Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a subtle but powerful way to restore a more refreshed, youthful look. Whether you’re hoping to lift heavy, drooping lids that affect your vision—or simply want to reduce puffiness and sagging for cosmetic reasons—this procedure can make a meaningful difference.
Performed by Consultant Plastic Surgeon Mr. Sandip Hindocha in Bedford, the treatment carefully removes excess skin and fat from the upper or lower eyelids. The result? A brighter, more open appearance that still looks like you—just well-rested and naturally refreshed.
You’ll receive personalised care every step of the way, with a focus on results that feel both elegant and long-lasting.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. The procedure can be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids to address various concerns, including:
- Drooping Upper Eyelids: Excess skin may cause the eyelid to droop, making the eyes appear tired or even obstructing vision.
- Puffy Lower Eyelids: Bags under the eyes may form due to excess fat deposits or skin stretching.
- Fine Lines and Wrinkles: The delicate skin around the eyes is prone to developing wrinkles and lines as we age.
Blepharoplasty helps rejuvenate the eye area, reducing the appearance of sagging and puffiness. It can also improve vision by removing excess skin that may be obstructing the line of sight.
Service Details
Expected Surgery Time:
3 Hours
Done Under
Local or General Anaesthesia
Hospitalisation
No
Next Follow-up:
1st week after procedure
Return to light work:
Few days - 1 week after procedure
Benefits of Blepharoplasty
There are several key benefits to opting for blepharoplasty at Lux Plastic Surgery in Bedford:
1. Improved Appearance
Blepharoplasty enhances the overall aesthetic of the eyes. It removes the signs of ageing, such as sagging skin and puffiness, to create a more youthful, vibrant look. The result is a refreshed, alert, and more open-eyed appearance.
2. Restored Vision
In some cases, excess skin on the upper eyelids can obstruct vision. By removing this excess skin, blepharoplasty can restore a clear line of sight, improving peripheral vision and overall field of view.
3. Reduced Signs of Ageing
As we age, the skin around our eyes loses its elasticity, leading to sagging, wrinkles, and puffiness. Eyelid surgery smooths out these signs of ageing, providing long-lasting results that help you look and feel more youthful.
4. Minimal Scarring
The incisions made during eyelid surgery are carefully placed along natural folds and creases of the eyelid, making scarring minimal and often imperceptible once healed.
5. Boosted Confidence
A more youthful, refreshed appearance can have a significant impact on self-esteem. Patients often report feeling more confident and rejuvenated after the procedure.
What to Expect During Blepharoplasty
Consultation
Your blepharoplasty journey begins with an in-depth consultation at our Bedford clinic. During this consultation, we’ll discuss your goals, review your medical history, and conduct a thorough examination of your eyelids. We may also use imaging to simulate potential results, so you can get a clearer understanding of what to expect.
The Procedure
The procedure typically lasts between 1–2 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. Blepharoplasty can be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation, or in some cases, general anaesthesia, depending on the complexity of the surgery. During the procedure, your surgeon will make precise incisions along the natural lines of your eyelids to remove excess fat, skin, and muscle. The incisions are then carefully closed to ensure minimal scarring.
After the Procedure
Following eyelid surgery, you’ll spend a brief period in the recovery room, where our medical staff will monitor you as the anaesthesia wears off. You’ll be given aftercare instructions to guide you through the initial recovery process.
Blepharoplasty Healing Stages
Week 1: Initial Recovery
Swelling & Bruising: The majority of the swelling and bruising will occur during the first few days after surgery. Cold compresses and prescribed medications can help alleviate discomfort.
Resting: You’ll need to avoid strenuous activities and focus on resting. Light activities, such as walking, are typically allowed after a few days.
Week 2–3: Recovery Phase
Discomfort Reduces: Swelling and bruising start to diminish significantly by this point. Most patients feel comfortable returning to light work and social activities, although the eyes may still appear slightly swollen.
Stitch Removal: If you had sutures, they may be removed around 5–7 days post-surgery.
Month 1–3: Settling In
Continued Healing: By the end of the first month, the majority of the swelling should subside. The skin around the eyes will continue to tighten and settle into its final position over the next few months.
Final Results: Final results of eyelid surgery can typically be seen after 2–3 months, once the swelling has fully resolved.
Who is Suitable for Blepharoplasty Surgery?
Ideal candidates for blepharoplasty include individuals who:
– Are in good general health and have no underlying medical conditions that could impair healing
– Have realistic expectations about the procedure’s results
– Are experiencing sagging eyelids, puffiness under the eyes, or other age-related changes around the eyes.
– Are looking to improve their appearance or resolve functional issues, such as obstructed vision due to drooping eyelids.
Choosing the Right Surgeon for Blepharoplasty
Choosing the right surgeon for eyelid surgery is essential to achieving the best possible results. At Lux Plastic Surgery, our surgeons are board-certified and have extensive experience in performing blepharoplasty. We use advanced techniques and technology to ensure that your surgery is as safe, effective, and comfortable as possible.
Key factors to consider when choosing a surgeon:
– Board certification and experience in facial cosmetic surgery
– A portfolio of before-and-after photos of previous eyelid surgery patients
– Positive patient reviews and testimonials
– A thorough consultation where your surgeon listens to your goals and answers all your questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is blepharoplasty a painful procedure?
While you will experience some discomfort and swelling after the surgery, the procedure itself is performed under anaesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during the operation. Pain can be managed with medication during recovery.
2. How long is the recovery period?
The initial recovery period typically lasts 1-2 weeks, with most swelling and bruising fading within this time. Full recovery, including final results, may take 2–3 months.
3. Can blepharoplasty improve vision?
Yes, if drooping eyelids obstruct your field of vision, blepharoplasty can remove excess skin, improving your peripheral vision.
4. Will I have noticeable scars after eyelid surgery?
Incisions for blepharoplasty are strategically placed in natural creases of the eyelids, so any scarring is minimal and usually not noticeable once healed.
5. How long will the results of blepharoplasty last?
The results of eyelid surgery can last for many years, although the natural ageing process will continue. You can expect a more youthful and refreshed appearance for a long time.