BLEPHAROPLASTY · London
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty in London
Heavy or hooded upper eyelids treated by a specialist, with a plan built around your anatomy. Every case is assessed, planned and operated on by Mr Ahmad Aziz himself.
Quick Answer
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty removes excess skin, and where needed a conservative amount of fat, through an incision hidden in the natural lid crease. It’s performed under local anaesthetic as a day case, with most patients back at work within seven to ten days. Early results show within two weeks, and settle fully by six to eight weeks. Mr Ahmad Aziz, Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon, performs every case personally.
Ready to find out if upper eyelid blepharoplasty is right for you?
Eyelid assessment £195 · Ophthalmic consultation £350
Mr. Ahmad Aziz · Consultant Ophthalmologist & Oculoplastic Surgeon · FRCOphth · GMC Specialist Register · 4.9★ · 80+ verified patients
What is upper eyelid blepharoplasty?
The skin above your eyes is thinner than skin almost anywhere else on your body. With time, sun exposure and gravity, it stretches and folds forward over the natural crease of the lid. The brow can drop too, adding to the weight. The result is a lid that looks heavy or “hooded”, even when your sleep, stress and hydration are all fine.
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty removes that excess skin, and where needed a conservative amount of fat, through an incision placed inside the natural eyelid crease. The aim is a more open, rested eye, not a different-looking one. For a smaller group of patients, the excess skin genuinely narrows the field of vision, particularly above and to the side, and surgery restores sight as well as appearance.
Every case is assessed individually before any technique is chosen. See our guide to hooded upper eyelids if you’re still working out whether your eyelids are hooded or simply naturally low-set.
Who is a good candidate?
Not everyone who feels self-conscious about their eyelids needs surgery. Eyelid changes are common and often part of normal ageing. A proper assessment is the only reliable way to know whether your concern is cosmetic, functional, or both, and whether your anatomy supports a safe, natural-looking result.
You may be a candidate if…
- Your upper eyelids look heavy, tired or hooded, even on a night of good sleep
- Eyeshadow, eyeliner or lash extensions disappear the moment your eyes are open
- You've been told, or suspect, that excess skin is narrowing your side vision
- You're in good general health with no uncontrolled eye conditions
- You want a rested, natural look, not a visibly altered one
What results can you expect?
1
Reduced heaviness and hooding
The lid crease becomes visible again, and the eye looks more open rather than crowded by overhanging skin.
2
A natural, rested appearance
Removing only what’s needed, not more, keeps the result looking like you on a good day rather than a different person.
3
Long-lasting correction
Most patients see results holding well beyond five years. Natural ageing continues, as it does for everyone, but a second procedure is uncommon within the first decade.
Results.
Male Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Upper and Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Individual results may vary. Before and after photographs are shown with explicit patient consent. These images are intended to illustrate the type of results achievable and do not constitute a guarantee of outcome. All surgery carries risk. A full risk discussion forms part of every consultation.
What patients say about upper eyelid blepharoplasty
“I recently had ptosis and blepharoplasty surgery with Dr Ahmad Aziz. The results are amazing. Dr Aziz explained thoroughly during all stages of the procedure and I would have no hesitation in recommending him.”
Verified Patient · Google
“…He was so down to earth and helped me relax. He was very honest in what I could and could not achieve… I am now able to go out again without dark glasses and feel the wind on my face.”
Verified Patient · Doctify
“I was quite pleased with the information and explanation that I received from Dr Aziz… He clearly knows what he is doing. He was quite pleasant and professional.”
Verified Patient · Doctify
What happens at your consultation?
1
Introduction
A short conversation about what’s bothering you, what you’ve noticed, and what you’re hoping to change.
2
Assessment
Consultant-led examination of your upper eyelid and brow, including a formal visual field test if hooding may be affecting your sight.
3
Options discussion
A candid rundown of what would help, including the option of no surgery at all if that’s the honest answer.
4
Your plan
If surgery is appropriate, a written, individualised plan and a full, itemised quote before you commit to anything.
Specialist consultation
£195
Redeemable against your procedure
- King Edward VII's Hospital, London W1G 6AA
- 45 minutes, unhurried
- Virtual consultations available for out-of-town patients
How upper eyelid blepharoplasty works.
1
Preparation
Medical history review, eyelid and eye-health examination, and photography for planning.
2
Anaesthesia
Performed under local anaesthetic as a day case for most patients; sedation is available for anyone anxious about the procedure.
3
The Procedure
Excess skin, and where needed a conservative amount of fat, is removed through an incision hidden in the natural eyelid crease. A browpexy can be added at the same sitting if a low brow is contributing to the heaviness.
4
Completion
Fine sutures close the incision. Most patients go home the same day with clear aftercare instructions and a follow-up appointment already booked.
Recovery and aftercare.
Most patients see swelling and bruising for the first one to two weeks, with discomfort best described as tightness rather than pain and controlled with simple over-the-counter medication. Cold compresses and sleeping with your head elevated for the first few nights noticeably speed up how quickly swelling settles.
Most people feel comfortable returning to work within seven to ten days, often before anyone outside the family notices anything happened. Healing continues quietly for several weeks after that, with the final result visible at around six to eight weeks.
Day 1
Rest, cold compresses, and head elevation. Mild to moderate swelling and bruising is normal, along with some tightness as the local anaesthetic wears off.
Week 1
Sutures removed around day 7. Swelling and bruising are visibly settling. Light activity, such as walking and screen use, can resume.
Week 2
Most patients are back at work and most social engagements, often before anyone outside the family notices anything happened. Makeup can usually go back on once the incision has closed.
6–8 Weeks
Final, settled result. A follow-up review appointment with Mr Aziz confirms healing is on track.
Risks and safety.
All surgery carries risk, and eyelid surgery is no exception. Mr Aziz discusses your personal risk profile in full during assessment, not after you’ve booked.
- Bruising or swelling — common, settles within 1–2 weeks
- Asymmetry — most eyelids are naturally a little asymmetric to start with
- Infection or bleeding — uncommon, managed with sterile technique
- Dry or irritated eyes — usually temporary
- Scarring — incisions sit in the natural crease and usually fade to a fine line
- Rare visual complications — extremely rare with a qualified oculoplastic surgeon
Serious complications are rare when surgery is performed by a GMC-registered oculoplastic surgeon. Every risk relevant to your specific anatomy is discussed in full before any decision is made. A full, individualised risk discussion forms part of every consultation. You will never be asked to consent on the same day you first hear about a risk.
Cost, insurance, and payment.
Self-pay
Transparent fixed pricing
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty in London starts from around £3,000 in most practices, with the final figure depending on complexity, whether a browpexy is combined at the same time, and anaesthesia requirements.
Your £195 assessment includes a full, itemised quote before you commit to anything, so there are no surprises later. See our guide to the cost of upper blepharoplasty for a fuller breakdown.
Consultation fee £195 is redeemable against the procedure.
Insurance
Recognised by major insurers
If excess skin is confirmed to be obstructing your vision through formal visual field testing, part or all of the procedure may be eligible for NHS funding or insurance cover. This is assessed and documented during your consultation, not assumed in advance — read how to qualify for eyelid surgery on the NHS if this applies to you.
Referrals: GP, optometrist and consultant referrals welcome. A formal referral letter is not always required for self-pay patients — call to check.
Your surgeon.
Mr. Ahmad Aziz
Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon
Mr. Aziz performs upper eyelid blepharoplasty at King Edward VII’s Hospital and the Western Eye Hospital. He is consultant-led at every step — every assessment, plan and follow-up is his own.
- BSc(Hons) MBBS MPH(HSR) MRSC(Eng) FRCOphth
- Head of Specialty, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
- GMC Specialist Register
- NHS Consultant Ophthalmologist
- Fellow, Royal College of Ophthalmologists
- British Oculoplastic Surgery Society (BOPSS)
Frequently asked questions.
What is upper eyelid blepharoplasty?
Will I look obviously "done" afterwards?
Not if the procedure is planned conservatively. Mr Aziz removes only what’s needed to correct the specific problem, aiming for a result that reads as rested rather than altered. Most patients are told they look “well” or “less tired,” not that they’ve had surgery. If this is your biggest worry, our guide to preventing blepharoplasty regret covers it in more depth.
Can it improve my vision if heavy lids are blocking my sight?
How long do results last?
Most patients see results lasting well beyond five years, and upper eyelid results generally hold up longer than lower eyelid results because there’s less fat involved. Natural ageing continues afterwards, but a second procedure is uncommon within the first decade.
Is it painful, and how long is recovery?
Discomfort is mild for most patients, more tightness than sharp pain, and controlled with simple painkillers. Most people return to normal activity within seven to ten days, with the final result settling by six to eight weeks.
Will there be a visible scar?
The incision sits inside the natural crease of the upper eyelid, which is why that crease is used. Scars fade to a fine, faint line within a few months in most cases.
Am I too young, or too old, for this procedure?
There's no fixed age cutoff. Most patients are in their late 30s through 60s, but suitability depends on your anatomy and goals rather than the number on your birth certificate. Surgery under 18 is rare, since facial development is still ongoing.
How much does upper eyelid blepharoplasty cost in London?
Prices start around £3,000 in most cases and depend on whether the procedure is combined with a browpexy or other technique. Your consultation includes a full, itemised quote before you commit to anything.
Can it be combined with a browpexy or brow lift?
Yes. When a low brow is contributing to the hooded appearance, an internal browpexy can be performed during the same surgery, achieving much of the effect of a brow lift without an additional scar. Some patients also combine it with canthopexy for a subtle outer-corner lift — see our guide to canthoplasty benefits, risks and cost if that's of interest.
What's the difference between upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty?
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty addresses hooding, heaviness and, in some cases, vision obstruction from excess skin above the eye. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty addresses puffiness and eye bags below the eye, doesn't affect vision, and is a technically different procedure with its own recovery profile.
Will surgery change my natural eye shape, particularly for Asian eyelids?
Not if that's not what you want. For patients without a pre-existing upper eyelid crease, or who want to keep their natural crease shape, technique is adapted to preserve those features rather than applying one Western template to every patient.
When can I wear makeup again?
Once stitches are removed and the incision has closed, usually around ten to fourteen days after surgery. Avoid the eye area entirely before then to protect healing tissue.
Is upper eyelid blepharoplasty covered by the NHS or my insurance?
It can be, if excess skin is confirmed to be obstructing your vision through formal visual field testing. This is assessed and documented during your consultation. Purely cosmetic concerns, without documented vision loss, are not typically covered.
How do I choose the right surgeon for upper eyelid blepharoplasty?
Look for an oculoplastic surgeon: an ophthalmologist with additional specialist training in the eyelids, tear ducts and eye socket, not a general cosmetic surgeon who performs eyelid surgery occasionally. Confirm GMC specialist registration and ask how many upper eyelid blepharoplasties they perform personally each year.
Can both eyelids be treated if they're asymmetric?
Yes. It's common for one eyelid to sit lower or heavier than the other, and each side can be planned and treated individually rather than forced to match a single template.
Your First Step Is a Conversation.
Book a specialist consultation. Ask every question. Leave with clarity — whether or not surgery is right for you.
Eyelid assessment £195 · Ophthalmic consultation £350
At no stage are you expected to proceed with treatment. Many people use this process simply to gain clarity or reassurance.