Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, removes excess skin, fat and sometimes muscle from the upper or lower eyelids to reduce drooping, puffiness and under-eye bags. It suits healthy adults whose eyelids make them look tired or older, or whose heavy upper lids limit side vision, and is usually done as a day case under local anaesthesia.
- AnaesthesiaLocal anaesthesia with sedation
- DurationAbout 2 hours
- Hospital stayDay case
- Back to routineUsually 7 to 10 days
What is blepharoplasty?
Eyelid skin is very thin, so ageing often shows there first. Puffy or drooping lids can make a person look tired, sad or stressed even when they feel well, and heavy upper lids can sometimes limit peripheral vision or make driving harder. Eyelid surgery aims to give a more open, refreshed and natural appearance.
Upper eyelid surgery uses an incision in the natural lid crease to remove excess skin and fat, with muscle adjusted if needed. Lower eyelid surgery treats under-eye bags, usually caused by fat bulging forward, which can appear even in a person's twenties. Lower-lid incisions are made just below the lashes or on the inside of the lid; fat may be removed or repositioned and skin or muscle tightened.
The transconjunctival approach, the most popular type, removes fat from under the lower lids through the inside of the lid without removing skin. The transcutaneous approach removes excess eyelid skin. Blepharoplasty can be done alone or combined with a brow lift for forehead furrows or a facelift for jowls and neck sagging.
Who is blepharoplasty for?
- Healthy adults with drooping or hooded upper eyelids
- People with under-eye bags or puffiness from fat bulging forward
- Non-smokers, or those willing to stop well before and after surgery
- People with no serious eye condition and realistic expectations
- Not usually advised for uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes, heart disease on blood thinners, thyroid eye problems, glaucoma or dry eyes, because complication risk is higher
How is it done?
- Detailed consultation about goals, risks and benefits; heart, lung and eye tests are usually arranged
- Skin markings are made with the patient sitting upright
- Local anaesthesia numbs the eyelids, with sedation to help the patient relax
- Upper lids are treated first, then lower lids, through crease, lash-line or inner-lid incisions
- Incisions are closed with fine absorbable stitches; surgery usually takes about 2 hours depending on tissue removed
What is recovery like?
- It is a day-case procedure, so a driver and help at home for the first days are advised
- Swelling and bruising typically settle over one to two weeks; cold compresses and head elevation help
- Eye drops or ointment are usually prescribed for dryness or irritation
- Most people return to desk work in about 7 to 10 days
- Scars sit in natural creases or inside the lid and typically fade over several months
What are the risks?
- Bruising, swelling and temporary dry or watery eyes
- Bleeding or infection
- Visible scarring or asymmetry between the eyes
- Difficulty closing the eyes fully, or a pulled-down lower lid, which may need treatment
- Rarely, changes in vision; sudden pain or loss of vision needs urgent review
Why choose Dr. Jithendran?
- Dual training in orthopaedics (MS) and plastic surgery (MCh, DNB), with hand and microsurgery experience from Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore
- Consults at five hospitals across Bengaluru, with 24×7 availability for emergencies
- Clear explanations in English, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu, and time to answer every question
- Strict sterilisation and patient-privacy standards
Frequently asked questions
How should I prepare for eyelid surgery?
Stop smoking several weeks before and after surgery and avoid alcohol in the week before. Avoid aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medicines in the weeks before, unless your doctor says otherwise. Fast for at least 6 hours, arrange a driver and household help, and expect heart, lung and eye tests beforehand.
What is the difference between transconjunctival and transcutaneous blepharoplasty?
Transconjunctival blepharoplasty is done from the inside of the lower eyelid and removes fat without removing skin, leaving no visible scar. Transcutaneous blepharoplasty uses an incision on the skin, usually just below the lashes or in the upper-lid crease, and allows excess skin to be removed.
Can blepharoplasty be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Eyelid surgery is often combined with a brow lift to address forehead furrows or a facelift to treat jowls, cheek and neck sagging. Combining procedures can give broader facial rejuvenation in one recovery period, but suitability depends on your health and goals.
Will eyelid surgery leave visible scars?
Upper-lid scars are placed in the natural eyelid crease and lower-lid scars just below the lashes or inside the lid, so they are usually well hidden once healed. Scars are typically pink at first and fade over several months. Healing varies between individuals.
How long do the results of blepharoplasty last?
Removal of fat and skin usually gives long-lasting improvement, often many years. However, the face continues to age, so some loosening of skin can occur over time. Protecting your skin from the sun and not smoking help maintain the result.
