New Zealand Institute of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery

Eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty) is the removal of excess skin and/or fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids to give your skin a less wrinkled and puffy appearance.

The procedure typically involves making a small cut (incision) in the fold of the eyelid (for the upper lid) or just below the eyelashes (for the lower lid) and removing any excess skin and/or fat. The surgery will take 1-3 hours and is performed under local anaesthetic (the area being treated is numb) together with a sedative to make you feel drowsy. You will be able to go home the same day. It is recommended that you have complete rest and keep eye pads on for a couple of days after surgery. You should be able to return to work within 1 week.