Blefaroplasthy or Eyelid surgery

Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure that rejuvenates the entire face, mainly because the eye represents a critical factor in facial harmony.

Blepharoplasty: What It Is and How It Works

Blepharoplasty is both a cosmetic and functional surgery that improves the appearance and expression of the eyes by correcting excess skin, sagging, and fat deposits in the eyelids. It is a minimally invasive procedure, performed under local anesthesia and on an outpatient basis. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used for lower eyelid surgery. The results are visible, natural, and long-lasting, providing a refreshed and rejuvenated look.

At Up Clinic, blepharoplasty is carefully personalized to enhance each patient’s natural beauty while respecting the harmony of the face.

What is Blepharoplasty?

Also known as eyelid surgery, blepharoplasty consists of removing excess skin and/or fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. This procedure creates a more open, rested, and youthful gaze, without altering the natural expressions of the face, while improving the way emotions are perceived through a rejuvenated look.

According to ISAPS statistics for 2024, blepharoplasty is now the most performed cosmetic surgery worldwide, surpassing liposuction and breast augmentation.

Indications for Blepharoplasty

Upper Eyelids (Upper Blepharoplasty)

  • Excess skin weighing down the eyes

  • Wrinkles

  • Skin laxity

  • Fat deposits (xanthelasma)

  • Volume loss

Lower Eyelids (Lower Blepharoplasty)

  • Fat pockets under the eyes (under-eye bags)

  • Infraorbital crease or tear trough deformity

  • Excess skin and fine wrinkles

  • Dark circles and dehydration

Periorbital Surgery: Combining Blepharoplasty with Other Procedures

Blepharoplasty can be performed alone or combined with other techniques for complete periorbital rejuvenation, such as:

  • Removal of excess skin

  • Excision or repositioning of orbital fat (under-eye fat pads)

  • Fat repositioning to fill the tear trough

  • Eyebrow lift (when indicated)

  • Endoscopic lift

  • Hair grafts for the eyebrows

  • Precise removal of lower eyelid skin to smooth wrinkles

  • Correction of eyelid ptosis (when one eyelid droops more than the other)

Experienced Blepharoplasty Surgeons

At Up Clinic, all procedures are performed by highly skilled surgeons with extensive experience in eyelid surgery:

  • Dr. Tiago Baptista Fernandes

  • Dr. Rui Lima

  • Dr. Rita Meireles

  • Dr. Ronaldo Fiori

Guided by the clinic’s philosophy, they use cutting-edge technology and a multidisciplinary approach to ensure safety, personalization, and excellence in results.

Results of Blepharoplasty

The first results are visible within a few days and continue to improve over several weeks:

  • A more open, youthful gaze

  • Reduction of puffiness and skin sagging

  • A more relaxed and refreshed facial expression

  • Improved visual field (in functional cases)

  • A lighter, rejuvenated appearance

Long-lasting results: In most cases, the effects of surgery last 8 to 15 years, depending on natural aging and the patient’s skincare habits.

Contraindications for Blepharoplasty

While blepharoplasty is considered safe, it may not be suitable in certain situations, such as:

  • Active eye diseases (e.g., uncontrolled glaucoma or severe dry eye)

  • Scarring disorders (e.g., keloids)

  • Uncontrolled cardiovascular or respiratory diseases

  • Active autoimmune conditions

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding

  • Unrealistic expectations or severe emotional instability

  • Other serious illnesses

During the pre-surgical consultation, the surgeon will perform a thorough clinical evaluation to determine if the procedure is safe and appropriate.


Post-Operative Care

Recovery from blepharoplasty is relatively quick and minimally painful, with most patients returning to their normal routines within 5 to 7 days.

What to expect after surgery:

  • Mild swelling and bruising in the first 48-72 hours

  • Moderate discomfort (usually managed with simple painkillers)

  • Temporary sensitivity to light or dry eye sensation

  • Stitches removed between days 5 and 7

Practical Pre- and Post-Surgery Guidelines

Before Surgery:

  • Stop taking blood thinners/anti-inflammatories as advised by your doctor

  • Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least two weeks before surgery

  • Keep skin clean and makeup-free on the day of surgery

After Surgery:

  • Use cold compresses during the first 48 hours to reduce swelling

  • Sleep with your head slightly elevated

  • Avoid makeup, sun exposure, and screens for 5-7 days

  • Follow all post-operative instructions from the medical team carefully

  • Wear sunglasses when going outside during the first few days

Successful recovery depends on both surgical technique and post-operative care.

Book Your Blepharoplasty Consultation at Up Clinic

Your expression begins with your eyes.
If you wish to rejuvenate naturally, restore firmness to your eyelids, and boost your self-esteem, blepharoplasty may be the right procedure for you.

Schedule a personalized consultation with our facial plastic surgery experts, who have over 15 years of experience, and discover how we can help you achieve a more youthful and expressive look.

ESPECIALISTAS

Dr. Tiago Baptista Fernandes Up Clinic

Dr. Tiago Baptista Fernandes

Dr. Rui Lima

Dra. Rita Meireles

Dra. Rita Meireles

Dr. Ronaldo Fiori

Dr. Ronaldo Fiori

Clinical case

CLINICAL CASE BLEPHAROPLASTY

During consultation the plastic surgeon will discuss the procedure details with the patient, in all its phases and using images of similar cases as well as leveraging patient expectations.

CLÍNICA

Conheça as nossas instalações

A Up Clinic nasceu com o intuito de oferecer uma experiência de excelência na área de estética e bem-estar. As instalações da clínica em Lisboa foram criadas com o objectivo de proporcionar o máximo conforto num ambiente elegante e exclusivo, sem descurar a proximidade que caracteriza a equipa multidisciplinar da clínica.

Testimonial

Process

Blepharoplasty is a 2-hour surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia. It is a procedure that does not require internment and has a period of downtime of 1 weeks. Final results are obtained within 15 days to 1 month.

Time

2 hours

Anesthesia

Local

Internment

Doesn’t have

Downtime

1 week

Results

15 days to 1 month

Physical activity inhibition

5 to 15 days

Flying inhibition

Up to 2 days

Driving inhibition

Up 3 days

Sexual activity inhibition

Doesn’t have

Sun exposure inhibition

3 to 4 weeks