Lower eyebag surgery

Lower eye bag removal is an operation designed to remove excess skin and or fat from the lower eyelids. It can reduce the appearance of baggy or tired looking eyes.

Lower eye bag removal is an operation designed to remove excess skin and or fat from the lower eyelids. It can reduce the appearance of baggy or tired looking eyes.

At a glance

Every patient is unique, and during our consultation process, we work with you to develop a bespoke treatment plan based on what you want to achieve.

Duration

1 hour

Anaesthetic

Local

Downtime

2 weeks

Length of results

Lifetime

Pricing

From £5,150

How Does It Work?

What Happens During the Lower Eye Lift Procedure?

Lower eyelid surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic.

First an injection is carried out to make the area numb. Next, an incision is made just below the eyelash line. What happens next depends on your own anatomy, and varies from person to person. If your problem is simply excess skin, then this can be removed. Often however there is too much fat, or fat in the wrong places under the eye in which case it is necessary to remove or reposition the fat pads. The muscle below the eye is often tightened at the same time, to help with the rejuvenation of the lower eyelid.

Where Are The Scars?

The scars are hidden in the natural crease just below the eyelashes. Over time the scars should be virtually undetectable.

Are you ready to start your consultation?

Finding the right treatment for you is the most important factor in ensuring that you are on the correct path to achieve the results you desire. Our pre-consultation form helps us to identify your needs and, ultimately, gets you on the right path to achieving your optimal results.

Lower eyebag surgery

View our short videos designed specifically to answer your questions.

Mr Russell Bramhall

What is my recovery like after lower eyelid surgery?

0:54

Playlist Lower Eyelid Surgery

Summary

Post-eyelid surgery, you can expect swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort. Watery or dry eyes are common in the first few days, but these symptoms improve as healing progresses. Stitches are usually removed within a week, and light activities can be resumed within 7–10 days. By six weeks, most swelling has subsided, and final results are visible between 3 and 6 months.

Transcript

Immediately after surgery, you can expect swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, which can be managed with cold compressive and over-the-counter medications like paracetamol. Your eyes may feel tight or dry, and your vision might be slightly blurred due to the ointments. Some watery eye symptoms are also normal. Bruising and swelling peak in the first few days, but gradually then improve. We usually remove any stitches after a week, and most patients feel comfortable resuming light activities within 7-10 days, though sunglasses may help cover any residual bruising or swelling. By 6 weeks, most of the swelling has subsided, and results begin to look more natural. At this stage, you can start resuming more vigorous exercise. The final results usually become visible by 3-6 months as any residual swelling and scars fade.

Mr Russell Bramhall

Is eyelid surgery recovery painful?

0:30

Playlist Lower Eyelid Surgery

Summary

Eyelid surgery recovery is usually mild, with minimal pain and swelling. Cold compresses, head elevation, and proper care help ensure a smooth and comfortable healing process.

Transcript

Eyelid surgery recovery is not typically very painful, but mild discomfort, tightness, a bit of swelling are common in the first few days. We will give you a cold compression eye mask to take home with you, which is helpful to reduce any swelling and discomfort. Sleeping with your head elevated also helps to reduce fluid buildup and reduce discomfort. Most patients find the procedure carries surprisingly little pain, but we’re always here to help if you have any problems.

Mr Russell Bramhall

What are the risks of lower eyelid surgery?

1:02

Playlist Lower Eyelid Surgery

Summary

Lower eyelid surgery is generally safe, but potential risks include ectropion (lid malposition), dry or watery eyes, and temporary swelling or bruising. To prevent complications, skilled surgeons use precise techniques and, if necessary, reinforce the lower lid with canthopexy for added support. With expert care and proper aftercare, lower eyelid surgery can safely rejuvenate your eyes for a refreshed, youthful look.

Transcript

While lower eyelid surgery is generally safe, like any procedure, it carries some risks. The complication we worry about most is ectropion, or a droopy lower eyelid with lid malposition, which occurs when the lower lid becomes too tight or weak, causing the eyelid to droop down from the eye. We prevent this by using precise techniques to preserve natural eyelid support, and if necessary, reinforcing the lid with canthopexy, which is an eyelid tightening procedure. Another complication can be dry or watery eyes. Temporary dryness or irritation can happen post-surgery, and we aim to minimise this by carefully handling the eyelid tissues and advising patients to use lubricating eye drops or ointment after surgery, and ensuring proper healing before resuming contact lenses. It’s also normal to expect some post-op bruising and swelling, which should go down as the days and weeks pass by after surgery. With an experienced surgeon and proper aftercare, lower eyelid surgery can safely rejuvenate the eyes for a more refreshed look.

Mr Russell Bramhall

What should I avoid after eyelid surgery?

0:39

Playlist Lower Eyelid Surgery

Summary

For one to two weeks, avoid heavy lifting, bending, and intense workouts to reduce swelling and bleeding risk. Don’t rub your eyes, as they are delicate post-surgery. Avoid contact lenses for two to three weeks—use glasses instead. Prescribed eye drops and ointments help with healing.

Transcript

For the first one to two weeks, you should avoid heavy lifting, bending over, and intense workouts as they can increase the swelling and any risk of bleeding. Light walking is fine after a day or two. You should avoid rubbing or touching the eyes during this period. The iron is a delicate after surgery, and rubbing them can disrupt the healing or cause irritation. Use prescribed eye drops and ointment to manage any dryness or discomfort. You should also avoid wearing contact lenses for at least two to three weeks after surgery. Contact lenses can irritate the healing eyelids. Stick to glasses until the swelling subsides. Following these guidelines ensures smooth healing and optimal results.

Mr Russell Bramhall

Do I have to sleep sitting up after eyelid surgery?

0:31

Playlist Lower Eyelid Surgery

Summary

After eye surgery, sleeping with your head elevated at 30–45 degrees helps reduce swelling and promotes healing. Discover the best post-surgery sleeping tips to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery.

Transcript

You should sleep with your head elevated after eye surgery, but you don’t need to sit completely upright. Keeping your head elevated at around 30 to 45 degrees and using some extra pillows or a reclining bed helps to reduce the swelling and bruising by improving the fluid drainage. This position also prevents accidental pressure on the eyes, which could affect healing. It’s recommended to sleep on your back for at least one to two weeks to avoid disturbing the surgical area. As the swelling subsides, you can gradually return to your normal sleeping position.

Pricing

Your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual needs and the results you are looking to achieve.

Lower eyebag surgery

From £5,150

Recovery & Aftercare

Recovery & Aftercare

After the procedure you may experience some bruising and swelling.

There are some stitches which will need to be removed at five days after the procedure. Within about a week to two weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery, most people feel comfortable enough to return to normal social activities.

 

Common Questions

How Long Do The Results Last?

The results of the lower eyebag surgery are permanent: the removed skin will not come back. Your face will however continue to age, and you may feel like you want further intervention 5 – 10 years later.

What Other Procedures Can This Procedure Be Combined With?

Lower eye bag removal surgery is sometimes also combined with upper eyelid surgery, and occasionally it is performed at the same time as facelift surgery.

What Are The Potential Risks and Complications?

Like any operation, there is a risk of side effects and complications.

There is a possibility of a collection of blood forming under the surface of the skin, which could necessitate further treatment to remove it. There is also a small risk of wounds becoming infected, especially in patients who smoke. All the potential risks of surgery will be discussed in detail at your consultation.

Your Expert Team

Dr. Russel Bramhall

Consultant Plastic Surgeon

Mr Russell Bramhall

Mr Russell Bramhall graduated from Edinburgh University before undergoing extensive training at some of the UK’s most renowned plastic surgery units. Russell’s expertise was further honed through specialist training in Harley Street, where he worked alongside some of the most highly-regarded names in aesthetics.

Some other areas of specialism

Upper eyelid surgery

Brow lift

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