Private upper eyelid blepharoplasty in the UK costs from about £2,500 for both upper lids in 2026, with a typical all-inclusive fee of £3,000–£3,800. The price depends on your surgeon's experience, the anaesthetic route, the clinic location and whether the operation is combined with brow or lower-lid work. A single upper lid alone is less, and a four-lid (upper and lower) procedure costs more. Almost all reputable CQC-registered clinics quote one fixed, all-inclusive fee that covers the surgeon, theatre, anaesthetic and follow-up.
How much does upper eyelid blepharoplasty cost?
An upper eyelid blepharoplasty (upper lid reduction) is the most commonly requested eyelid operation. It removes the loose, hooding skin — and any bulging fat — from the upper lids so the eyes look more open and rested. Because it is usually done under local anaesthetic as a day case, it sits at the more affordable end of eyelid surgery.
Here is what to expect from UK private pricing in 2026:
Not sure whether your problem is loose skin or a drooping lid margin? These are treated differently — read our guide on the difference between blepharoplasty and ptosis surgery. For the full picture across all eyelid procedures, see our blepharoplasty cost guide and the wider oculoplastic surgery price list.
Want a firm price for your eyes? A consultation gives you a fixed, all-inclusive quote after your surgeon has assessed your lids.
Request an eyelid assessmentWhat's included in the price
A reputable all-inclusive upper blepharoplasty fee should cover everything from assessment to healing. Always ask the clinic to confirm the quote includes:
- Consultant oculoplastic surgeon — an eyelid specialist, not a general cosmetic operator
- The procedure and day-case theatre in a CQC-registered facility
- Local anaesthetic (with optional sedation)
- All routine follow-up reviews and suture removal
- Post-operative aftercare guidance and a point of contact
A separate initial consultation fee of around £200–£350 is common and is often redeemable against surgery. Watch for quotes that exclude the anaesthetist, facility fee or follow-up — these "headline" prices can climb once the extras are added.
What happens during upper eyelid surgery
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a precise, 45–60 minute day-case procedure performed under local anaesthetic. You stay awake but feel no pain.
- Marking: your surgeon marks the exact amount of excess skin to remove while you are sitting upright, so the result is symmetrical.
- Anaesthetic: local anaesthetic numbs the lids; light sedation is available if you are anxious.
- Skin removal: a fine incision is made within the natural upper-lid crease, and the surplus skin — and any bulging fat — is removed.
- Closing: the incision is closed with fine sutures that sit hidden in the crease, so the scar is barely visible once healed.
- Home the same day: you rest briefly and go home with aftercare instructions.
Recovery week-by-week
Upper-lid recovery is quicker than most patients expect. Bruising and swelling settle over the first fortnight.
Days 1–3
Mild swelling and bruising. Sleep propped up and use cool compresses. Discomfort is usually managed with paracetamol.
Days 5–7
Sutures are removed at around one week. Bruising begins to fade and can be covered with make-up once the wounds have sealed.
Weeks 2–3
Most people feel comfortable returning to work and social life. Residual swelling continues to settle.
Weeks 6+
Scars soften and pale into the lid crease. The final, refreshed result is usually settled by 6–12 weeks.
Waiting on the NHS instead? Cosmetic eyelid surgery is rarely funded, and where it is, waits are long — see current NHS eyelid surgery waiting times.
Finance, insurance and payment
Upper blepharoplasty is usually a self-pay (cosmetic) procedure, so paying is straightforward:
- Self-pay: a fixed, all-inclusive fee agreed before surgery — from £2,500 for both upper lids.
- 0% finance: spread the cost over 12 months — see our eye surgery finance options.
- Insurance: most insurers do not cover cosmetic eyelid surgery, but they may fund upper-lid surgery where hooding obstructs your field of vision and is documented by a visual-field test. We can advise on this at consultation.