Blepharoplasty Surgery

BLEPHAROPLASTY

Your complete guide on what to expect before, during

and after Blepharoplasty Surgery.

Considering Blepharoplasty?

The eyes are often the first place to reveal signs of ageing. Over time, the skin around them can lose its firmness and elasticity — leading to drooping upper lids, under-eye puffiness, and fine lines that can make you look tired, even when you’re not. For some, excess skin can even begin to interfere with vision.

If you’re looking to refresh your appearance and feel more like yourself again, blepharoplasty may be the right option. Performed with precision and care by Mr Mícheál O’Rourke, a specialist in oculoplastic surgery, this eyelid procedure is designed to subtly lift and smooth the eye area — giving you a brighter, more rested look without changing your natural expression.

Continue scrolling to learn more about the procedure and what to expect.

About Mícheál O'Rourke

Periocular Skin & Ageing

The skin around the eyes — known as periocular skin — is the thinnest and most delicate on the face. It has very little natural fat and fewer oil glands, which makes it more prone to dryness and damage.

Because we use this area constantly (blinking, squinting, smiling), it can show signs of ageing earlier than other parts of the face.

Common Ageing Changes Around the Eyes

Fine lines and wrinkles, especially “crow’s feet”
Loose or sagging skin on the eyelids
Crepey texture, especially on the upper and lower lids
Puffiness or hollowing under the eyes due to fat changes
Dark circles caused by thinning skin and visible blood vessels

Why These Changes Happen

As we age, the collagen and elastin in our skin — the fibres that keep it firm and elastic — start to break down. At the same time:

Fat under the eyes may shrink or move forward
The skin becomes thinner and more fragile
Blood vessels under the eyes become more visible

These changes can lead to a tired or aged appearance, even when you feel well-rested.

Contributing Factors

Natural ageing
Sun exposure
Genetics
Lifestyle factors, such as smoking

What is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic or functional surgical procedure that involves the removal, repositioning, or tightening of excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle from the upper or lower eyelids.

This treatment is often performed to rejuvenate the appearance of the eyes by addressing drooping eyelids, puffiness, or under-eye bags that can develop as part of the natural ageing process. In addition to its aesthetic benefits, blepharoplasty may also serve a medical purpose—particularly when sagging upper eyelid skin impairs peripheral vision, making everyday tasks such as reading or driving more difficult. The procedure can result in a more youthful, refreshed appearance and, in certain cases, a significant improvement in visual function.

Conditions Treated

Dermatochalasis: Loose upper or lower eyelid skin
Eye bags: Fat prolapse under the eyes
Lid laxity: Drooping or sagging lower eyelid

Functional issues: Eyelid malposition, ptosis, lash misdirection, skin lesions

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

This procedure focuses on rejuvenating the upper eyelids by removing sagging skin and, in some cases, excess fat. It helps to restore a more youthful and defined appearance to the eyes.

Removes loose or excess upper eyelid skin
May include fat removal for a smoother contour
Restores the natural eyelid crease
Can be combined with other procedures, such as ptosis correction, to enhance functional and aesthetic outcomes

Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Lower eyelid surgery is designed to address common signs of ageing such as under-eye bags, skin laxity, and weakened muscle tone. It can be tailored to suit both cosmetic goals and structural needs.

Reduces puffiness and eye bags
Tightens loose skin and supports muscle tone
May involve fat repositioning and/or canthopexy (tightening of the outer corner)

Can be performed via a scarless internal approach (transconjunctival method)

Benefits and Risks of Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery offers both functional and cosmetic advantages. It can significantly improve daily comfort and self-confidence by enhancing the appearance and performance of the eyelids.

Improves the visual field by removing excess skin
Relieves forehead strain caused by compensatory eyebrow lifting
Creates a more youthful and refreshed appearance
Reduces the tired or heavy look often associated with sagging eyelids

As with any surgery, eyelid procedures carry potential risks, though most are mild and temporary. Your surgeon will discuss these with you in detail, along with the steps taken to minimise them.

Common side effects include swelling, bruising, and temporary dry eyes. Mild asymmetry between the eyelids can also occur but often improves as healing progresses.
Less common risks may involve infection, noticeable scarring, or over- or under-correction of the eyelid position, which can sometimes require further treatment.
Very rare complications include significant asymmetry, impaired eyelid function, or, in extremely rare cases, vision loss. Some patients may require revision surgery to achieve optimal results.

Following your pre- and post-operative instructions carefully will help reduce the likelihood of complications.

What to Expect Next

If you are considering blepharoplasty, it’s important to feel informed and confident about your decision.

Mr Michael O’Rourke offers a personalised, consultant-led approach, taking the time to assess your individual needs and answer any questions you may have.

To help guide you through the process, we’ve prepared a detailed PDF guide outlining what to expect before, during, and after surgery — including recovery times, aftercare, and common FAQs.

Please click below to download your copy.