Quick answer: Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin, muscle, or fat from the upper or lower eyelids. At Array Aesthetics in Belfast, blepharoplasty is performed by Mr Konstantinos Kopsidas, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon, within a doctor-led, RQIA-regulated clinic.
For many patients, blepharoplasty becomes a consideration when the eye area starts to look tired or heavy regardless of how well they have slept. Blepharoplasty in Belfast at Array Aesthetics addresses the structural changes behind that appearance, whether that is loose skin on the upper lid, puffiness beneath the lower lid, or both. As the eyelids play an important role in protecting the eyes, choosing a surgeon with specialist knowledge of eyelid anatomy is particularly important.
What Blepharoplasty Actually Does
Blepharoplasty is eyelid surgery. It is performed to address the loose skin, muscle, and fat around the eye that gradually accumulates with age, as well as the puffiness or hollowing that can appear beneath the lower lid. The procedure is both reconstructive and aesthetic in nature, which is why it is performed by surgeons rather than injectors.
There are two main types. Upper blepharoplasty addresses the upper eyelid. Lower blepharoplasty addresses the lower eyelid and the area beneath the eye. The right choice depends on the anatomy of the individual eye and the specific concern the patient is hoping to address.
| Upper blepharoplasty | Lower blepharoplasty |
Main concern | Hooded or heavy upper lids | Under-eye bags or puffiness |
Treatment area | Upper eyelid | Lower eyelid |
Main goal | Reduce excess skin and heaviness | Improve under-eye contour |
Starting price | £3,000 | £4,000 |
Upper Blepharoplasty: What It Addresses
Upper blepharoplasty is designed for patients whose upper eyelids have become heavy, hooded, or lined. Over time, the skin and underlying tissue of the upper eyelid stretch and descend, which can soften the natural crease of the lid, cause the eye to look smaller, and in some cases obscure part of the visual field. For a smaller group of patients, the issue is primarily cosmetic. For others, the functional impact is as significant as the appearance.
The procedure removes a carefully measured strip of excess skin and, where indicated, a small amount of underlying muscle or fat. The incision is placed within the natural crease of the upper eyelid, which is why the scar is well camouflaged once healed. Patients typically describe the result as looking refreshed and more awake, rather than looking different.
Lower Blepharoplasty: What It Addresses
Lower blepharoplasty is designed for patients concerned about puffiness, bags, or loose skin beneath the eye. The under-eye area ages in a particular way: fat pads can push forward and create a puffy or bulging appearance, while the overlying skin loosens, and together these changes contribute to a tired or heavy look that concealer and skincare do not resolve.
The surgical approach depends on the anatomy. In some patients, fat is repositioned or carefully reduced to restore smoother contour. In others, loose skin is removed as well. The incision is typically placed just beneath the lash line or, in some cases, inside the eyelid where no external scar is left. The result softens the shadow under the eye and refreshes the area without changing the fundamental shape of the face. For patients whose upper and lower lids are both contributing to the concern, a combined procedure can address the whole eye area in a single operation with one recovery period rather than two.
What to Expect From the Procedure
A blepharoplasty consultation at Array Aesthetics begins with a detailed assessment of the eye area, discussion of the patient's concerns and goals, and a review of medical history. Because this is surgery rather than an injectable treatment, the pre-operative process is more thorough: baseline measurements, consideration of any factors that might affect healing, and a clear conversation about realistic outcomes.
Blepharoplasty is typically performed under local anaesthetic, although the approach depends on the procedure and the patient’s individual circumstances. Mr Kopsidas will explain the appropriate anaesthetic options during consultation. Upper blepharoplasty typically takes around one hour, with lower or combined procedures taking longer. Patients return home the same day, and written, personalised pre-operative and post-operative instructions are provided.
Recovery and What to Expect Afterwards
Blepharoplasty recovery is more involved than any injectable treatment, and setting realistic expectations is part of the consultation. The first week is the most visible period: bruising, swelling, and a feeling of tightness around the eye are all normal. Cold compresses, sleeping with the head elevated, and avoiding strenuous activity are standard aftercare.
A realistic timeline looks something like this:
Days 1 to 7: swelling and bruising peak and then begin to fade. Sutures are typically removed within the first week where applicable. Patients should plan time away from work and social commitments during the initial recovery period.
Weeks 2 to 3: many patients feel comfortable returning to work and everyday activities, although some bruising or swelling may remain.
Months 3 to 6: fine scars continue to mature and fade, and the final shape of the result settles.
Recovery varies depending on the procedure and how each individual heals. A detailed recovery plan is agreed as part of the initial treatment plan.
Who Is and Is Not a Good Candidate
Blepharoplasty suits adults in good general health whose concerns are structural rather than related to skin quality or pigmentation. Patients with heavy upper lids affecting appearance or vision, patients with persistent lower lid puffiness or bags, and patients whose eye area makes them look tired regardless of lifestyle factors are often good candidates.
Not every tired-looking upper eye is a blepharoplasty case. Three different anatomical changes can look similar at first glance but call for different approaches. Excess upper eyelid skin, the primary indication for upper blepharoplasty, is addressed by removing that skin. Brow descent, where the brow itself has dropped and is pushing the upper lid down, is often better addressed with a brow pexy or brow lift rather than blepharoplasty alone. Ptosis, which is a drooping of the eyelid itself due to muscle weakening, requires a different surgical approach again. The consultation establishes which of these, or which combination, applies.
Patients with significant dry eye, certain medical conditions affecting healing, uncontrolled thyroid disease, or active eye infection may need these factors addressed before surgery can be considered. Patients whose primary concern is dark pigmentation under the eye, rather than structural puffiness, are often better served by non-surgical treatments such as polynucleotides or targeted skincare, since blepharoplasty will not change pigmentation.
Why an Oculoplastic Approach Matters
The eye area has specific functional and anatomical considerations that general cosmetic surgery does not always account for. An oculoplastic surgeon is trained in both the aesthetic surgery of the eye area and the functional anatomy of the eye itself. Mr Konstantinos Kopsidas is a Consultant Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon at Array Aesthetics, and a Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology. The surgery is approached from the perspective of someone whose first consideration is always the health of the eye itself.
Booking a Blepharoplasty Consultation in Belfast
A consultation is the only reliable way to decide whether blepharoplasty is the right procedure, whether upper, lower, or combined surgery is appropriate, and whether a non-surgical alternative would produce a better result for the individual. Array Aesthetics is a doctor-led, RQIA-regulated clinic on the Lisburn Road in Belfast. Consultations with Mr Kopsidas can be booked online at arrayaesthetics.com or by calling the Belfast clinic on 028 9457 1840.
Frequently asked questions
How much does blepharoplasty cost in Belfast?
At Array Aesthetics, upper blepharoplasty starts from £3,000, lower blepharoplasty starts from £4,000, and combined upper and lower blepharoplasty starts from £7,000. The full pricelist is published on the Array Aesthetics website.
How long does blepharoplasty last?
Blepharoplasty is a long-lasting procedure, with expected longevity of five to ten years. The eye area continues to age naturally over time, and factors such as skin quality and individual characteristics influence how long the result holds.
Is blepharoplasty safe?
When performed by a consultant oculoplastic surgeon within an RQIA-regulated setting, blepharoplasty has a well-established safety profile. As with any surgical procedure, risks exist and are reviewed in detail before any decision to proceed. These include bleeding, infection, dry eyes, asymmetry, and, rarely, complications affecting vision. The involvement of a surgeon trained in both the aesthetic and functional anatomy of the eye is important in assessing suitability, planning treatment, and managing potential complications.
Will blepharoplasty change the shape of my eyes?
Blepharoplasty is generally intended to refresh the appearance of the eyelids rather than change the natural shape of the eyes. However, any surgery around the eyelids can affect their appearance, and the intended result and potential risks will be explained during consultation.
Can blepharoplasty be combined with non-surgical treatments?
Yes. Many patients benefit from a combined plan that pairs blepharoplasty with non-surgical treatments such as polynucleotides for under-eye skin quality, or Profhilo for wider facial rejuvenation. The appropriate plan is agreed at the surgical consultation.