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THE TREATMENT REGISTRY
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cosmetic surgery

Blepharoplasty

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

By The Treatment Registry

Quick Facts

Price range
Varies by clinic
Recovery
Varies
Sessions
Varies
Category
cosmetic surgery
Anaesthesia
Varies
Min. stay abroad
Varies
Price Range (International)
Varies by clinic
Average Recovery
Varies
Typical Sessions
Varies
Category
cosmetic surgery

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.

Key Considerations

    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
    Detailed risk profile →

    Alternative treatments

    Other clinically reasonable options for the same condition. The right alternative depends on the patient's specific anatomy, comorbidities, and goals — discuss with a treating clinician rather than self-selecting from this list.

    Credentials a clinic should hold

    Specialty-board certifications and facility-level accreditations relevant to this procedure. Verify on the issuer's public register before booking — most issuers publish a searchable directory.

    • ISAPS member surgeon

      Issuer International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

      Individual surgeon membership; requires national-board certification in plastic surgery plus peer endorsement.

      Verify on the issuer's register →

    • National plastic-surgery board certification

      Issuer Country-specific (e.g. ABPS in US, BAAPS in UK, SBCP in Brazil, KSPRS in South Korea, ASPRS in Australia)

      Specialty-board certification in plastic surgery from the surgeon's country of practice. The single most important credential for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure.

      Verify on the issuer's register →

    Current clinical trials

    Ongoing research studies registered on ClinicalTrials.gov whose intervention involves blepharoplasty. This is a neutral pointer to public research — not an endorsement, not a recruitment drive, and not medical advice. Trial status changes often; confirm eligibility and current status with the study team via each record.

    Showing 5 recent ongoing studies. Source: ClinicalTrials.gov — all matching trials (U.S. National Library of Medicine, public domain). Retrieved 2026-08-02.

    Recovery Timeline

    Average recovery for Blepharoplasty is 0 days. Individual recovery varies — always follow your surgeon’s specific guidance.

    1. 01Day 0–1

      Immediate

      First 24–48 hours post-procedure. Monitoring, anaesthesia recovery, initial pain management. Most clinics expect you to remain on-site or nearby.

    2. 02Day 2–2

      Early recovery

      Wound care, swelling or bruising peaks, restricted activity. Typical window for follow-up visits and drain removal if applicable. Travel is usually not advised.

    3. 03Day 3–3

      Intermediate recovery

      Gradual return to non-strenuous daily activity. Many international patients fly home during this window. Surgeon may require medical clearance for long-haul travel.

    4. 04Day 4–0

      Full recovery

      Return to full activity, exercise, and work. Final results may still be settling. Final follow-up with local doctor recommended.

    Most people take about 2 weeks off work to recover from eyelid surgery, depending on their job. You will not be able to drive for a number of days after the operation. Bruises and redness may take several weeks to fade. Scarring may be visible and feel tight for a few months. To help with your recovery, you'll need to follow the advice given by your surgeon. You may need to: - prop your head up with pillows for a couple of days, when resting, to reduce swelling - gently clean your eyelids using prescribed ointment or eyedrops - apply a cold pack to your eyelid to help reduce swelling – try a packet of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel - wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and wind - take paracetamol or any painkillers you were given after the surgery to relieve pain You shou

    *Reference text adapted from NHS UK under the Open Government Licence v3.0.*

    Questions to Ask Your Clinic

      Browse all destinations offering Blepharoplasty →Detailed cost breakdown →

      Frequently Asked Questions

      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.

      How long does recovery from eyelid surgery take?

      Most people take about 2 weeks off work to recover from eyelid surgery, depending on their job. You will not be able to drive for several days after the operation, and bruising may take several weeks to fade. The operation itself usually takes around 45 minutes to 2 and a half hours. It is a good idea to discuss your plans with a GP first, as there may be a medical reason the operation is not appropriate for you.

      Related Procedures

      Other cosmetic surgery procedures in our registry

      RhinoplastyBreast AugmentationAbdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)Submuscular Breast AugmentationLiposuctionBrazilian Butt LiftBreast LiftBreast ReductionBreast Implant RemovalBreast Implant RevisionFaceliftNeck LiftOtoplastyChin ImplantOrthognathic Jaw SurgeryGynaecomastia SurgeryMommy MakeoverArm LiftThigh LiftBody LiftRevision RhinoplastyFat Transfer Breast Augmentation

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