Eyelid Surgery in Edinburgh
Heavy upper eyelids can narrow your field of vision long before they change how you look, and under-eye bags can make you appear tired when you are not. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) at Quaba Plastic Surgery addresses both the functional and cosmetic sides of the problem. Surgery is performed by Mr Omar Quaba at Waterfront Private Hospital in Edinburgh, and the consultant plastic surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register who assesses you is the surgeon who operates and reviews your result.
Outstanding Results
Life-changing experience and I certainly felt in the most professional and safest of hands. Explanations, guidance and treatment were second to none. Recovery was straightforward with support when needed 24/7. Mr Awf Quaba is an exceptional surgeon, a real gentleman and the results are even better than I could ever have expected. My results are perfect in my eyes: I could not be happier with the whole process and would not hesitate to recommend.
Claire
Contents
Eyelid surgery overview
- Anaesthetic: local anaesthesia, or general anaesthesia for more extensive surgery.
- Length: 1-2 hours.
- Hospital stay: day case at Waterfront Private Hospital.
- Recovery time: 1-2 weeks off work; six weeks before strenuous exercise.
When eyelid surgery is functional rather than cosmetic
Eyelid surgery is one of the few cosmetic operations that is frequently medical in nature. Excess upper eyelid skin (dermatochalasis) can reduce peripheral vision by up to 50% in severe cases, according to clinical studies in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, and surgery can restore much of that lost field of view.
Drooping lids also create secondary symptoms. Research published in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery shows that patients with heavy or ptotic eyelids often unconsciously contract the forehead muscles to hold their lids up, which can cause chronic headaches and eye strain. Correcting the lid position removes the need for this compensation.
Lower eyelid position matters for the surface of the eye itself. A lax or malpositioned lower lid can disrupt the tear film, causing dry eye symptoms or excessive watering, and appropriate lower eyelid surgery can improve both.
Patients with significant upper lid hooding and demonstrable visual field restriction may qualify for NHS treatment; appropriate testing and documentation can be arranged if this applies to you. At consultation, both the functional and the aesthetic aspects of your eyelids are assessed together.
What eyelid surgery involves
Eyelid surgery removes or repositions the excess skin, muscle and protruding fat that cause hooded upper lids and under-eye bags. It is performed through incisions hidden in the natural creases of the eyelids.
Upper blepharoplasty
An upper blepharoplasty (eye lift) uses an incision hidden in the upper eyelid crease. Protruding fat is removed through the incision, along with excess skin and sagging muscle. Where the eyelid droops because the lifting muscle itself has weakened (ptosis), the muscle can be tightened at the same operation.
Lower blepharoplasty and eye bag removal
Lower blepharoplasty uses an incision just below the lashes. The skin is lifted, and protruding fat is removed or repositioned along with excess skin. When there is no excess skin, the incision can sometimes be made on the inside of the eyelid, leaving no visible scar. Fat is often repositioned rather than simply removed, to avoid a hollow appearance.
Surgery is performed by Mr Omar Quaba as a day case at Waterfront Private Hospital, under local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia depending on the extent of the procedure.
Benefits of eyelid surgery
Eyelid surgery opens up the eyes, removes hooding and reduces under-eye bags. Where excess upper lid skin restricts vision, surgery restores the lost field of view – clinical studies report peripheral visual fields expanding by 25 to 30 degrees after correction of upper eyelid dermatochalasis.
- A more open, rested appearance to the eyes
- Restored peripheral vision where upper lid skin obstructed it
- Relief from the brow strain and headaches caused by constantly lifting heavy lids
- Results that typically last 7 to 10 years for upper lids, and often longer for lower lids
Swelling and bruising settle over two to three weeks, and the final result is usually apparent at one to three months. Results vary with skin quality, anatomy and age, and your consultant will be realistic at consultation about what surgery can achieve.
Who is an ideal candidate for eyelid surgery?
A good candidate for eyelid surgery has excess upper eyelid skin, persistent bags or puffiness under the eyes, or drooping lids that interfere with vision, and is in good general health.
- Upper lid hooding or excess skin, sometimes resting on the lashes or restricting vision
- Under-eye bags or puffiness that persist however well rested you are
- Good general health, with no eye conditions that would make surgery unwise
- A non-smoker, or willing to stop smoking around the time of surgery
- Realistic expectations of what eyelid surgery can and cannot change
Eyelid surgery does not lift a heavy brow and does not treat crow’s feet or fine skin wrinkles. Where brow position is the main problem, a brow lift may be more appropriate – on its own or combined with blepharoplasty – and your consultant will explain the difference at consultation.
Risks and considerations of eyelid surgery
Blepharoplasty can be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure and patient preference. All our eyelid procedures are performed as day cases, allowing you to return home the same day with appropriate aftercare instructions.
The risks of general anaesthesia include deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, though these are exceedingly rare in eyelid procedures due to their short duration. Other general anaesthetic risks include minor respiratory effects that resolve quickly.
Specific blepharoplasty risks include:
Haematoma (blood collection)
Haematoma (blood collection)
Minor bleeding is common immediately after surgery and typically resolves with gentle pressure.
Significant bleeding affects less than 1% of patients and may require intervention.
Temporary changes in eye comfort
Temporary changes in eye comfort
Many patients experience temporary dry eye symptoms or increased tearing as the eyelids adjust to their new position.
This typically resolves within 2-4 weeks as swelling subsides. We provide lubricating eye ointment to manage these symptoms during healing.
Lid position abnormalities
Lid position abnormalities
Lower eyelid retraction or ectropion (outward turning of the eyelid) occurs in approximately 5% of lower blepharoplasty patients.
Our preventative techniques significantly reduce this risk, and most cases respond to massage and eye exercises. Persistent cases may require minor adjustment.
Asymmetry and contour irregularities
Asymmetry and contour irregularities
Minor asymmetries may be present after surgery as healing progresses at different rates. Final results should be judged at 3-6 months post-surgery when all swelling has resolved.
Corneal injury
Corneal injury
Temporary corneal irritation can occur but typically resolves within days. Serious corneal injury is extremely rare with appropriate protective measures during and after surgery.
Vision changes
Vision changes
Temporary blurred vision is common due to ointments and swelling. Permanent vision changes are exceedingly rare (less than 0.05% in published studies).
Need for revision
Need for revision
Approximately 3-5% of patients may benefit from minor revisions to optimise results, usually performed under local anaesthesia as an outpatient procedure.
Aftercare and recovery after eyelid surgery
Recovery from blepharoplasty follows a predictable timeline, and most patients see significant improvement within two to three weeks.
First week
First week
- Noticeable swelling and bruising immediately after surgery
- Cold compresses and keeping the head elevated reduce swelling
- Discomfort is usually minimal and managed with simple pain relief
- Antibiotic ointment is applied at night as instructed
- Sutures are removed at around day six to seven
Second week
Second week
- Bruising and swelling continue to improve
- Most patients return to work; make-up can cover residual bruising
- Driving and normal showering resume
Weeks three to four
Weeks three to four
- Most bruising and the majority of swelling resolve
- The intended result of the surgery becomes visible
Results and healing
Results and healing
Final results typically appear by one to three months as the last swelling resolves, and scars continue to fade over 6 to 12 months. Temporary dryness or watering of the eyes can occur while healing.
Follow-up and reviews
Follow-up and reviews
A nurse reviews you at one week, and more often if needed in the early healing period. Your consultant sees you again at around six months once the result has settled. Between then, your consultant is always available – if anything concerns you, they will respond directly and arrange to see you as soon as needed.
What is the cost of eyelid surgery?
Upper eyelid surgery under local anaesthesia starts from £4,200 at Waterfront Private Hospital.
- Upper blepharoplasty (local anaesthesia): from £4,200
- Upper blepharoplasty (general anaesthesia): from £5,250
- Lower blepharoplasty (general anaesthesia): from £6,300
- Lower blepharoplasty with fat transfer: from £7,300
- Upper and lower blepharoplasty: from £7,900
- Upper and lower blepharoplasty with fat transfer: from £8,850
Each price covers the surgeon’s fee, the anaesthetist’s fee where applicable, the hospital and theatre fee at Waterfront Private Hospital, and all post-operative reviews until you are fully discharged.
The full price for your individual case can only be confirmed after a face-to-face consultation with the consultant who will perform your surgery. Our consultation fee with a consultant plastic surgeon is £200.
Frequently asked questions about eyelid surgery
Will the same surgeon plan, perform and review my eyelid surgery?
Will the same surgeon plan, perform and review my eyelid surgery?
Yes. Mr Omar Quaba assesses you at consultation, plans your surgery, performs it at Waterfront Private Hospital and reviews you afterwards. There are no handovers between surgeons.
What happens if I have concerns after my surgery?
What happens if I have concerns after my surgery?
A nurse reviews you at one week, and more often if needed in the early healing period. Your consultant sees you again at around six months once the result has settled. Between then, your consultant is always available – if anything concerns you, they will respond directly and arrange to see you as soon as needed.
How much does eyelid surgery cost?
How much does eyelid surgery cost?
Upper blepharoplasty starts from £4,200 under local anaesthesia, lower blepharoplasty from £6,300, and combined upper and lower surgery from £7,900 at Waterfront Private Hospital. Prices cover the surgeon’s fee, the anaesthetist’s fee where applicable, the hospital and theatre fee, and all post-operative reviews. A consultation with a consultant plastic surgeon is £200.
Is blepharoplasty the same as eyelid surgery?
Is blepharoplasty the same as eyelid surgery?
Yes. Blepharoplasty is the medical name for eyelid surgery. Upper blepharoplasty treats hooded or drooping upper lids; lower blepharoplasty treats under-eye bags and excess lower lid skin.
Will my eyelid surgery be considered functional or cosmetic?
Will my eyelid surgery be considered functional or cosmetic?
Eyelid surgery often addresses both appearance and vision. At consultation we assess whether your needs are primarily functional, such as visual obstruction from heavy upper lids, or aesthetic. Patients with significant hooding and demonstrable visual field restriction may qualify for NHS treatment; most blepharoplasty at Quaba is performed privately.
How long do the results of eyelid surgery last?
How long do the results of eyelid surgery last?
Results generally last 7 to 10 years for upper eyelids and often longer for lower eyelids. Skin quality, sun exposure and genetics influence how long the result holds.
Can eyelid surgery be combined with other procedures?
Can eyelid surgery be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Blepharoplasty is commonly combined with a brow lift or facelift so that the upper face is treated in a single recovery period. Your consultant will advise whether a combination is appropriate for you.
Can eyelid surgery be done under local anaesthetic?
Can eyelid surgery be done under local anaesthetic?
Yes. Many blepharoplasty procedures, particularly upper eyelid surgery, are performed under local anaesthesia, which avoids the risks of general anaesthesia and shortens recovery on the day. More extensive surgery may be better performed under general anaesthesia.
What should I expect during recovery from blepharoplasty?
What should I expect during recovery from blepharoplasty?
Most patients return to normal daily activities within 7 to 10 days. Bruising typically settles within two weeks, when most people feel comfortable returning to work and social engagements. Swelling continues to improve over the following weeks.
Where are the scars after eyelid surgery?
Where are the scars after eyelid surgery?
Upper eyelid scars sit in the natural crease of the lid. Lower eyelid scars sit just below the lash line, or inside the eyelid when no skin needs to be removed. They typically fade over 6 to 12 months until they are very difficult to see.
Eyelid consultation – Perfect result
I would highly recommend Mr Quaba, after explaining the problem I had with puffy eyes thinking I was going to need surgery but he knew immediately what the problem was and how to resolve it. I’d had facial fillers 4 years ago and they had migrated causing my problem he dissolved the fillers and immediately the puffiness had gone in an instant. Should I ever need to have cosmetic surgery I will have no hesitation in having done by Mr Quaba. Thank you.
Dynamic955104
Author
Mr Omar Quaba, MBBChir, FRCS (Plast), GMC 4586300, is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register with over 20 years of experience in plastic surgery. He is among the first surgeons in the UK to achieve Board Certification under the Cosmetic Surgery Board Certification Scheme overseen by the Royal Colleges of Surgeons. Educated at Cambridge University and trained in Aberdeen and Glasgow, with a fellowship in Australia, he transitioned to full-time private practice in 2020. He is Hospital Director of Waterfront Private Hospital and a full member of BAPRAS, BAAPS, and ISAPS.