Blepharoplasty: Enhancing Your Eyelids for a Youthful Look

Blepharoplasty is eyelid surgery that removes or repositions excess skin and fat in the upper or lower eyelids. It can make tired-looking eyes look fresher, and in the upper lids it can also clear skin that blocks your vision. Results depend on each person's anatomy, and like any surgery it carries risks.

By Assoc. Prof. Dr. Preamjit Saonanon, oculoplastic ophthalmologist · Updated September 2026

What is blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty reshapes the eyelids by removing or moving excess skin and fat, and sometimes a thin strip of muscle. When the eyelid-lifting muscle is also weak, I often combine it with ptosis repair in the same operation.

What are the types of blepharoplasty?

Upper blepharoplasty

This removes excess upper eyelid skin and fat through an incision hidden in the eyelid crease. It helps with heavy or hooded eyelids and can widen the upper field of vision. Read more about upper blepharoplasty.

Lower blepharoplasty

This treats under-eye bags. Fat can be removed or repositioned through an incision inside the lower eyelid, or just below the lashes when there is also loose skin. See lower eyelid surgery.

Why do people have blepharoplasty?

• Under-eye bags: fat that bulges forward as the supporting tissue weakens with age or genetics

• Aging eyelids: loose upper eyelid skin that hides the crease

• Blocked vision: heavy upper lids that cover the top of the visual field

• Ptosis: a weak eyelid-lifting muscle, which needs ptosis correction, sometimes together with blepharoplasty

Who is a good candidate?

Adults in good general health with excess eyelid skin, puffy eyelids or under-eye bags, and realistic expectations. If you have dry eyes, thyroid eye disease, high blood pressure or take blood thinners, discuss this with your doctor first.

How should I prepare?

Tell your doctor about your medical conditions, allergies and all medicines. Stop blood-thinning medicines and supplements, such as vitamin E, fish oil and herbal products, for the period your doctor advises. Arrange for someone to take you home.

What is recovery like?

Use cold compresses for the first 72 hours, then warm compresses until the stitches come out. Keep the wound dry, sleep with your head raised and avoid rubbing your eyes. Stitches are removed in about 7–14 days, bruising and swelling settle in about 7–14 days, and the eyelids look natural in about 1–3 months.

What are the risks?

Possible risks include swelling and bruising, temporary blurred or double vision, dry or irritated eyes, uneven eyelids, visible scars, and trouble closing the eyes if too much skin is removed. Rarely, bleeding behind the eye can threaten vision.

When should I see a doctor right away?

After surgery, get urgent care for severe or increasing pain, sudden swelling on one side, reduced vision, or bleeding that does not stop.

Frequently asked questions

Is blepharoplasty painful?

The surgery is done under local anesthesia, so pain during the procedure is usually minimal. Afterwards, mild tightness or soreness is common and is managed with medicine from your doctor.

How long does blepharoplasty take?

Upper or lower blepharoplasty usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, and longer when combined with other procedures.

How long do the results last?

Results are long-lasting, but the skin keeps aging. Some people notice the eyelid skin loosening again years later.

Book a consultation with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Preamjit Saonanon in Thong Lo, Bangkok

• Book online: en.saonanonclinic.com/book-online

• LINE: @saonanon

• Phone: +66 90 946 3090

• Hours: Thursday 16:00–20:00 and Saturday 09:00–20:00 (Soi Thong Lo, Bangkok)

This article is general information and does not replace a medical examination. Results vary from person to person.