Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
Blepharoplasty reshapes the eyelids by removing or repositioning excess skin and fat. On the upper lids it can lift hooded, heavy skin; on the lower lids it can soften puffy bags and loose skin. It is usually cosmetic, giving a fresher, less tired appearance, but heavy upper lids that block the field of vision can also be treated functionally. Results are natural rather than dramatic and vary between people.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) treats the changes that make the eyes look tired or aged. On the upper eyelids, loose or hooded skin — and sometimes small pockets of fat — are trimmed or repositioned to open up the eye. On the lower eyelids, the surgeon addresses under-eye bags and crepey skin, either through a fine cut just below the lash line or from inside the lid, often repositioning fat rather than simply removing it. The aim is a rested, natural appearance rather than a changed one.
In some people the upper eyelid skin hangs low enough to reduce the field of vision, in which case the surgery is functional as well as cosmetic. Eyelid tissues are delicate and heal well, but the technique must be judged carefully to avoid taking too much skin or altering the shape of the eye, so the assessment and the surgeon's experience matter. Blepharoplasty does not lift the brows, erase fine lines or remove dark circles, and it does not stop the natural aging that continues afterwards; it is sometimes combined with other procedures for a fuller effect.
For international patients, a coordinator arranges a consultation and a written plan with a transparent, itemized cost estimate before travel. Our surgeons can review photographs and your history remotely for an initial view, but the eyelids and eye must be assessed in person — including a check of eye health and tear function — before the final plan is set.
Who is a candidate?
- Adults bothered by heavy, hooded upper eyelids or puffy, baggy lower lids
- People who look tired or older than they feel because of excess eyelid skin or fat
- Those whose upper-lid skin is heavy enough to interfere with their field of vision
- People in good general health with healthy eyes and realistic, individual expectations
- Non-smokers, or those willing to stop around surgery, without untreated dry-eye or eyelid conditions that would need review first
What happens
- 1
Consultation & assessment
The surgeon examines your eyelids, the position of your brows and the health of your eyes, discusses your goals, and checks whether heavy upper lids are affecting your vision. Photographs are taken for planning.
- 2
Planning & preparation
A plan is agreed for the upper, lower or both lids, and you receive guidance on medicines to avoid, stopping smoking, and preparing for anesthesia.
- 3
The procedure
Through fine incisions hidden in the natural upper-lid crease or just below the lower lashes (or inside the lid), excess skin and fat are removed or repositioned and the incisions are closed with delicate stitches.
- 4
Recovery & follow-up
Cool compresses help the bruising and swelling, which ease over one to two weeks; stitches are usually removed at about a week. The fresher look settles over the following weeks, and after-care can continue at home.
Benefits
- Reduces heavy, hooded upper-lid skin and puffy lower-lid bags
- Gives a fresher, more rested and less tired appearance
- Can improve an upper field of vision blocked by overhanging skin
- Incisions sit in natural creases or just below the lashes, so scars are usually discreet
- Can be combined with other facial procedures for a more complete result
Risks & considerations
- Scarring — usually well hidden, but individual healing varies
- Asymmetry between the two sides, or a result that needs revision
- Temporary dry, watery, or irritated eyes, and blurred vision early on
- Difficulty fully closing the eyes, or a change in eyelid position (uncommon)
- Bruising, swelling, infection, and the risks of anesthesia; very rare effects on vision
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is performed by our Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Department.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) — frequently asked questions
Not directly. Blepharoplasty addresses excess skin and fat that cause hooding and under-eye bags, but it does not remove dark pigmentation or fine lines such as crow's feet, and it does not lift the brow. Your surgeon will explain what it can realistically change for you and whether other treatments would help.
It is often cosmetic — for a fresher, less tired look — but when heavy upper-eyelid skin hangs low enough to block part of your field of vision, removing it is functional as well. At the consultation the surgeon assesses whether your vision is affected.
Most visible bruising and swelling ease over one to two weeks, and stitches usually come out around a week. Subtle swelling can linger a little longer, so the final, settled result appears over the following weeks to a few months and is individual to you.
Our surgeons can review clear photographs and your history remotely to give an initial opinion. Because the eyelids and eye health — including tear function — must be checked directly, an in-person assessment is arranged before the final plan is confirmed.
We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after a consultation and do not quote fixed prices online because each plan is individual. Your coordinator confirms the details, including the length of stay and follow-up.
Related treatments
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