Upper eyelid surgery

Also known as hooded eye surgery or blepharoplasty, upper eye lift surgery is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin from the upper eyelids to remove droopiness caused by ageing, congenital condition and other influences.

Some people require an eyelid reduction because their peripheral vision is affected by how their upper lids hang. Others opt for this as a form of cosmetic surgery because it reduces the appearance of hooded or droopy eyelids and creates a brighter, fresher, more wide-awake look.

Also known as hooded eye surgery or blepharoplasty, upper eye lift surgery is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin from the upper eyelids to remove droopiness caused by ageing, congenital condition and other influences.

Some people require an eyelid reduction because their peripheral vision is affected by how their upper lids hang. Others opt for this as a form of cosmetic surgery because it reduces the appearance of hooded or droopy eyelids and creates a brighter, fresher, more wide-awake look.

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

1 week

Length of results

Lifetime

Pricing

£3,500

Hear from our expert

Here’s our resident eyelid expert, Mr Russell Bramhall, discussing surgical options for treating heavy upper eyelids.

How Does It Work?

What Happens During an Upper Eye Lift Surgery?

Upper eyelid surgery is a facial surgery usually performed under local anaesthetic. First, the amount of skin to be removed is designed and marked out by the surgeon. Next, local anaesthetic is injected into the treatment area to numb it. Once the local anaesthesia is active, the predetermined amount of the excess skin is removed.

Occasionally it is also necessary to remove a small amount of fat too. However, we try to avoid doing this to prevent a hollowed look to the upper lids. A cautery device is used to stop any bleeding, and the skin is then stitched back together.

In total, it usually takes about 45-60 minutes to do both sides.

Our plastic surgery specialists can advise you further on the fat removal part of the eyelid reduction procedure when you book a consultation for your blepharoplasty in our Glasgow clinic.

Watch how we do this treatment

Watch an upper eyelid surgery in action at McKeown Medical.

Patient Reviews

Read reviews from our patients about their experience at McKeown Medical. 

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 enquiry helps us to identify your needs and, ultimately, gets you on the right path to achieving your optimal results.

Pricing

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

Upper eyelid surgery

£3,500

Recovery & Aftercare

Recovery & Aftercare

After your surgical eye lift you will need someone to drive you home. Initially you will have some swelling and bruising that will typically get worse over the first few days before it slowly starts to get better.

The stitches are typically removed after one week, although we will occasionally keep them in a little longer if you have a history of smoking. Within about a week to 10 days of recovery most people feel comfortable returning to normal social activities, although it will take several months for full healing before you can appreciate the final result.

Read our full aftercare guide for upper eyelid surgery. 

Common Questions

How Long Do The Results Last?

The results of eyelid surgery are permanent: the removed skin will not return. This is one of the reasons why eyelid surgery for the upper lids is a popular choice for patients who think their eyes have the appearance of being tired or droopy.

Blepharoplasty can slow down the impact of ageing on the eyes and make them look younger.

Which Other Procedures Can This Procedure Be Combined With?

Upper eyelid surgery is occasionally performed alongside facelift surgery to reduce excess skin and tissue on the lower face and neck.

Occasionally it is also performed in addition to laser resurfacing of the lower eyelid, or lower eyelid surgery depending on the patients needs.

Your consultant plastic surgeon will discuss your treatment options and what type of facial surgery is best to achieve your goals at your initial consultation.

What Are The Potential Risks and Complications?

There is a risk of side effects and complications for surgical eyelid reduction, as with any operation.

There is a possibility of blood forming under the surface of the skin of the upper eyelids, which could necessitate further treatment to remove it. There is also a small risk of the wounds around the eyelids becoming infected, especially in patients who smoke. Eyelid surgery can sometimes cause dry eyes, particularly in patients who are prone to dry eyes, although this thankfully usually resolves as the healing process evolves.

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

Laser eye lift

Lower eyebag surgery

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