Contact number: 020 7806 4060
What is blepharoplasty?
For most people, the skin around the eyes is the first area to show signs of ageing. Upper eyelids can become heavy and hooded over time, while the lower lids may develop bags or hollowing that creates a persistently tired appearance. In some cases, drooping upper eyelid skin can reduce the field of vision, making blepharoplasty both a functional and cosmetic procedure. By removing or repositioning excess skin, fat and muscle, eyelid surgery restores a more alert, refreshed look while preserving your natural appearance.
There are two types of blepharoplasty: upper eyelid blepharoplasty and lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Both upper and lower blepharoplasty can be performed independently or together, depending on the specific concerns of the patient.
Upper blepharoplasty (upper eyelid surgery)
Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin and sometimes fat from the upper eyelid through a discreet incision placed in the natural eyelid crease, keeping the scar largely hidden. It is well suited to those experiencing drooping, heaviness or visual obstruction caused by excess upper eyelid skin.
Lower blepharoplasty (eye bag removal)
Lower blepharoplasty addresses under-eye bags, puffiness and loose skin on the lower eyelid. The incision is made either just below the lower lash line or inside the eyelid, keeping any scarring discreet. Both procedures are carried out as day cases under local or general anaesthetic.
Consultants who perform Blepharoplasty Surgery in London
Private Blepharoplasty at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital?
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, we provide private blepharoplasty as part of our specialist Eye Clinic in London. Our oculoplastic surgeons are experienced in both functional and aesthetic eyelid surgery, and take time to understand your concerns before recommending the right approach. During your consultation, your surgeon will carry out a thorough assessment, discuss surgical and non-surgical options, and guide you through what to expect at every stage.
Eyelid surgery is typically a day-case procedure carried out under local or general anaesthetic, depending on your needs. Whether you’re addressing puffiness, drooping, or under-eye bags, our surgeons use precise techniques that minimise visible scarring and downtime. Following surgery, most patients are discharged the same day to recover comfortably at home, with a full support plan to aid healing. With careful aftercare, most people return to daily activities within two weeks, enjoying a fresher, more rested appearance with natural-looking results.
Why choose us for blepharoplasty?
- Specialist oculoplastic surgeons: Our consultants specialise in upper and lower eyelid surgery and eye bag removal, with extensive experience in both functional and cosmetic procedures.
- Day-case procedure: Blepharoplasty is performed as a day case in our modern surgical facilities in St John’s Wood, with dedicated nursing support throughout.
- Accessible location: Our hospital is based in St John’s Wood (NW8), easily reached from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6) and across North and Central London via St John’s Wood Underground Station (Jubilee Line).
How much does private Blepharoplasty cost?
From £1,875*
The cost of private blepharoplasty treatment starts from £1,875* at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
*The price shown is an estimated guide to the hospital charges associated with your treatment from admission to discharge. Your final cost may vary depending on your individual clinical needs, the procedure performed, any additional treatments required, the type of implant/prosthesis used (where applicable), and the length of stay. This guide price excludes consultation fees, diagnostic tests, and professional fees charged separately by your surgeon, anaesthetist, and any other specialists involved in your care.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently asked questions about blepharoplasty
The cost of private blepharoplasty at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital starts from £1,875* for hospital charges. Your total cost will depend on the type of procedure required and your individual clinical needs. Consultation and surgeon fees are charged separately. We welcome both self-pay and insured patients.
Your consultation will be with one of our oculoplastic surgeons. They’ll explain the procedure in detail, including risks, benefits, and pre- and post-operative care. Photographs will be taken for surgical planning, and it’s helpful to bring previous facial photos. Your medical history, lifestyle habits (such as smoking), medications, allergies and any previous surgeries will be reviewed. A full examination of your face and eyelids will be carried out, including checks for conditions such as dry eyes or eyelid laxity that could affect your results. Non-surgical alternatives like tear trough filler may also be discussed.
You’ll speak with our pre-assessment team to confirm you’re fit for surgery. If you take blood thinners (e.g. warfarin, aspirin) or NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen), let your doctor know—these may need to be paused. In the two weeks before surgery, wear SPF50 to protect your skin. If you’re having general anaesthetic, stop eating six hours before and stop drinking, chewing gum and sucking sweets two hours before. On the day, wear loose clothing and bring essentials including prescription medications and dark sunglasses for light sensitivity after surgery.
Eyelid surgery can be done under local anaesthetic, sedation or general anaesthetic, depending on your needs.
Upper blepharoplasty involves an incision in the natural crease to remove excess skin or fat.
Lower blepharoplasty may be done just below the lash line or inside the lower eyelid to remove or reposition fat.
Sticky suture strips may be used to support the eyelids post-surgery. The procedure lasts between 45 minutes and 2.5 hours, and most people return home the same day.
You’ll rest in a private room before going home, but you must be collected by someone else and may need overnight support. Expect some pain, swelling, dry eyes, blurred vision and sun sensitivity in the first few days. Bruising and swelling are common for up to 10 days. Use ice packs (like frozen peas wrapped in a cloth) several times a day to reduce swelling, and keep your head elevated with extra pillows while sleeping. Follow all aftercare instructions, including use of eye drops and avoiding rubbing your eyes.
Most people can wear contact lenses and make-up after two weeks, but confirm this at your follow-up appointment. You’ll be reviewed to check healing, visual field improvement and skin condition, and prescribed further treatment if needed. Most patients return to work within two weeks, though this depends on your job. Bruising and tightness may last several weeks, but scarring fades over time and usually becomes barely visible.
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), easily accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6) and across North and Central London.
By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is a 5-minute walk from the hospital.
By Bus: Routes 13, 46 and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station. Routes 139 and 189 stop on Abbey Road, providing easy access to the hospital.
By Car: Finchley Road and Kilburn High Road provide direct routes from NW3 and NW6.
Medically reviewed by Dr Nick Koutroumanos - MBBS FRCOphth PgC Clin Ed FHEA on 13/12/2023