Do your upper eyelids feel heavy or make you look tired, even when you feel full of energy?
Many people come to see me because their eyelids are affecting their vision, makeup application, or confidence.
An upper eyelid lift — also called a blepharoplasty — can help by removing the extra skin and restoring a fresher, more open look.

I lead the Colchester Eyelid Plastic Surgery Service and perform many blepharoplasties in the NHS and private setting

Having researched many consultants in the area I chose Mr Lin because of the excellent reviews and his outstanding qualifications. I had an upper blepharoplasty performed under local anaesthetic and Mr Lin and his dedicated team were excellent. I am so pleased with the outstanding results, it has changed my life after suffering for so many years. Although I was extremely apprehensive, I wish I’d done this years ago as it was painless and healing was very quick. Thank you Mr Lin and your superb team! 🙂

Ms SR

Dr Lin and team, Thank you for your kind and skillful treatment of my eyelids yesterday.

Mrs SG

Dear Mr Lin, I want to thank you for using your expertise to remove the bagginess from my eyelids. I am really very pleased with the outcome of the surgery. Thank you also for your kindness and ongoing support. You have restored my confidence.

Ms MF

What is an upper eyelid blepharoplasty?

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a long-lasting operation that removes loose skin (sometimes called dermatochalasis) from the upper eyelids. I will always aim maximise symmetry and minimise scarring/recovery time.

This is different to ptosis surgery, where the muscle that lifts your eyelid is repaired.
During your consultation, I will also check for signs of dry eyes and, if needed, correct any brow drooping with a small internal brow lift (browpexy) that leaves no visible scar.

In the NHS setting, if the excess skin is seriously affecting vision (typically to the point where you are no longer eligible to drive), surgery is permitted, but obviously not for cosmetic reasons. I will normally be supervising my international fellow, who is a surgeon from abroad who has come to learn my techniques.

What causes Excess Upper Eyelid Skin?

As we age:

Skin loses collagen and elasticity
Eyelid tissue can stretch from sun damage or repeated swelling (allergies, infections)
A thin internal layer (the septum) weakens, allowing fat to push forward giving full upper eyelids
Brows may drop lower with age, adding to the hooded look. See also brow lift. If the brows need lifting, I use a scarless technique.

I check all of these factors before planning your surgery, so you get the most natural result possible.

✅ Benefits My Patients Notice

Patients often tell me they notice:

Their eyes look bigger and brighter
A fresher, younger look
Lighter eyelids without that “heavy” feeling
Improved symmetry with the other eyelid
Fewer headaches. Some patients constantly raise their eyebrows to pull the excess skin out of the way, which can cause a headache.
Improved field of vision (if excess skin is blocking it)
More space for upper eyelid makeup
A less tired appearance

What Happens During the Operation?

Marking the skin: I carefully mark exactly where skin will be removed for the best symmetry.
Anaesthetic: I perform this as a day-case procedure, usually under local anaesthetic (numbing injection around the eyelid). You’ll be awake but should not feel pain – only a bit of pressure or movement.
Skin removal: I remove extra skin, and if needed, a small amount of muscle or fat.
Stitches: I use fine stitches so scars are minimal and hidden in the natural crease of your eyelid.
Dressings: A light dressing is placed to protect the area and reduce swelling. This is removed before you leave

Your Recovery

You’ll get written aftercare instructions, but in brief:

Use the prescribed drops in the eye and ointment on the stitches
Paracetamol is fine to take when the anaesthetic wears off, avoid aspirin or ibuprofen as this encourages bleeding
Keep the eyelids clean with cooled, boiled water
Use ice packs (such as frozen peas wrapped in a clean towel) will reduce pain and swelling
Sleep with more pillows to raise your head
Avoid heavy lifting, running, or strenuous workouts for about 4 weeks
Stitches are removed after 1-2 weeks
No contact lenses for at least 2 weeks
Eyelid makeup can be worn once any scabs fall off.

If you have severe pain, not relieved by simple painkillers, please contact Mr Lin on his mobile phone as provided.

Most people return to normal activities (including driving) within a few days to a week. You may start driving and working again as soon s your vision is clear and you are not light-sensitive

⚠️ Risks to Consider

All surgery carries some risks, but I perform many hundreds of eyelid operations a year and take every step to keep them to a minimum.

Every year, I see patients who have gone to Turkey for surgery with a general plastic surgeon and can no longer closer their eyes. The problems of medical tourism have been brought before Government. See here and here. There is little protection or restitution if something goes wrong. It’s always wise to be careful if someone offers surgery without first carrying out a proper assessment.

Common and temporary:

Bruising and swelling is normal (usually settle within 4 weeks)
Dry eyes can worsen until the blinking muscles recover
Mild blurred vision for a few days

Less common:

Temporary numbness in the eyelid skin
Small areas of skin looseness or asymmetry (can be corrected later). No surgeon is able to promise symmetry as healing is individual.

Rare:

Obvious scarring
Infection (higher risk in smokers/diabetics)
Difficulty fully closing the eyes if too much skin or muscle is removed (very rare in my practice). I am often asked to advise on patients who have had their surgery abroad and have suffered this problem. As a specialist in eye and eyelid surgery, I take extra care to ensure both are looked after
Severe bleeding behind the eye causing vision loss (extremely rare and has never happened to date. It can only occur if fat is removed — risk reduced by avoiding aspirin and heavy activity after surgery).

Do you have any before and after photos?

Please see above and more can be provided on request. It is important to be mindful of images posted online that have added lighting, make-up and a smile in the ‘after’ photos. Photography filters can also be deceptive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long before I see the final result?
Most swelling and bruising fades within 2–3 weeks, but fine-line healing continues for a few months. It can be up to 6 months before the final result.

Will I look natural?
Yes. My aim is a refreshed, natural appearance.

Is this permanent?
Results last many years, but natural ageing will continue.

Why choose me?

I perform mainly eyelid plastic surgery, many hundreds of procedures a year. I do not perform facelifts, breast surgery or tummy tucks. To find out the difference between an OculoPlastic surgeon and a Plastic surgeon click here.

Ready to Find Out if This Surgery is Right for You?

If heavy or hooded eyelids are affecting your vision, comfort, or confidence, I’d be happy to discuss your options.
You can book a private consultation with me or see my team through the NHS if it’s affecting your sight significantly.

📞 Call my clinic or 📩 send an enquiry to arrange your appointment.