Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery?

Good candidates are healthy adults with realistic expectations who have eyelid skin laxity, hooding, puffiness or under-eye bags, or where excess upper eyelid skin impairs vision. Non-smokers or those willing to stop are preferred.

What’s the difference between upper and lower blepharoplasty?

Upper blepharoplasty treats hooding and heaviness via a crease-hidden incision. Lower blepharoplasty targets bags and laxity using a subciliary or transconjunctival approach to remove or reposition fat and tighten skin.

Can upper and lower eyelid surgery be combined?

Yes. A combined procedure addresses both lids in one session for harmonious contour and a single recovery period, when appropriate for your goals and anatomy.

How is blepharoplasty performed?

At Cranley Clinic, blepharoplasty is commonly performed as a day-case under local anaesthetic. Incisions are discreet (in the upper crease or inside/below the lower lashes), with precise fat management and skin trimming as needed.

Will there be visible scars after eyelid surgery?

Scars are designed to be discreet. Upper lid incisions sit in the natural crease; lower lid incisions are just below the lashes or inside the eyelid. Scars usually fade well over time.

What is the typical recovery timeline?

Swelling and bruising peak in the first week and then settle. Many patients resume desk work within 5–7 days and feel social by two weeks. Final refinement typically appears by about three months.

What are the risks of blepharoplasty?

Risks are uncommon but can include bleeding, infection, dry or irritated eyes, asymmetry, scarring, or changes in eyelid position. Careful planning and aftercare reduce these risks.

How long do results last?

Results are long-lasting, especially for the upper lids, but natural ageing continues. Some patients may consider maintenance treatments or future touch-ups over time.

Can eyelid surgery improve my vision?

If excess upper eyelid skin narrows your visual field, removing it may improve peripheral vision. Your surgeon will assess this during consultation.

Can blepharoplasty be combined with other treatments?

Yes. Depending on your needs, it may be paired with complementary procedures such as a brow lift or facelift, or non-surgical options like Endolift or dermal fillers for enhanced contour and skin quality.

When will I see the final results?

You’ll notice early improvements as swelling subsides in the first 1–2 weeks. Scars mature and contours refine over several weeks, with final results typically visible by around three months.

Blepharoplasty London | Cranley Clinic Eyelid Surgery Experts

Q: What is blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is eyelid surgery that removes excess skin, refines or repositions fat, and supports the eyelid to restore a brighter, more alert eye appearance without changing your natural expression.

The eyes often reveal our vitality yet as we age, drooping lids and under-eye bags can make us look tired. Blepharoplasty London at Cranley Clinic offers a precise and subtle way to restore youthful brightness and balance to the eyes.

In this post, we’ll explore:

What blepharoplasty is and why people choose it
The different types (upper, lower, combination)
How the procedure is planned and performed
Recovery expectations and timeline
The risks, benefits, and ideal candidates
Tips for choosing a surgeon and preparing for surgery

What Is Blepharoplasty and Why Consider It?

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, repositions or refines fat, and tightens supporting structures around the eyelids to restore a more youthful, alert appearance. It does not aim to change your fundamental expression; instead, it relieves heaviness, reduces puffiness, and smooths the transition between the lids and cheeks.

At Cranley Clinic, the technique is tailored to each individual’s anatomy and facial dynamics. The goal is natural-looking results that read well in person, in photos, and in motion.

Some of the most common concerns addressed by blepharoplasty include:

Hooding or drooping of upper eyelids
Puffiness or “bags” under the lower lids
Sagging skin that interferes with vision or gives a tired look
Uneven lid–cheek contours

Because it treats both aesthetic and functional issues, blepharoplasty often delivers cosmetic and quality-of-life benefits. You can see how this fits into Cranley’s broader Aesthetic Plastic Surgery offerings.

Types of Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty may be performed on the upper lids, the lower lids, or both (a combined procedure). Which option is optimal depends on your goals, anatomy, and the degree of correction needed.

Upper Blepharoplasty

Upper eyelid surgery treats hooding and heaviness on the top lids. Surgeons remove redundant skin and small fat pads (if needed) through an incision hidden in the natural crease. Because the scar is concealed, it tends to heal invisibly when done well.

This procedure can make a fundamental difference in how open and refreshed your eyes appear. In some cases, when skin droop is quite severe, correcting it may also widen your visual field.

Lower Blepharoplasty

Lower eyelid procedures address under-eye puffiness, bulging fat, or lax skin. There are generally two main approaches:

Subciliary incision (just below the lashes): allows skin tightening and fat repositioning
Transconjunctival incision (inside the eyelid): focuses on fat repositioning, leaving no visible scar

Lower blepharoplasty can smooth under-eye bags and refine the lid–cheek junction, giving a more youthful and rested look.

Combined (Upper + Lower)

For those who have both upper and lower eyelid concerns, a combined procedure is often ideal. It lets the surgeon recontour the full eye area in one session, achieving harmony across the lids while minimising downtime.

Because Cranley Clinic offers a full range of Facial Procedures, from eyelid surgery to facelifts a combined approach can be seamlessly integrated into a broader rejuvenation plan.

How the Procedure Is Planned & Carried Out

Consultation & Planning

Your journey begins with a private, in-depth consultation with a specialist surgeon such as Mr Ali Ghanem, one of Cranley’s lead aesthetic plastic surgeons. You’ll discuss your goals, medical history, and any functional issues (for instance, eyelid skin impinging on vision). Together you’ll decide whether upper, lower, or combined surgery is most appropriate.

Because Cranley integrates surgical and non-surgical treatments, your plan might also include adjunctive facial therapies for an even smoother result.

Pre-Operative Preparation

Before surgery, you’ll be given detailed guidelines on medications, smoking cessation, and aftercare. Your care coordinator ensures you feel confident and informed.

The Procedure Itself

At Cranley’s surgical suite, blepharoplasty is usually performed under local anaesthetic (no general anaesthetic required). The procedure lasts 60–150 minutes, and you’ll return home the same day.

Incisions are discreetly placed: in the eyelid crease for the upper lids, and either inside or just beneath the lower lashes for the lower lids. Precision, symmetry, and minimal scarring are key priorities.

Aftercare & Recovery

Your surgical team will arrange follow-ups, suture removal (if needed), and guide you through at-home care including cleaning the area, using cold compresses, and gradually resuming activities.

It’s normal to experience temporary swelling, bruising, or sensitivity to light. Most patients feel comfortable for social activities after about two weeks, with full refinement visible by three months.

For enhanced rejuvenation, many patients later complement their blepharoplasty with Endolift® laser skin tightening or subtle dermal filler treatments to maintain smooth contours.

Risks, Benefits & Ideal Candidates

Benefits

Brighter, more youthful eye appearance
Reduction or elimination of hooded lids or bags
Improved lid–cheek contour
Occasionally improved peripheral vision

Limitations

Blepharoplasty doesn’t halt ageing or address brow descent or mid-face sagging. Complementary procedures such as a brow lift or facelift may be considered for full rejuvenation.

Risks

Although rare, possible complications include bleeding, infection, asymmetry, or delayed healing. Choosing a reputable clinic and adhering to aftercare greatly minimise these risks.

Choosing a Surgeon & Preparing for Surgery

Selecting the Right Surgeon

Eyelid surgery demands precision and artistry. When choosing your surgeon, look for proper accreditation, before-and-after results, and patient testimonials. At Cranley Clinic, you can explore profiles on the Clinicians page, including Mr Ali Ghanem and other trusted specialists.

Preparation Tips

Complete medical evaluations and discuss any eye conditions
Avoid certain medications and supplements as advised
Stop smoking in advance of surgery
Prepare your home with soft pillows, cold compresses, and eye drops
Arrange for someone to accompany you

Because Cranley Clinic also provides innovative non-surgical options like Endolift® and skin tightening treatments, your surgeon may recommend combining modalities to optimise contour and skin quality.

If you’re considering blepharoplasty in London, Cranley Clinic offers a bespoke, precision-led approach to eyelid surgery. Our expert team ensures safe, natural results and comprehensive aftercare.

Learn more about our facial procedures or book your blepharoplasty consultation today.

These are just some of the treatments we offer here at Cranley Clinic. If you have any queries, or would like to book an appointment, please call us on +44 (0) 207 499 3223.