin (an essential protein for skin elasticity). This results in dermatochalasis, or excess skin. Second, the underlying major eyelid muscle (orbicularis oculi), which encircles the eye, becomes weak and bulky, which also contributes to eyelid heaviness.

Another sign of ageing is the presence of eye bags. This is due to the forward prolapse of orbital fat, which cannot be held back by the weakening orbital septum over time. In severe cases, excess overhanging skin can obscure a patient’s field of vision.

Eyelid surgery is performed to improve the eyelids by remodelling their structure. This can involve complex combinations of skin removal, muscle tightening, and fat repositioning or removal. Because each eyelid is unique, Mr Haq tailors each individual’s surgical plan and procedure.

The way the surgery is performed varies, but all forms of blepharoplasty require a surgeon experienced in oculoplastics. The operation takes 45 mins-2 hours (depending on the number of eyelids requiring surgery) and can be performed under local anaesthetic, general anaesthetic, or sedation.

Blepharoplasty is a long-term procedure that produces excellent, natural-looking results. It can give you a younger appearance by improving the cosmetic appearance of your eyelids. The full effect, however, does not last forever. The natural ageing process will continue.

While results vary from patient to patient, most people are happy with their blepharoplasty results for 10-15 years.

Most patients don’t have a second procedure because they’re content with the first one.

Eyelid surgery is performed in a day case setting with no overnight stay; therefore, you will be discharged after a short time in recovery and an observation period.

The procedure takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the complexity and number of eyelids requiring surgery. Mr Haq performs blepharoplasty in a dedicated day case surgical centre.

Typically, upper blepharoplasty patients can return to work after 7-10 days.

For lower blepharoplasty, the recovery time is longer, at 10-14 days. You should take 2 weeks off work as the lower eyelids recover more slowly due to prolonged swelling.

However, all patients are different, with some returning to work earlier, and others needing more time off for their recovery.

The cost of upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty varies. However, a blepharoplasty procedure with Mr Haq, typically starts at £5850.

Mr Haq will provide all pre-operative advice during your consultation.

1. Stop smoking. Smoking reduces the blood supply to the skin and can slow healing. Stopping smoking will help the healing phase.

2. Mr Haq discusses your individual requirements for medications, including sometimes liaising with your other doctors, to achieve the safest balance between her surgical requirements and your underlying medical conditions. In general, patients are asked to stop taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, blood thinners, and herbal supplements 2 weeks before the surgery as they may cause excessive bleeding.

3. Plan for after surgery. Plan for support during your recovery and for someone to accompany/drive you home from the hospital. All of your post-operative medication (antibiotic creams and drops), as well as an ice-mask, will be provided after the operation to take home.

After the procedure, someone should accompany/drive you home. Don’t drive yourself home.

Mr Haq can operate with local, sedation or general anaesthetic, and the decision is guided by patient choice.

Blepharoplasty is not considered painful. In the postoperative recovery period, pain is also minimal. Discomfort can be relieved with painkillers or ointments prescribed by Mr Haq. However, most patients do not require painkillers after the procedure.

Blepharoplasty is a safe procedure, but as with all facial cosmetic surgery procedures, there are risks. There is a small risk of infection, scarring, bleeding and bruising. Mr Haq performs all blepharoplasty procedures in a safe, clinical environment.

Excess or ‘saggy’ upper eyelid skin and lower eyelid bags can sometimes run in families. Do not be upset if you have these changes as your 20s and 30s. Mr Haq will talk about why the changes might have developed in the consultation and also a solution for you, which may involve surgical or non-surgical techniques.

Before surgery, Mr Haq will invite you to an in-person consultation lasting between 30 minutes to an hour.

Mr Haq will ask about your overall health and medical history, as well as listen to your concerns. He will go over the standard risks/benefits and determine whether there are any additional risks in your case. He will also advise you on possible outcomes and assist you in setting realistic and attainable goals.

Mr Haq will then perform an eye examination and take a number of precise eyelid measurements. Examining the eye is necessary because there is an eye inside the eyelids, and it is critical to maintain the functional aspect that the eyelids play. Mr Haq will then photograph you and offer pre-operative advice, including sharing before and after results.

Recovery from blepharoplasty is fast, but please plan for 1-2 weeks off work after surgery. You may experience bruising or swelling, which will usually subside after 14 days. Mr Haq will remove your stitches on days 5-8.

Please remember that your vision may be blurry on the first day.

During your recovery:

Rest with your head elevated for 7 days - Sleep on your back and avoid sleeping on your side or face. Use several pillows under your head to prevent fluid build-up, which can worsen swelling. Use regular ice compressions for 7 days – This can be an ice pack (provided) or frozen peas wrapped in a clean tea towel. Use the prescribed ointment or eyedrops as directed.

Please avoid:

Strenuous exercise, and straining for 4 weeks - Extreme physical activity may delay the healing of bruising and swelling

Smoking - Stop smoking as it irritates the eyes, delays healing and can cause scars to become more visible.

UV light – Wearing sunglasses from day 1 post-surgery can help protect your eyes from the sun and wind and reduce the chance of scar pigmentation.

Wearing eye makeup and contact lenses - for 2 weeks

Most patients can resume their everyday routines after two weeks, though this varies depending on the individual.

Mr Haq can perform eyelid surgery under local anaesthetic, general anaesthetic, or ‘twilight’ sedation.

Mr Haq recommends local anaesthesia or twilight sedation for upper eyelid surgery. However, you can opt to have the surgery performed under general anaesthetic.

Mr Haq recommends general anaesthetic for lower eyelid surgery.

Mr Haq recommends a general anaesthetic for combined surgery of the upper and lower eyelids, due to the length of the procedure.

Note Twilight sedation is a combination of local anaesthetic and sedation. During twilight sedation, the patient receives anaesthetic medication to numb a specific part of the body and a sedative to allow them to feel sleepy while still being awake and responsive.

Upper blepharoplasty - The incision for upper blepharoplasty is made along the eyelid natural skin crease.

Lower blepharoplasty - The incision for lower blepharoplasty is either placed just below the lash line (transcutaneous) or inside the lower eyelid (and therefore without an external scar, known as transconjunctival).

Blepharoplasty leaves minimal scarring, and it is uncommon for patients to have a visible scar after the procedure.

Upper blepharoplasty scars are well hidden in the natural eyelid skin crease. Lower blepharoplasty scars are hidden by the eyelashes.

Please follow all of Mr Haq’s aftercare instructions to help the scarring process.

As with all cosmetic surgical procedures, the ‘perfect’ result may not be achieved in a single procedure. Additional refinements may be required, but this is unlikely.

Most patients are satisfied with their blepharoplasty results for 10-15 years.

Even though you can expect the effects of eyelid surgery to last for many years, the natural ageing process will continue. As a result, drooping and bulging of the eyelids may reoccur. If drooping and bulging of the eyelids reoccur - this is not because of postoperative complications or failures. A revision blepharoplasty can be considered in this case.

Bandages are not required. Sometimes dressings are applied.

Blepharoplasty produces long-lasting, natural-looking outcomes. The surgery can bring life-changing results. In modern times, less muscle fat and skin are removed, which contributes to the natural aesthetics of the result. The fat is repositioned rather than removed.

ll surgical procedures involve risk, although serious risks are unlikely with blepharoplasty.

Common, temporary:

Swollen or numb eyelids

Bruising and swelling

Irritation of the eyes

Watering eyes/transient worsening of dry eye symptoms

Flare of blepharitis

Rare:

Blurred or double vision - Temporary

Blood pooling under the skin (haematoma)

Poor scarring

Long term worsening of dry eye symptoms

Very rare:

Infection

Injury to the eye muscles

Drooping of the eyelid

Ectropion

Extremely rare:

Visual impairment – Extremely rare, and many people find that their vision improves in the long term