What is lower blepharoplasty?
It is surgery on the lower eyelids, usually to reduce under-eye bags. The incision is made either just below the lower lash line or inside the eyelid, keeping any scar discreet, and it is done as a day case under local or general anaesthetic. It is the lower-lid half of the operations described in our UK eyelid surgery guide.
What causes eye bags?
Excess skin and fat around the eyes can create a puffy, aged look, and lower lids may develop bags or hollowing over time. Genetics matter too: Spire notes that an inherited tendency can make eye bags appear early, and some people with it choose surgery in their 20s.
Transconjunctival or below the lashes: what’s the difference?
There are two main ways in:
| Inside the lid (transconjunctival) | Below the lashes (subciliary) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where the cut is | Behind the lower lid, so no visible skin scar | Just under the lash line |
| Published price example | £2,995 (Glasgow) | £2,695 (Glasgow) |
Which suits you depends on how much is fat and how much is loose skin, which your surgeon assesses in person. Ask why they recommend their approach for you.
What won’t lower blepharoplasty fix?
Dark circles and fine lines. Surgery can’t change the colour of dark shadows under the eyes, and it won’t remove crow’s feet. If hollowness or pigment rather than bulging is the main issue, surgery may not help.
How much does eye bag surgery cost?
Lower-lid prices we found ranged from £2,695 in Glasgow to from £5,995 under general anaesthetic in Birmingham. The cost guide explains why the range is so wide.
What are the risks?
As well as the general risks of eyelid surgery, the NHS lists the lower lid turning outwards (ectropion) as a rare complication, alongside bleeding behind the eye and eye muscle injury. Occasional problems include uneven-looking eyes, scarring and blurred or double vision. Ask your surgeon how they reduce the risk of the lower lid pulling down.
Will the NHS remove eye bags?
Almost never for appearance. Birmingham and Solihull’s NHS body states that lower-lid “eyebags” do not affect function or vision and do not need correction. In Scotland, lower-lid surgery may only be considered as part of treating an ectropion. See blepharoplasty on the NHS.
What is recovery like?
Expect swelling and bruising, which can take several weeks to fade. Plan about two weeks off work and several days without driving. The recovery guide covers the first weeks in detail.