The most common observation we hear from blepharoplasty patients in the weeks after surgery is variations on a theme: “Everyone keeps asking if I have been on holiday.” Eyelid surgery is, in many ways, the perfect British procedure. It refreshes the face without changing it, addresses the single feature most associated with looking tired, and the recovery is short enough to fit between work commitments.
Why the Eyes Age First
The eyelid skin is the thinnest on the body. It loses elasticity earlier than skin elsewhere on the face, the underlying fat compartments shift and bulge, and the surrounding muscle weakens. The result is hooded upper lids, puffiness or hollowing in the lower lids, and a generally tired appearance that no amount of sleep or skincare resolves.
The Two Procedures
| Upper Blepharoplasty | Lower Blepharoplasty | |
|---|---|---|
| Addresses | Excess upper lid skin, hooded appearance, vision obstruction in severe cases | Under-eye bags, festoons, dark hollows, lower lid laxity |
| Anaesthetic | Local with sedation, or general | Local with sedation, or general |
| Theatre time | 45–60 minutes | 60–90 minutes |
| Scar location | Hidden in the natural upper lid crease | Hidden just below lash line, or inside the lid (transconjunctival) |
| Off work | 7–10 days | 10–14 days |
| Final result | 6–12 weeks | 3–6 months |
The Importance of Restraint
The defining technical challenge of blepharoplasty is removing exactly enough — and no more. Over-resection of upper lid skin produces an unnatural staring appearance; over-resection of lower lid fat leaves the eyes looking hollow and prematurely aged. Modern technique increasingly favours preserving and repositioning tissue rather than removing it. The aim is rest, not revision.
Combining with Other Procedures
Many patients in their fifties and sixties combine upper and lower blepharoplasty in one operation. Some pair it with a brow lift or a facelift, where the entire upper third of the face would benefit from rejuvenation. A consultation should examine the eyes in the context of the whole face, not in isolation.
Recovery in Practical Terms
Most patients are back at the desk within ten days, with mild residual bruising easily managed with concealer. Public-facing or on-camera roles usually wait the full two weeks. Visible swelling resolves over the following month; the subtle, final refinement continues for three to six months. Sun protection is essential during healing.
Dr. Ferrando’s Approach
Dr. Giovanni Ferrando, FRCS (Plast), considers blepharoplasty one of the most satisfying procedures in cosmetic surgery — when it is performed conservatively. His approach favours preservation of tissue, careful incision placement and a result that looks rested rather than altered. He often counsels patients away from doing too much, particularly on the lower lids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I look different, or just less tired?
A well-performed blepharoplasty should make you look refreshed, not different. Friends typically notice you look well without identifying why.
Are the scars visible?
Upper lid scars sit within the natural crease and become essentially invisible. Lower lid scars are either hidden just below the lash line or placed inside the lid entirely.
Can I have it done under local anaesthetic?
Yes — many upper blepharoplasties are performed comfortably under local anaesthetic with light sedation.
How long do results last?
Upper blepharoplasty results typically last ten to fifteen years. Lower blepharoplasty results are considered long-lasting and rarely require revision.
References & Further Reading
Related articles from this clinic
- Facelift Aftercare
- Five Signs You Might Be Ready for a Facelift
- Return-to-Work Timeline by Procedure
External authoritative resources
Considering eyelid surgery in London? Book a consultation with Dr. Giovanni Ferrando for a careful, restrained assessment. View examples in the blepharoplasty gallery and explore our facial surgery services.
