Restore a Rested, Refreshed Look
With Lower Eyelid Surgery
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Lower blepharoplasty is a precise surgical procedure that removes or redistributes herniated orbital fat, reduces excess lower eyelid skin, and smooths the tear trough area, eliminating persistent under-eye bags and restoring a naturally refreshed appearance.
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I saw Professor Jeeva today for a consultation regarding lower blephoroplasty. I was made very welcome and put at ease. The procedure was explained to me and I was encouraged to ask as many questions I wanted. I wasn't made to feel rushed or pressured into anything and left feeling that if I do decide to proceed I will be in safe hands.
Alison SmithMy mum Maureen Astles had a Zoom consultation with Mr Jeeva this morning. What a lovely surgeon he was helpful informative and such a nice smile putting her totally at ease. She is now looking forward to meeting him in person for surgery as she knows she will be in the best hands for a successful outcome.
Catherine AstlesI would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Mr Jeeva, my surgeon and all the doctors and staff at the centre. The care I received from start to finish was exceptional. I felt at ease and was reassured throughout the procedure, feeling safe the entire time. I cannot thank you enough and will definitely be recommending your services to family and friends.
Denise DouthwaiteWhat Is Lower Eyelid Surgery? (Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty)
The lower eyelids are one of the first areas of the face to show the effects of ageing. As the orbital septum weakens with time, fat pads that normally cushion the eye can herniate forward, creating visible pouches (commonly known as under-eye bags). Genetics, fluid retention, and sun exposure can accelerate this process, often affecting people from their late thirties onwards.
Lower blepharoplasty addresses these changes surgically, either by removing the herniated fat, repositioning it to fill associated tear trough hollows, or excising loose lower eyelid skin. The approach is tailored to each patient's anatomy to achieve the most natural, harmonious result.
At The Eye Doctor, all oculoplastic procedures are performed by a specialist consultant with extensive experience in eyelid surgery, combining surgical precision with a thorough understanding of ocular anatomy.
Lower Blepharoplasty at a Glance
- Treatment Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Anaesthesia: Local anaesthetic with optional sedation, or general anaesthesia
- Recovery Time: 10 to 14 days
- Pain: Mild
- Sessions Required: Minimum 1
- Hospital Stay: Day case (no overnight stay)
- Cost: Contact us
Why Choose Lower Blepharoplasty?
Long-Lasting Results
Lower blepharoplasty addresses the structural causes of under-eye bags, delivering results that typically last a decade or more before further ageing changes become noticeable.
Discreet Scarring
Incisions are placed either inside the eyelid (transconjunctival approach, no external scar) or just beneath the lower lashes (subciliary approach, where any fine scar fades to near-invisibility).
Transformative Rejuvenation
Removing or redistributing the herniated fat that creates under-eye bags produces a striking improvement in facial freshness and overall appearance, without altering the fundamental character of the face.
Who Are the Ideal Candidates?
Lower blepharoplasty is suitable for patients who have:
What to Expect
Lower blepharoplasty at The Eye Doctor is a carefully planned, day-case procedure tailored to your anatomy and goals.
Initial Consultation
Assessment of the lower eyelid position and laxity, the degree and distribution of fat herniation, lower eyelid skin quality, and the presence of tear trough hollowing. Photographs are taken for surgical planning. Snap-back testing is performed to assess lower lid tone and reduce the risk of post-operative lid malposition.
Surgical Approach Selection
The incision is placed on the inner surface of the lower eyelid, leaving no visible external scar. This approach is ideal when fat removal or redistribution is the primary objective and the lower eyelid skin is of good quality. Fat can be removed or repositioned into the tear trough to address hollowing simultaneously.
An incision is made 1–2 mm below the lower lash line, allowing access to both fat and skin. This technique is used when a meaningful amount of lower eyelid skin also requires excision. The resulting scar is concealed within the natural shadow of the lower lashes and typically fades to near-invisibility over several months.
The Procedure
Local anaesthetic is administered to ensure complete comfort throughout. Intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia is available for patients who prefer a fully asleep experience.
Herniated orbital fat pads are either excised or, where appropriate, repositioned over the orbital rim to fill the tear trough, avoiding the hollowed appearance that can result from aggressive fat removal alone.
A carefully measured amount of excess lower eyelid skin is removed. Conservative excision is important to preserve lower lid position and avoid the complication of ectropion (outward-turning of the lower lid).
Very fine dissolvable or removable sutures are used to close the incision. The procedure typically takes 60 to 90 minutes for both lower eyelids.
Post-Procedure Care
Patients are discharged the same day once comfortable. Bruising and swelling are normal and typically peak at 48–72 hours before gradually resolving over 10 to 14 days.
- Cold compresses applied gently for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling
- Sleep with the head elevated on two or more pillows for one week
- Prescribed antibiotic drops or ointment applied as directed
- Avoid rubbing the eyes, wearing contact lenses, and applying eye makeup for two weeks
- Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, swimming, and alcohol for three to four weeks
- Use high-factor sun protection around the eyes once healing is complete
Risks and Complications
Lower blepharoplasty is a safe procedure in experienced oculoplastic hands. Recognised risks include temporary chemosis (conjunctival swelling), dry eyes, asymmetry, lower lid malposition or ectropion (outward turning of the lower lid, more common with aggressive skin excision), infection, prolonged swelling, and suture reactions. Vision-threatening complications are very rare. Careful patient selection, thorough pre-operative assessment, and conservative surgical technique minimise these risks. All risks are discussed in full at your consultation.
Follow-Up and Final Results
A follow-up appointment is arranged approximately 7 to 10 days after surgery to review healing and remove any non-dissolvable sutures. Further reviews are scheduled as needed. The final result becomes fully apparent at around six to eight weeks, once residual swelling has fully resolved.
Benefits of Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower Blepharoplasty FAQs
Lower blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes or redistributes excess fat and skin from the lower eyelids to reduce under-eye bags, smooth hollows, and create a more rested, refreshed appearance.
Upper blepharoplasty addresses excess skin and fat on the upper eyelids, which can hood the eyes or obstruct the upper visual field. Lower blepharoplasty focuses on under-eye bags, excess lower eyelid skin, and tear trough hollowing. Both procedures can be performed together as a four-lid blepharoplasty if needed.
The approach is chosen based on your anatomy. The transconjunctival approach (incision inside the eyelid, no external scar) is preferred when fat removal or redistribution is the primary goal and lower eyelid skin quality is good. The subciliary approach (incision just below the lash line) is used when skin excision is also required. Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate technique at your consultation.
Lower blepharoplasty is most commonly performed under local anaesthesia with or without intravenous sedation, as a day-case procedure. General anaesthesia is available for patients who prefer it.
Most patients experience bruising and swelling for 10 to 14 days. The majority are comfortable returning to office-based work after one to two weeks and to most normal activities within two to three weeks. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for four weeks.
Prof. Irfan Jeeva
MBChB · FRCOphth · Professor of Ophthalmology
Professor of Ophthalmology & Consultant Ophthalmologist
Prof. Irfan Jeeva is a Professor of Ophthalmology and Consultant Ophthalmologist with specialist expertise in oculoplastic and eyelid surgery and paediatric ophthalmology. He has extensive experience managing complex eyelid conditions, strabismus, and amblyopia, combining academic rigour with compassionate clinical care. Prof. Jeeva brings a wealth of knowledge from his academic and clinical career to deliver outstanding outcomes for patients of all ages.
Meet the Team
Where to Find Us
Three convenient locations across West Yorkshire. Visit us for consultations, diagnostics, and treatments.
Bolton
136 – 140 Newport St
Bolton, Greater Manchester
BL3 6AB
Huddersfield
Woodlands, 4 Longbow Close
Huddersfield, HD2 1GQ
Say Goodbye to Under-Eye Bags
Book a consultation with our specialist oculoplastic team for a thorough assessment and a personalised treatment plan. Call +44 1484 627779 or book online.
