Oculoplastic surgery treats the eyelids, tear-drainage (lacrimal) system and the soft tissues around the eye. Most procedures are day-case operations performed under local anaesthetic, taking 45–90 minutes, with same-day discharge. At our partner clinics, eyelid surgery starts from £2,350 per eyelid and consultations from £240 — covering the consultant surgeon, theatre, anaesthetic and post-operative review. Many oculoplastic operations are functional (protecting vision and comfort) as well as improving appearance.
What is oculoplastics?
Oculoplastics is the sub-specialty of ophthalmology that deals with the structures surrounding the eye: the upper and lower eyelids, the eyebrows, the orbit (eye socket) and the tear-drainage channels. Because these structures protect and lubricate the eye, problems here are often about far more than appearance — heavy or drooping lids can block your field of vision, in-turning lashes can scratch the cornea, and poor tear drainage can leave the eye constantly watering.
Our consultant oculoplastic surgeons assess patients from across the United Kingdom for eyelid and tear-duct concerns. Your consultation identifies the underlying cause, explains which treatments are suitable, and sets out realistic outcomes — so you can decide with confidence.
Common reasons patients seek oculoplastic care
- Droopy upper eyelid (ptosis) — the lid edge sits low, covering part of the pupil and reducing vision
- Hooded or excess upper-lid skin — heavy lids that tire the eyes and limit the upper field of view
- Lower lid turning in (entropion) or out (ectropion) — causing irritation, watering and recurrent soreness
- Watery eye (epiphora) — from tear-duct blockage or lid laxity
- Eyelid lumps and lesions — such as a chalazion (meibomian cyst) needing assessment or removal
Sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, a rapidly swelling eyelid, new double vision after injury, or signs of infection? These need urgent care — contact NHS 111, your GP, or attend A&E rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Book a routine assessmentOculoplastic procedures we offer
The right operation depends on your eyelid position, the health of the eye surface, how well your tears drain, and your goals. Below are the procedures most commonly discussed at consultation — your surgeon will confirm what is suitable after examining you.
We also assess and treat eyelid cysts (chalazion) from £460, watery eye with endoscopic DCR tear-duct surgery, and thyroid-related eye changes with orbital decompression. Not sure which procedure applies to you? Read our guide to the difference between blepharoplasty and ptosis surgery, or simply request an assessment.
What happens during eyelid surgery
Most oculoplastic procedures are 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 45–90 minutes, and you go home the same day with written aftercare.
- Assessment & marking: your surgeon checks lid height, levator function, the eye surface and tear drainage, then marks the planned incisions.
- Local anaesthetic is given to numb the eyelid; the area is cleaned with sterile solution.
- The procedure is carried out through fine incisions placed in the natural lid crease or just inside the lid, so any scar is well hidden.
- Fine sutures close the wound; some dissolve, others are removed at your review.
- Recovery & discharge: you rest briefly, receive aftercare instructions, and go home the same day.
Recovery week-by-week
Healing varies with the procedure, but most eyelid operations follow a similar pattern. Bruising and swelling are normal early on and settle steadily.
Day of surgery
Eyelid feels tight; mild swelling begins. Use cold compresses as advised and keep your head elevated. No rubbing the eye.
Days 1–3
Bruising and swelling peak then start to ease. Keep the area clean and use any prescribed ointment or drops.
Week 1
Sutures removed if non-dissolving. Most people return to desk work and light activity. Avoid heavy lifting and swimming.
Weeks 2–4
Residual swelling fades and lid position settles. Bruising resolves; make-up can usually resume once wounds are healed.
Beyond a month
Final lid height and symmetry are clear and any scar continues to soften. A follow-up confirms healing and comfort.
Cost & insurance
Our oculoplastic prices are all-inclusive: the consultant surgeon, day-case theatre and anaesthetic, suture removal where needed, and post-operative review. After your assessment you receive a clear, fixed quote with no hidden extras.
- Self-pay: consultation from £240; ptosis correction from £2,350 per eyelid; blepharoplasty £3,950 both upper lids; entropion / ectropion repair from £2,534; chalazion removal from £460.
- Insurance: functional eyelid surgery is often covered — recognised by Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna and WPA. We help with authorisation.
- Finance: 0% options available to spread the cost of self-pay treatment.
See full pricing on our oculoplastics price page.