Overview
Upper eyelid surgery removes excess skin that hoods the eye; lower eyelid surgery addresses bags and loose skin beneath the eye. A brow lift raises a heavy or low brow, which is sometimes the real cause of a tired upper-eyelid appearance.
Which procedure, or combination, is appropriate depends on the anatomy of your eyes and brow and is decided at the consultation. An eye examination may be requested.
Procedures
- Upper eyelidsExcess, hooded skin
- Lower eyelidsBags and loose skin
- Brow liftA low or heavy brow
- CombinedAssessed individually
Who is it suitable for?
Adults in good general health with excess eyelid skin, bags or a low brow, and no uncontrolled eye conditions such as dry eye or thyroid eye disease. Smokers are asked to stop for the period the surgeon specifies.
Surgery is only offered after the surgeon has assessed you in person and you have had time to consider the information.
What happens
- ConsultationThe surgeon examines you, discusses your goals and explains the options, limits and risks. Photos are taken for your medical record only.
- PlanningPre-operative tests and instructions are arranged. You receive a written plan and consent form.
- SurgeryPerformed at a licensed partner hospital under the anaesthesia agreed with you. The length of the operation depends on the procedure.
- RecoveryYou go home with written instructions and scheduled follow-up visits with your surgeon.
Results and how they develop
Swelling and bruising around the eyes hide the result at first and settle over the following weeks; scars in the eyelid crease fade over a longer period.
Results vary from person to person.
Recovery
Cold compresses, head elevation and prescribed drops or ointment are used for the period specified. Bruising is expected. Contact lenses, make-up, exercise and sun exposure are restricted for a period set by your surgeon.
Follow-up visits are scheduled to check healing.
Risks and complications
All surgery carries risks, including those of anaesthesia. Your surgeon discusses every risk, and how it is managed, at the consultation before you consent.
Common
Swelling, bruising, dry or watery eyes, temporary blurred vision, scars that fade over time.
Uncommon
Bleeding, infection, asymmetry, difficulty closing the eyes fully, lower-lid position changes, the need for revision.
Rare but serious
Bleeding behind the eye affecting vision, which is treated as an emergency.
Your doctor
Portrait · DoctorDr. Raef Abdelraouf
Specialist plastic surgeon since 2017. Consultations at the clinic; surgery at a licensed partner hospital. DHA licence 56631723-002.
Pricing
Surgical pricing depends on the extent of the procedure, the anaesthesia and the facility. Message us on WhatsApp, or book a consultation and the surgeon will give you a written plan.
Ask about prices on WhatsAppFrequently asked questions
Will there be visible scars?
Upper-lid scars sit in the natural crease and lower-lid scars just below the lashes or inside the lid; they fade over time.
Can non-surgical treatments help instead?
Sometimes, for mild concerns. The surgeon explains whether anti-wrinkle injections or fillers are a reasonable alternative for you.
Do I need a consultation first?
Yes. Surgery is only planned after an in-person assessment.
Related procedures
Results vary from person to person. This page is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Treatment is provided only after a doctor has assessed your suitability.