Blepharoplasty (eyelid-lift surgery) removes or repositions excess skin and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. It is a day-case operation performed under local anaesthetic, taking 1–2 hours, with same-day discharge. At our partner clinics, prices start from £3,950 for both upper lids, £4,950 for both lower lids, and £7,000 for a four-lid procedure — all-inclusive of the consultant surgeon, theatre, anaesthetic and follow-up. Where heavy upper-lid skin blocks your vision, the procedure is functional as well as cosmetic and may be covered by insurance.
What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is surgery to improve the appearance and function of the eyelids. With age, the delicate eyelid skin stretches and the small fat pads that cushion the eye can bulge forward, creating hooded upper lids and puffy lower-lid bags. The result can be a tired, heavy or aged appearance — and, when upper-lid skin overhangs far enough, a genuine reduction in the upper field of vision.
Upper-lid blepharoplasty removes the excess skin (and sometimes a strip of muscle and fat) through an incision hidden in the natural lid crease. Lower-lid blepharoplasty addresses under-eye bags, repositioning or removing fat and tightening skin. Our consultant oculoplastic surgeons treat patients from across the UK, tailoring the approach to your eyelid anatomy and goals.
Is it cosmetic or functional?
- Functional upper blepharoplasty — when hooded skin overhangs the lashes and limits your upper field of view, the operation restores a clearer line of sight. This is often eligible for private-insurance cover with visual-field evidence.
- Cosmetic blepharoplasty — when the aim is primarily to refresh tired-looking eyes, smooth hooding or reduce under-eye bags.
- Combined with ptosis surgery — if the lid edge itself is low (not just the skin), ptosis correction may be done at the same time. See our guide to the difference between blepharoplasty and ptosis surgery.
Heavy lids affecting your vision? A consultation with visual-field testing can confirm whether your upper lids are limiting your sight — and whether functional surgery is appropriate.
Book an eyelid assessmentProcedure options
Your surgeon will recommend whether to treat the upper lids, the lower lids, or all four, based on where the excess skin and fat sit and what you want to achieve.
Blepharoplasty is one of several oculoplastic procedures we offer. If your main issue is a low-sitting lid edge rather than excess skin, see ptosis correction; if the lower lid is turning in or out, see entropion or ectropion repair.
What happens during blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is performed as a day case under local anaesthetic, sometimes with light sedation. You stay awake but feel no pain — only mild pressure. A typical operation takes 1–2 hours depending on how many lids are treated, and you go home the same day with written aftercare.
- Marking & anaesthetic: your surgeon marks the precise skin to be removed with you sitting up, then numbs the eyelids with local anaesthetic.
- Upper lids: excess skin (and, if needed, a sliver of muscle and fat) is removed through an incision hidden in the natural lid crease.
- Lower lids: fat is repositioned or removed via an incision just below the lash line or on the inside of the lid (transconjunctival), with skin tightened as required.
- Fine sutures close the incisions; these are usually removed at your review about a week later.
- Recovery & discharge: you rest briefly with cold compresses, then go home the same day.
Recovery week-by-week
Bruising and swelling are normal in the first couple of weeks and settle steadily. Most people are comfortable in public within two weeks.
Day of surgery
Lids feel tight; swelling begins. Use cold compresses and keep your head elevated. No rubbing the eyes; rest at home.
Days 1–3
Bruising and swelling peak then start to ease. Keep incisions clean and use any prescribed ointment. Mild watering or grittiness is normal.
Week 1
Sutures removed. Most people return to desk work and light activity. Avoid heavy lifting, swimming and strenuous exercise.
Weeks 2–4
Residual swelling fades and the result begins to show. Bruising resolves; make-up can usually resume once wounds are fully healed.
Beyond a month
Final contour settles over 2–3 months and incision lines continue to fade into the lid crease. A follow-up confirms healing.
Cost & insurance
Our blepharoplasty prices are all-inclusive: the consultant surgeon, day-case theatre and anaesthetic, suture removal, and post-operative review. After your assessment you receive a clear, fixed quote with no hidden extras.
- Self-pay: both upper lids £3,950; both lower lids £4,950; four-lid (upper + lower) £7,000; single upper eyelid from £2,350. See the full blepharoplasty price list or the 2026 cost guide.
- Insurance: functional upper blepharoplasty (where lids restrict vision) is often covered — recognised by Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna and WPA. We help with authorisation and visual-field evidence.
- Finance: 0% options available to spread the cost of self-pay treatment.