# Blepharoplasty

> Citation bundle for Blepharoplasty on The Treatment Registry.
> URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/procedures/blepharoplasty
> Bundle URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/api/citations/procedures/blepharoplasty

- Category: cosmetic-surgery

## Description

Blepharoplasty, from Ancient Greek βλέφαρον (blépharon), meaning "eyelid", and πλαστός (plastós), meaning "molded", is the plastic surgery operation for correcting defects, deformities, and disfigurations of the eyelids; and for aesthetically modifying the eye region of the face. With the excision and the removal, or the repositioning of excess tissues, such as skin and adipocyte fat, and the reinforcement of the corresponding muscle and tendon tissues, the blepharoplasty procedure resolves func

## Overview

Blepharoplasty is the plastic surgery operation for correcting defects, deformities and disfigurations of the eyelids and for aesthetically modifying the eye region of the face. It works by excising and removing, or repositioning, excess tissues such as skin and fat, and by reinforcing the surrounding muscle and tendon, so as to address both functional and cosmetic problems of the periorbita, the area running from the eyebrow to the upper part of the cheek. The procedure is more common in women, who accounted for roughly 85% of blepharoplasty operations in the United States and 88% in the United Kingdom in 2014. The operative goals are to restore correct eyelid function and the appearance of the eye region by removing excess eyelid skin, smoothing the underlying muscles, tightening the supporting structures, and resecting and re-draping excess fat so that the transition from the lower eyelid to the cheek is smooth. Upper blepharoplasty typically uses an incision placed within the natural crease of the upper eyelid, through which excess skin, muscle and, where appropriate, orbital fat are removed or repositioned; it may be performed for cosmetic reasons or to relieve loss of peripheral vision caused by redundant upper-eyelid skin. Lower blepharoplasty addresses fat protrusion, skin laxity and the eyelid-cheek contour, using either a transcutaneous incision just below the eyelashes or a transconjunctival incision on the inner eyelid surface, the latter leaving no external scar.

## Common risks

- puffy, numb eyelids that are difficult to close
- irritated, sensitive or watery eyes – this may last a few weeks
- bruising
- scars – these should eventually fade to almost be invisible

## FAQs

### How much does it cost?

In the UK, blepharoplasty may cost anywhere between £2,000 and £6,000. You should also factor in the cost of any consultations, further surgery or follow-up care that may be needed.

### Where do I go?

If you're looking in England, check the [Care Quality Commission (CQC) website](https://www.cqc.org.uk/) for treatment centres that can perform eyelid surgery.

### What does it involve?

A blepharoplasty can be done under [local anaesthetic](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/local-anaesthesia/) or under [general anaesthetic](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/general-anaesthesia/).

### What could go wrong?

Eyelid surgery can occasionally result in:

### What to do if you have problems?

Cosmetic surgery can sometimes go wrong, and the results may not be what you expected.

## Alternative treatments

- **Brow lift** — When the upper-lid heaviness is driven by brow ptosis, not lid skin excess.
- **Filler under the lower lid** — Camouflages tear-trough hollowing without surgery; limited utility for true fat pseudoherniation.

## Sources

- [ISAPS — Practice Resources and Position Statements for Aesthetic Surgery](https://www.isaps.org/medical-professionals/practice-resources/) — International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (accessed 2026-06-29)