0151 203 0020Eyelid Surgery: A Guide to Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty
Eyelid Surgery: A Guide to Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty
The eyes are often one of the first areas to show visible signs of ageing. Over time, changes in the skin and underlying tissues can lead to drooping upper eyelids, excess skin or bags beneath the eyes. For some people, these changes can make the face appear tired, even when they feel well-rested.
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to address excess skin and, where appropriate, fat around the eyelids. Depending on your concerns, treatment may involve the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both.
At Cosmetic Surgery of The Royal Liver Building, we understand that every patient has different concerns and expectations. Upper eyelid surgery starts from £2,500, although the final cost will depend on your individual treatment plan. Understanding the available procedures, costs and expected outcomes can help you decide whether eyelid surgery may be suitable for you.
What Is Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery is a procedure that reshapes the eyelid area by removing excess skin and, where appropriate, removing or repositioning fat and adjusting underlying tissues.
The aim is to address specific concerns around the eyes while maintaining a natural appearance that complements your facial features.
There are two main types of blepharoplasty:
- Upper blepharoplasty: Focuses on excess skin and tissue around the upper eyelids.
- Lower blepharoplasty: Addresses concerns such as under-eye bags and excess skin beneath the eyes.
The most appropriate approach depends on your individual anatomy, medical history and desired outcome. An assessment with a suitably qualified clinician is essential to determine whether surgery is appropriate for you.
Upper Eyelid Surgery: Addressing Drooping Eyelids
As the skin loses elasticity with age, excess skin can develop around the upper eyelids. This may create a hooded appearance, make the eyes look heavier or affect the natural contour of the eyelid.
In some cases, significant upper eyelid skin excess can also interfere with the upper field of vision.
Upper blepharoplasty aims to address excess skin around the upper eyelids. Incisions are generally positioned within the natural creases of the eyelids, helping to make resulting scars less noticeable once healed.
The procedure is tailored to the individual, with the aim of improving the appearance of the upper eyelids without creating an unnatural result.
At Cosmetic Surgery of The Royal Liver Building, upper eyelid surgery starts from £2,500. The final cost will depend on your individual requirements and treatment plan, which can be discussed during your consultation.
You can find out more about the procedure on our dedicated page for upper blepharoplasty in Liverpool.
Our sister clinic, Aesthetics of The Royal Liver Building, also provides information about upper blepharoplasty in Liverpool, offering another resource to explore when researching your options.
Lower Eyelid Surgery: Treating Under-Eye Bags
Under-eye bags can develop as the tissues supporting the lower eyelids change over time. Fat beneath the eyes may become more prominent, while changes in skin elasticity can contribute to loose skin and a puffy appearance.
Lower blepharoplasty is designed to address these concerns by removing excess skin where necessary and removing or repositioning fat, depending on the patient’s individual needs.
The surgical approach varies according to the amount of excess skin and the underlying anatomy. In selected cases, an incision can be made inside the lower eyelid when treating fat alone, meaning there may be no visible external incision.
Lower eyelid surgery can help improve the contour of the under-eye area. However, it does not address every cause of dark circles, fine lines or changes in skin pigmentation.
If you are concerned about under-eye bags or loose skin beneath the eyes, read more about lower blepharoplasty in Liverpool and the procedure’s suitability for different concerns.
Who Might Consider Eyelid Surgery?
- Excess skin or a hooded appearance around the upper eyelids.
- Under-eye bags that remain noticeable despite adequate rest.
- Loose skin around the lower eyelids.
- Changes in the appearance of the eyes associated with ageing or inherited facial characteristics.
- Upper eyelid skin that may be affecting the field of vision.
It is also important to understand that blepharoplasty does not correct every concern around the eyes. For example, crow’s feet, dark circles caused by pigmentation and certain forehead or brow concerns may require different approaches.
A consultation allows you to discuss your concerns, understand the potential benefits and limitations, and explore the most appropriate treatment options.
What Happens During Eyelid Surgery?
For upper eyelid surgery, an incision is generally made along the natural eyelid crease. For lower eyelid surgery, the incision may be positioned just below the eyelashes or inside the lower eyelid, depending on the technique used.
The surgeon then addresses the excess skin and underlying tissues according to the agreed treatment plan. Incisions are closed using appropriate sutures.
The procedure, anaesthetic and expected recovery will be discussed with you before surgery. At Cosmetic Surgery of The Royal Liver Building, procedures are carried out under local anaesthetic, subject to individual clinical suitability.
Your clinician will explain what the procedure involves, the potential risks and the expected outcome based on your individual circumstances.
Recovery After Blepharoplasty
Recovery varies from person to person and depends on the procedure performed. Swelling, bruising, tightness and temporary discomfort around the eyes are common during the initial recovery period.
You may need to take time away from work and avoid strenuous exercise while healing. Driving should be avoided until your vision is unaffected and you are safe to drive.
Your clinical team will provide individual aftercare instructions, including advice on caring for the treated area and when to return for follow-up appointments.
Although initial swelling and bruising gradually improve, the final appearance may take longer to settle. Following your aftercare advice and attending recommended reviews are important parts of the recovery process.
As with any surgery, blepharoplasty carries potential risks, including bleeding, infection, scarring, dry eyes, asymmetry and changes in vision. Your clinician will discuss the risks relevant to you before you decide whether to proceed.
Choosing the Right Blepharoplasty Procedure
Choosing to undergo cosmetic surgery is a personal decision. It is important to understand the procedure, have realistic expectations and feel comfortable discussing your concerns with your clinical team.
When researching your options, look for clear information about the procedure, the clinician’s qualifications, the potential risks and the aftercare provided.
If you are comparing treatment options and providers, our guide to the best blepharoplasty in Liverpool provides further information to help you research eyelid surgery and understand what to consider when choosing a provider.
Whether your main concern is excess skin on the upper eyelids or bags beneath the eyes, an individual assessment can help establish which procedure may be appropriate for your needs.
Book a Consultation to Discuss Eyelid Surgery
If you are concerned about drooping upper eyelids, excess skin or under-eye bags, eyelid surgery may be an option worth exploring.
Whether you are considering upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty or both, the first step is to discuss your concerns with a qualified clinician who can assess your suitability and explain the options available.
Contact Cosmetic Surgery of The Royal Liver Building to enquire about eyelid surgery and find out more about the next steps.
All surgical procedures carry risks, and individual results vary. A consultation and clinical assessment are required to determine suitability for treatment.
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