Blepharoplasty - Eye Bag Removal

What is the procedure?

Eye bag removal - or blepharoplasty to give it its correct name - involves the removal of loose skin and fatty tissue in the eyelids, making the skin tighter and appear more youthful. The surgery can be carried out on the upper and lower eyelids - or both - with general anaesthetic normally required if both lids are to be operated on at the same time. Stitches stay in place for around a week after surgery and there will be some scarring, though scars normally fade away fairly rapidly. There will be some bruising and around the surgery site for at least a few days.

Who is it meant for?

Though most people choose to undergo blepharoplasty for cosmetic reasons - such as 'looking older than one's age' or because applying make-up is difficult because of wrinkled skin - some people also opt for the surgery because excessively heavy upper eyelids can affect the vision by obscuring too much of the eye.

Benefits and risks

The benefits of blepharoplasty include improved appearance, self-esteem and, in some cases, better vision. There are few serious risks though extremely rare instances of blindness have been reported. As with most types of cosmetic surgery there will be some scarring, and there is a small risk of infection. As the procedure is normally carried out under general anaesthetic, the patient needs to consider the inherent risks of this, including deep vein thrombosis.

Price range

£2,500 to £3,500