What are the different types of Eye-Bag Surgery or "Lower-Lid Blepharoplasty"?

We offer two types of Eye-Bag Surgery. The first is a scarless approach, where the incision is made from the inside of the eyelid, therefore leaving no visible cut. The tissues are then removed or repositioned, giving the under-eye area a smoother appearance. This is an ideal approach if you have tight, non-wrinkled skin beneath the eyes, which is often the case with younger patients (though older patients can be suitable too). The second approach, which is not scarless, is better suited to more mature, or wrinkled skin, and involves a small incision being made on the outside of the eyelid. This allows the removal or repositioning of the fat, while simultaneously improving the appearance of saggy or severely wrinkled skin.

What are the non-surgical alternatives to Eye-Bag Surgery or a Lower-Lid Blepharoplasty?

Eye-Bag Surgery (Lower-Lid Blepharoplasty) is the gold standard procedure for treating hypertrophic eye bags. Expertly done, a Lower-Lid Blepharoplasty will remove severe eye bags with results often lasting upwards of 10 years. Although there are many non-surgical options which offer less downtime, they are temporary fixes and are therefore a better option for those with only mild to moderate protruding fat.

What is the recovery time from Eye-Bag Surgery or a Lower-Lid Blepharoplasty?

Following a scarless Lower-Lid Blepharoplasty, patients usually recover within 2 weeks and return to work quickly. After the non-scarless option, patients tend to be bruised for 2 weeks, recovering fully after a 4-12 week period. Normally, the stitches are visible for the first week; then, once they have been removed, a faint scar is visible. The scar may seem a bit thickened and red for 6-12 weeks, becoming almost invisible after that period. A thickened or reddened scar can be improved with silicone scar remodelling gel, in addition to our complimentary skincare kit, which is designed to aid your recovery.

What are the risks of Eye-Bag Surgery?

The risks of Eyelid Lift Surgery include: Infection: this is very rare; however, occasionally the stitches may become infected or inflamed. This can be swiftly settled with oral and topical antibiotics. Scarring: generally, scars are hidden in the skin fold, or the inner part of the lid. Stitches are normally visible for the first week, then, when they are removed, a faint scar is visible. Large bruise or haematoma: this is minimised by regular use of ice packs, avoiding heavy exercise for 2 weeks after surgery, and stopping aspirin and other anticoagulants (if safe to do so) 2 weeks pre-operatively. Theoretical risk to vision: any eyelid surgery carries the risk that an undiagnosed infection or bleed could damage the optic nerve. This is so rare that, by comparison, a normal car journey poses a much greater risk to your vision. "Hollow" appearance: this is rare, but can occur, usually when too much fat has been removed. Temporary poor blink: generally, blinking returns to normal within 12 weeks. Sagging of the lower lid: this can happen as a result of scarring between the layers of the lid, or inadvertent removal of excess skin, and can alter the shape of the lower lid, and even cause watery eyes. Occasionally, this may require corrective surgery with either a skin flap/graft or a midface lift.

Eye-Bag Removal Surgery

Eye-Bag Surgery, otherwise referred to as "Lower Lid Blepharoplasty", is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the lower eyelids or eye bags, with results lasting upwards of 10 years.

Take the Free Self-Test Book Consultation

Before & After Eye Bag Surgery before and after, a patient of Dr Sabrina Shah-Desai

Accredited & recognised by

Eye Bag Surgery

At a Glance

Anaesthesia: General
Hospital Stay: Day Case
Down time: 2 Weeks (Scarless) / 4-12 Weeks
Results Last: Up to 10 Years

Why choose this treatment

Advantages of Eye Bag Surgery Treatment

No Scar

The cut is hidden in the natural eyelid crease.

Long-Lasting Results

Results last for up to 10 years.

Unrivalled Expertise

Performed by a leading oculoplastic surgeon.

The Treatment

What is Eye-Bag Removal Surgery?

Eye-Bag Surgery, otherwise referred to as "Lower Lid Blepharoplasty", is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the lower eyelids or eye bags. Correctly performed, it can help to refresh the appearance and make the patient appear more youthful, with results lasting upwards of 10 years.

While there are some excellent non-surgical options for mild cases, such as Plasma and Tixel, a Lower-Lid Blepharoplasty is the most effective way to treat moderate to severe eye bags.

Watch: Eye Bag Surgery

Causes

What Causes Eye Bags?

As we age, the bony foundation beneath our eyes alters, and the membrane under the eye thins, allowing the fat to bulge forward. This leads to the development of eye bags, which can cause a "tired" appearance, no matter how well we are sleeping, or how many topical products we use.

How Does the Procedure Work?

Eye-Bag Surgery works to smooth the under-eye area by removing excess skin, bulging fat and lax muscle from the lower eyelids. To do so, we make a tiny cut, which is either hidden in the natural lower lid crease, or inside the lower lid, in the case of a "Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty". The unwanted tissues are then removed or repositioned, before the cut is closed with fine stitches. The skin can also be treated by laser resurfacing, to help tighten the skin of the lower lid. Eye-Bag Surgery is performed under general anaesthetic as a day case, so you can go home the same evening.

Real Patient Results

Eyelid Lift Surgery Before and After Gallery

See the Eye Bag Surgery before and after results below, achieved by Dr Sabrina. Disclaimer: your results may vary. Any specific claims or length of results vary for each patient and are not guaranteed.

3 cases

Individual results vary. All photographs are of real patients treated by Dr Sabrina Shah-Desai and are published with consent.

Meet the Expert: Dr Sabrina Shah-Desai

Dr Sabrina Shah-Desai is the founder and Medical Director of Perfect Eyes Clinic. With over two decades of surgical and non-surgical experience, she is considered one of the safest, most experienced oculoplastic surgeons in the UK.

Her extensive training, combined with her caring and empathetic nature, makes her a natural choice for patients seeking the very best care. Dr Sabrina appears consistently in Tatlermagazine as one of the UK's “Best Eye Surgeons” and “Top Doctors” since 2019.

Learn About Dr Sabrina

Royal College of Surgeons of England - register of Board-Certified Cosmetic SurgeonsBest Aesthetic Doctor - Safety in Beauty 2023Consultant Surgeon of the YearBest Surgical Result - Aesthetic Awards 2021Tatler Best Eye Surgeon 2019-2026

Transparent pricing

Eye Bag Surgery Cost in London

Prices are a guide; your surgeon confirms the total during consultation.

Bilateral Lower Lid Blepharoplasty from £9,000.

Important: all cosmetic procedures incur 20% VAT. Fees are estimates and will be confirmed after medical consultation.

Book a medical consultation

Patient Questions About Eye Bag Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

The questions patients ask most often, answered by the clinic. If yours isn’t here, ask us directly - we would be delighted to help.

We offer two types of Eye-Bag Surgery. The first is a scarless approach, where the incision is made from the inside of the eyelid, therefore leaving no visible cut. The tissues are then removed or repositioned, giving the under-eye area a smoother appearance. This is an ideal approach if you have tight, non-wrinkled skin beneath the eyes, which is often the case with younger patients (though older patients can be suitable too). The second approach, which is not scarless, is better suited to more mature, or wrinkled skin, and involves a small incision being made on the outside of the eyelid. This allows the removal or repositioning of the fat, while simultaneously improving the appearance of saggy or severely wrinkled skin.
Eye-Bag Surgery (Lower-Lid Blepharoplasty) is the gold standard procedure for treating hypertrophic eye bags. Expertly done, a Lower-Lid Blepharoplasty will remove severe eye bags with results often lasting upwards of 10 years. Although there are many non-surgical options which offer less downtime, they are temporary fixes and are therefore a better option for those with only mild to moderate protruding fat.
Following a scarless Lower-Lid Blepharoplasty, patients usually recover within 2 weeks and return to work quickly. After the non-scarless option, patients tend to be bruised for 2 weeks, recovering fully after a 4-12 week period. Normally, the stitches are visible for the first week; then, once they have been removed, a faint scar is visible. The scar may seem a bit thickened and red for 6-12 weeks, becoming almost invisible after that period. A thickened or reddened scar can be improved with silicone scar remodelling gel, in addition to our complimentary skincare kit, which is designed to aid your recovery.
The risks of Eyelid Lift Surgery include:

Infection: this is very rare; however, occasionally the stitches may become infected or inflamed. This can be swiftly settled with oral and topical antibiotics.

Scarring: generally, scars are hidden in the skin fold, or the inner part of the lid. Stitches are normally visible for the first week, then, when they are removed, a faint scar is visible.

Large bruise or haematoma: this is minimised by regular use of ice packs, avoiding heavy exercise for 2 weeks after surgery, and stopping aspirin and other anticoagulants (if safe to do so) 2 weeks pre-operatively.

Theoretical risk to vision: any eyelid surgery carries the risk that an undiagnosed infection or bleed could damage the optic nerve. This is so rare that, by comparison, a normal car journey poses a much greater risk to your vision.

"Hollow" appearance: this is rare, but can occur, usually when too much fat has been removed.

Temporary poor blink: generally, blinking returns to normal within 12 weeks.

Sagging of the lower lid: this can happen as a result of scarring between the layers of the lid, or inadvertent removal of excess skin, and can alter the shape of the lower lid, and even cause watery eyes. Occasionally, this may require corrective surgery with either a skin flap/graft or a midface lift.

Call or email us today, we would be delighted to answer your questions.

Ask a Question or Book an Appointment

Patient stories

Rated five stars by patients across the globe

4.8out of 5 from 240+ Google reviews

Desi Stevens

“Simply the best dermatologist for skin care and eye surgery. She is a safe and skilled doctor who is highly experienced and will meet your needs, her approach is a soft and natural aesthetic. She listens and communicates clearly, professionally and in a kind and personable manner. I have been looked after by Dr Sabrina for many years have always been extremely happy with her advice, procedures and results. Highly recommend, she is a talented Dr you can trust.”

Kealey Hessey

“Dr Sabrina is the magic eye fairy. Only 10 days after my lower lid bleph and midface lift and nearly all bruising and swelling has gone. After a lot of research, I knew after my initial consultation with Dr Sabrina she was the one I trusted. Such a warm & kind woman. I am so pleased I put my Trust in Dr Shah. Immensely happy with the results and will be back to get my upper eyes done in the future. Thank you to the whole team.”

Jo Kirby

“I had been recommended Dr Sabrina by a medical colleague & am extremely glad I made the journey from Southampton to the Perfect Eye Clinic in London to discuss blepharoplasty. The team were all so friendly & very professional and most importantly, Dr Sabrina informed me that I had a bilateral eye ptosis. This explained a number of issues I was experiencing. I will definitely be booking to have a correction of bilateral eye ptosis and upper blepharoplasty. Can't recommend enough.”

Shirley Ford

“I am so very happy with my experiences at Perfect Eyes. Dr Sabrina is an absolute Star. Extremely talented, very personable I just couldn't be happier with my results and her overall professionalism. But a big part of my review is how lovely the support staff are too. Namely Safiya and Lisa who greet you with such warmness and respect. I highly recommend this clinic as I have done so with many friends.”

Radhika Rajan

“Top notch surgeon. Dr.Sabrina Shah is the best. Very meticulous and focused. Very experienced and very skillful. Supported by a great team, Irvana at the office is efficient and directs empathy as well towards nervous patients like myself . All in all a great experience.”

Tina Stonely

“Dr Sabrina is so so kind and thorough in really assessing and understanding my needs and explaining in detail what works and the pros on cons of each treatment. I trust her implicitly and know she is the best physician in the UK and trainer to physicians for all aesthetic treatments. I cannot recommend her enough. You will not be disappointed choosing Sabrina.”

Tanya Del Federico

“Perfect Eyes provides an exceptional experience from start to finish. The team is warm, professional and highly knowledgeable, and every aspect of the consultation feels thorough and personalised. Sabrina combines outstanding surgical expertise with a genuine commitment to achieving natural, elegant results, taking the time to explain every option and ensure patients feel completely at ease. The care, attention to detail and standard of service are second to none. I would highly recommend Perfect Eyes to anyone looking for expert oculoplastic and aesthetic care.”

Minda Wang

“I am so happy with my experience. The results look natural, and I feel like a fresher version of myself since having my Biostimulation treatment with Doctor Sabrina. The whole experience was comfortable and professional, and I felt supported and well cared for throughout. I would definitely recommend this treatment to anyone looking for a natural-looking boost.”

Samantha Andrews

“Amazing. I’m so happy with the results. Sabrina is a master. She also has a wonderful bedside manner. I can’t recommend Sabrina and her team enough. Worth double the money. 👏🏻”

Hayley Pearson

“I was lucky enough to first meet Sabrina 9 years ago & have never used anyone else since. She has helped transform my appearance; with natural looking aesthetics. I currently live abroad, however remain dedicated to stay a patient of Sabrina. What’s 3,500 miles when you have found the best in the business!”