Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) in Dubai

The eyes are the most scrutinised feature of the face - and the eyelids are frequently the first area to show significant visible signs of ageing. Excess skin accumulating on the upper lids creates a hooded, heavy appearance that makes people look persistently tired or older than they feel. Bags under the lower lids from herniated fat pockets cast shadow and create a sunken or fatigued look that no amount of concealer adequately addresses.

Blepharoplasty - eyelid surgery - corrects these changes by removing or redistributing excess skin, muscle, and fat from the upper and lower eyelid areas. It is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedures in the world, and one of the most consistently satisfying - delivering a naturally refreshed result with relatively limited downtime. At Vilafortuny, blepharoplasty is performed by Dr. Tim, a board-certified plastic and laser surgeon with extensive international experience in facial plastic surgery.

1-2 hrs typical procedure duration depending on upper, lower, or both lids
7-10 days most patients comfortable returning to social activity within this period
Since 2006 plastic surgery trusted by Dubai patients and international visitors
Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty - What Each Addresses

Eyelid surgery is not a single procedure - it is two distinct operations that address different anatomical concerns. They can be performed together in a single session or independently, depending on where the patient's specific concerns lie.

Upper eyelid Upper Blepharoplasty

Addresses excess skin and, where present, herniated fat in the upper eyelid. As the skin of the upper lid loses elasticity with age, it begins to fold and descend over the lash line - creating a hooded appearance, making the eyes appear smaller, and in significant cases encroaching on the upper visual field. The incision is placed precisely within the natural upper eyelid crease, making it virtually invisible once healed. Excess skin and a small strip of orbicularis muscle are removed, and any protruding fat is sculpted or removed. The remaining skin is tightened and closed. Result: a more open, alert, and refreshed upper eye with no change to the natural character of the eye.

Lower eyelid Lower Blepharoplasty

Addresses bags, hollowness, and excess skin beneath the eyes. The fat pockets of the lower eyelid herniate forward with age - creating the characteristic under-eye bags that cast shadow and create a permanently fatigued appearance. Two approaches are used depending on the degree of change needed. The transconjunctival approach - for patients where fat redistribution or removal is the primary concern and skin laxity is minimal - places the incision inside the lower lid, leaving no external scar. The subciliary approach - for patients with both fat excess and significant skin laxity - places the incision just below the lower lash line, allowing excess skin to be removed alongside fat management.

Upper and lower together

Many patients benefit from having both upper and lower blepharoplasty in the same session - the combined recovery period is only marginally longer than either procedure alone, and the result is a comprehensively refreshed eye area. Your surgeon will assess both lids at consultation and advise on the most appropriate combination for your specific anatomy and concerns.

What Blepharoplasty Can Correct
  • Hooded upper eyelids - excess skin overhanging the lash line, creating a heavy or closed appearance to the eye
  • Visual field impairment - in significant cases of upper lid hooding where skin encroaches on the upper visual field, surgery can restore functional vision
  • Upper eyelid fat pockets - herniated fat creating puffiness in the inner or outer corners of the upper lid
  • Under-eye bags - herniated lower lid fat pockets that create persistent puffiness regardless of sleep or hydration
  • Lower eyelid skin laxity - excess or crepey skin beneath the eyes that contributes to an aged or tired appearance
  • Asymmetry - where one eyelid is noticeably different in appearance to the other, blepharoplasty can improve symmetry

What blepharoplasty cannot correct

  • Dark circles beneath the eyes - pigmentation-related dark circles are not caused by structural changes and are not corrected by surgery. They may be better addressed with laser treatments, peels, or topical skincare
  • Crow's feet and fine lines around the eye - these are skin quality concerns addressed more effectively with laser resurfacing, peels, or botulinum toxin rather than surgery
  • A descended brow - when the brow has dropped significantly, it pushes excess skin onto the upper eyelid and makes hooding appear more severe. A brow lift may be needed in combination with upper blepharoplasty for the most complete result
  • Medical eye conditions - blepharoplasty does not treat glaucoma, dry eye, thyroid eye disease, or other ophthalmological conditions

The Procedure - What to Expect
01
Consultation and Assessment

The surgeon examines both upper and lower eyelids, assesses the degree and type of excess tissue present, and reviews the position of the brow - a descended brow can masquerade as upper lid hooding and may need to be addressed first or simultaneously. Any history of eye conditions, dry eye, contact lens use, and previous eye surgery is reviewed. The incision approach for lower blepharoplasty (transconjunctival vs subciliary) is determined based on skin laxity assessment. A realistic picture of what can be achieved is established before the procedure is agreed.

02
Anaesthesia

Blepharoplasty is typically performed under local anaesthesia with intravenous sedation - you are relaxed and comfortable but not fully unconscious. General anaesthesia is available where preferred or where blepharoplasty is being combined with other facial procedures. The procedure is performed as a day case - no overnight hospital stay is required.

03
Surgery

For upper blepharoplasty, an incision is made within the natural upper eyelid crease. Excess skin and a fine strip of muscle are removed, any herniated fat is sculpted, and the incision is closed with fine sutures. For lower blepharoplasty, the approach depends on the anatomy - either transconjunctival (inside the lower lid, no external scar) or subciliary (just below the lower lash line) with careful sculpting or redistribution of fat and removal of any excess skin. Total procedure time for both upper and lower lids together is typically one to two hours.

04
Immediate Recovery

Cold compresses are applied immediately after the procedure and continued at home during the first 48 hours to minimise swelling and bruising. The eyes may feel tight and sensitive for the first few days - this is normal. Swelling and bruising peak in the first two to three days and resolve progressively over the following one to two weeks. Vision may be mildly blurred initially from the lubricating eye drops or ointment used to protect the eyes during recovery.

05
Suture Removal and Follow-up

Sutures are typically removed at five to seven days. Most patients are comfortable returning to normal social activity within seven to ten days - most bruising is resolvable with makeup by this point. Strenuous activity is avoided for two weeks. The incision lines continue to fade and soften over the following three to six months, becoming virtually imperceptible.

When a Brow Lift Is Also Needed

The brow position significantly affects the appearance of the upper eyelid. As the brow descends with age, it pushes skin onto the upper lid - making hooding appear more severe than the lid itself is responsible for. In these cases, removing upper eyelid skin without lifting the brow produces a result that may look overdone or that recurs sooner than expected.

At Vilafortuny, brow position is always assessed at the blepharoplasty consultation. Where a descended brow is contributing significantly to upper lid appearance, a brow lift - performed through minimal incisions in the scalp or along the hairline - may be recommended in combination with upper blepharoplasty. Your surgeon will be clear about whether this applies to your anatomy and what difference each procedure contributes independently.

Ideal Candidates and Considerations
Good candidates
  • Patients with excess upper eyelid skin causing hooding, heaviness, or a persistently tired appearance
  • Patients with significant upper lid hooding where skin encroaches on the visual field
  • Patients with under-eye fat bags that are structural and unaffected by sleep or hydration
  • Patients with lower eyelid skin laxity creating a crinkled or aged under-eye appearance
  • Patients in good general health with no significant eye conditions that could be worsened by surgery
  • Patients with realistic expectations of a refreshed, naturally improved result
Important considerations
  • Patients with dry eye syndrome require careful assessment before lower blepharoplasty - the procedure can temporarily worsen dry eye symptoms and must be planned accordingly
  • Patients with thyroid eye disease or any active inflammatory eye condition should have this fully assessed and managed before considering surgery
  • Contact lens wearers will need to wear glasses during the recovery period - plan accordingly
  • Smoking must be stopped at least four weeks before surgery
  • Blood-thinning medications and supplements must be stopped as directed - this includes aspirin, ibuprofen, and fish oil
  • A descended brow may need to be addressed simultaneously or first for the most complete and lasting result
Results
  • A more open, alert, and youthful eye area - achieved without altering the natural character or expression of the eye
  • Elimination or significant reduction of under-eye bags that no non-surgical treatment can adequately address
  • Improvement in the visual field where upper lid hooding was encroaching on peripheral vision
  • Incisions that heal to near-invisibility within three to six months - placed within natural creases or inside the lid
  • Long-lasting results - typically five to ten years for upper blepharoplasty, with lower blepharoplasty fat correction being very long-lasting
  • High patient satisfaction - consistently one of the procedures with the best ratio of result to recovery burden of any facial plastic surgery
Before and After Your Procedure

Before Surgery

  • Stop smoking at least four weeks before surgery
  • Stop aspirin, ibuprofen, and blood-thinning supplements as directed
  • Remove contact lenses before surgery and arrange glasses for the recovery period - typically one to two weeks
  • Arrange transport home - do not drive after the procedure
  • Prepare cold compresses at home - gel eye masks kept in the refrigerator are effective for the first 48 hours
  • Ensure all prescribed medications are collected before the day of surgery

After Surgery

  • Apply cold compresses gently to the eye area for 10 to 15 minutes every hour during the first 24 to 48 hours - this significantly reduces swelling and bruising
  • Keep the head elevated - sleep on two to three pillows for the first week to minimise swelling
  • Use prescribed eye drops or lubricating drops as directed - dryness and slight blurring are normal in the first week
  • Do not rub the eyes during the healing period
  • Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and bending at the waist for two weeks - these elevate blood pressure and can increase bruising and swelling
  • Avoid swimming and contact sports for four weeks
  • Protect incisions from sun exposure during the healing period - use SPF 50 once sutures are removed and the skin is fully closed
  • Attend suture removal at five to seven days and all follow-up appointments as scheduled

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between upper and lower blepharoplasty?

Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin and, where present, fat from the upper eyelid - addressing hooding, heaviness, and in significant cases the visual field impairment caused by skin overhanging the lash line. The incision is placed within the natural upper eyelid crease and heals inconspicuously. Lower blepharoplasty addresses the under-eye area - removing or redistributing the fat pockets that create bags, and removing excess skin where present. The incision is placed either just below the lower lash line or, for patients where only fat needs addressing, inside the lower lid (transconjunctival approach - no external scar). Both procedures can be performed together or independently depending on the patient's concerns.

Can eyelid surgery improve my vision?

Yes - in cases where excess upper eyelid skin overhangs the lash line significantly, it can encroach on the upper visual field, causing patients to feel fatigued from constantly raising their brows to compensate. Upper blepharoplasty removes this excess and can meaningfully improve the functional visual field in these cases. This is one of the relatively few cosmetic surgical procedures that can also have a functional clinical benefit. Your surgeon will assess the degree of visual field impairment at consultation.

How long do the results of eyelid surgery last?

Upper blepharoplasty results typically last five to ten years or more. Because the skin of the upper lid is the thinnest skin on the body and continues to age, some degree of skin laxity can return over time - though rarely to the same degree as before surgery. Lower blepharoplasty results addressing fat bags tend to be very long-lasting, as the structural cause of the bags is permanently addressed. Lifestyle factors including sun exposure and smoking affect longevity for both procedures.

Is eyelid surgery painful?

The procedure itself is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation and is not painful. Post-operative discomfort is generally mild - described by most patients as a tight, slightly sore sensation around the eyes rather than significant pain. Swelling and bruising are the primary recovery concerns rather than pain, and both resolve within one to two weeks. Cold compresses and the head-elevated position significantly help during the first few days.