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Restore comfort, confidence and clearer vision
As we age, the delicate skin around the eyes can loosen and sag. This may make the eyes look tired or heavy. In many cases, the eyelids can begin to obstruct vision. For others, medical conditions such as thyroid eye disease (TED), facial palsy (weakness of facial muscles) or stroke can affect eyelid position and symmetry. These changes can affect confidence, comfort and the ability to carry out daily activities such as reading and driving.
Blepharoplasty offers an effective way to restore eyelid function, improve vision and create a more refreshed and natural appearance. It’s not only a cosmetic procedure – many people seek blepharoplasty to correct medical problems that interfere with their sight or eyelid movement.
At London Oculoplastics, all eyelid surgery is carried out by Mr Jimmy Uddin, internationally recognised senior consultant ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital. With more than 25 years of experience in functional and reconstructive eyelid surgery, he provides tailored treatment that prioritises both vision and appearance.
What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and repositions or removes fat around the eyelids. It can be performed on the upper lids, the lower lids or both, depending on your needs.
Unlike purely cosmetic clinics, London Oculoplastics specialises in both cosmetic and functional blepharoplasty – surgery for medical and age-related eyelid problems.
Blepharoplasty may help to:
- Improve your field of vision by lifting heavy or overhanging eyelid skin
- Refresh the appearance of the eyes and reduce a tired or aged look
- Smooth puffiness or bags beneath the eyes
- Create a more balanced eyelid shape and position
- Ease discomfort caused by stretched or sagging eyelid skin
- Support better eyelid closure and protection of the eye surface
- Enhance confidence with a natural, subtle result
Who is blepharoplasty suitable for?
Many patients come to us because their eyelid concerns affect their sight or comfort rather than appearance alone. Functional blepharoplasty is carried out when excess eyelid skin or muscle affects vision or causes medical problems.
Functional blepharoplasty may be recommended for:
- Upper eyelid skin that blocks part of your vision when looking up or straight ahead
- Eyelids that feel heavy or difficult to keep open, especially later in the day
- Recurrent skin irritation or infections in the folds of excess eyelid skin
- Eyelid changes caused by stroke or facial nerve palsy that affect eye protection
- Eyelid problems related to thyroid eye disease that cause exposure or discomfort
- Difficulty carrying out daily tasks, such as reading or driving, because the eyelids obstruct vision
Treatment is carefully planned to restore natural eyelid movement while preserving or improving your appearance.
Conditions that may benefit from blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty can play an important role in improving eyelid function after certain medical conditions. This is an area where Mr Uddin’s advanced expertise in complex eyelid and nerve-related conditions is particularly valuable, ensuring patients receive care from one of the UK’s leading oculoplastic surgeons.
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty removes excess skin and soft tissue from the upper eyelids. This is the most common type of eyelid surgery and is often carried out for both functional and aesthetic reasons. Sometimes lifting the brow may also help.
Benefits include:
- Clearer vision
- Reduced heaviness of the upper lids
- A more open and refreshed appearance
- Relief from forehead strain caused by lifting the eyebrows
- Improved symmetry after stroke or nerve palsy
The incision is placed in the natural eyelid crease and usually heals with an almost invisible scar.
Lower eyelid surgery targets puffiness, bags or loose skin beneath the eyes. It may involve removing or repositioning fat and tightening the skin and muscle. The lower eyelid forms part of the wider midface and cheek complex, and surgery may include support to this area to maintain stability and achieve a natural, balanced result.
Lower blepharoplasty can:
- Soften under-eye bags
- Reduce a tired or swollen appearance
- Improve lower eyelid position
- Smooth the transition between the eyelid and the cheek
Most lower eyelid surgery is performed under local anaesthetic with sedation, allowing you to go home the same day.
Your consultation
At London Oculoplastics, every patient receives a detailed assessment to make sure the plan is safe and effective for them.
Your consultation may include:
- Full examination of eyelid position and movement
- Full examination of the eye
- Review of vision and any relevant medical conditions
- Assessment of facial nerve function, if needed
- Photography to assist with planning
- Visual field testing in cases of functional obstruction
- A clear explanation of your surgical options and expected results
What to expect during surgery
Blepharoplasty may be performed with:
- Local anaesthetic (you’ll be awake but won’t feel pain)
- Local anaesthetic and light sedation (you’ll be awake but feel sleepy and relaxed)
- General anaesthetic (so you’re asleep during the surgery)
We’ll ensure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure.
Surgery typically takes between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on whether one or both eyelids are being treated. Once the procedure is complete, you should be able to return home shortly afterwards.
Mr Uddin follows a meticulous approach that focuses on natural results, avoiding an overcorrected or artificial appearance.
Recovery and aftercare
You’ll receive full aftercare guidance to support your recovery.
While recovering, it’s normal to experience mild swelling and bruising for up to two weeks. Your stitches will be removed after five to seven days, but your full results won’t be visible until the swelling completely settles, which can take several weeks.
Risks and side effects
All surgical procedures carry some risks, although serious complications are rare.
Possible side effects include:
- Temporary bruising and swelling
- Mild discomfort
- Dry or watery eyes
- Temporary blurred vision
- Infection
Your surgeon will discuss all risks with you and answer any questions before treatment.
Paying for your treatment
We welcome self-paying and insured patients. Following your consultation, a clear and transparent quote will be provided before any treatment begins.
For more information about fees or to request a guide price, please contact our team.
Find expert eyelid surgery in central London
If your eyelids are affecting your confidence, vision or comfort, you do not need to wait for symptoms to worsen. Book a consultation with London Oculoplastics to discuss whether blepharoplasty is the right option for you.
Blepharoplasty FAQs
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Moorfields Private Outpatient Centre
London (Central London)
Moorfields Private Practice
London (Central London)
Parkside Hospital