Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Blepharoplasty removes excess skin, muscle, and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids to rejuvenate the eye area. Ageing, genetics, and lifestyle factors cause the eyelids to develop excess skin, bulging fat, and wrinkles, creating a tired or aged appearance. In more severe cases, upper eyelid skin can impair peripheral vision. The procedure is one of the most commonly performed facial plastic surgeries with high patient satisfaction, and is frequently combined with brow lift or facelift.
What does the Blepharoplasty procedure involve?
Your surgeon will assess excess upper eyelid skin, lower eyelid bags, brow position, tear production, eyelid tone, and overall facial ageing. It is important to determine how much of the upper eyelid appearance is caused by brow descent rather than true skin excess, as this affects the surgical plan.
Upper blepharoplasty removes a precisely measured ellipse of excess skin along the natural eyelid crease. Bulging fat may be removed or repositioned. Incisions are closed with very fine sutures and heal in the crease, becoming virtually imperceptible.
Lower blepharoplasty can be performed through an external incision just below the lash line (transcutaneous), allowing removal of both fat and excess skin, or through an internal incision inside the lid (transconjunctival), leaving no external scar and addressing fat only — ideal for younger patients with good skin quality. Fat is increasingly repositioned rather than simply removed, filling the tear trough for a smoother, more youthful transition.
Surgery takes one to three hours under local anaesthetic with sedation or general anaesthetic.
Your Recovery
Swelling and bruising around the eyes are expected for one to two weeks, typically worst on days two and three. Eyes may feel tight, dry, or irritated — artificial tears help. Keeping your head elevated and applying cold compresses reduces swelling. Sutures are removed at five to seven days. Desk work is possible within seven to ten days; strenuous activity and swimming should be avoided for two to three weeks. Contact lenses can be worn again after two weeks. Scars fade to thin, pale lines over three to six months.
Risks and Complications
Haematoma — rare but can threaten vision if severe; treat as a surgical emergency
Infection (very rare)
Dry eyes or excessive tearing
Difficulty closing the eyes if too much skin is removed
Lower lid malposition (ectropion)
Asymmetry
Persistent swelling
Need for revision surgery
Blindness — extremely rare (less than one in ten thousand), but the most serious risk
Frequently Asked Questions
Will insurance cover eyelid surgery?
Upper blepharoplasty may be covered by the HSE or insurance if excess skin significantly impairs vision and meets specified criteria, usually requiring visual field testing. Lower blepharoplasty for cosmetic concerns is not typically covered.
Can blepharoplasty fix dark circles?
The procedure addresses structural issues — excess skin and fat — but does not eliminate dark circles caused by thin skin, pigmentation, or visible blood vessels. Other treatments such as filler or laser may help.
What if I also have sagging brows?
Your surgeon will assess whether brow lift is needed alongside or instead of upper blepharoplasty. Performing upper blepharoplasty alone when the brow is low can create an unnatural appearance.
THE SPECIALIST CLINIC DUBLIN
Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery performed with Care & Compassion
To discuss whether blepharoplasty is suitable for you, contact us to arrange a consultation. We will assess your eyelid anatomy, explain the relationship between your brows and eyelids, and recommend the most appropriate approach.