Blepharoplasty is surgery that removes or repositions selected eyelid skin, muscle or fat. Upper and lower eyelid procedures address different concerns and carry different functional risks. Because surgery is close to the eye, assessment must consider vision, eye-surface health, eyelid position and brow position, not appearance alone.
Upper and lower eyelid surgery
Upper blepharoplasty commonly uses an incision in the natural eyelid crease to remove a measured amount of tissue. Lower blepharoplasty may use an incision below the lashes or inside the lower lid to remove or reposition fat and sometimes skin. Lower-lid support may be needed when laxity creates a risk of retraction or ectropion.
A low brow, true eyelid ptosis, thyroid eye disease, allergy, recurrent swelling and dry eye can mimic or contribute to cosmetic concerns. Standard blepharoplasty does not automatically correct these problems.
Eye-health assessment
Tell the surgeon about dry, gritty or watery eyes, contact lenses, glaucoma, previous laser or eye surgery, thyroid disease, visual-field problems, double vision, eyelid weakness and all eye drops. Examination should assess eye closure, tear-film symptoms, lid position and laxity, brow position and whether formal ophthalmology or visual-field testing is needed.
Who may be suitable?
Suitability depends on the specific eyelid problem, eye health, general health, medicines, smoking or nicotine, bleeding and clot risk, previous surgery and realistic expectations. Blood-thinning medicines require careful medical review. Do not stop aspirin, warfarin, apixaban or other prescribed treatment without instructions from the clinician responsible for it.
Surgeon and facility checks
Meet the operating surgeon and verify registration, specialist training and experience with upper and lower blepharoplasty and eyelid complications. Depending on the case, a plastic, ophthalmic or oculoplastic surgeon may be appropriate. Confirm who can provide urgent eye assessment if pain, swelling or vision changes occur after surgery.
Risks and possible complications
Risks include bleeding, infection, anaesthetic complications, swelling, bruising, scarring, asymmetry, dryness or watering, difficulty closing the eyes, lid lag, lower-lid retraction or ectropion, persistent pain, light sensitivity, numbness, double or blurred vision, injury to eye muscles and revision surgery. Rare bleeding behind the eye can threaten vision, and very rare permanent visual loss can occur.
Severe eye pain, rapidly increasing swelling, sudden reduced vision, new double vision, marked difficulty moving the eye or uncontrolled bleeding requires urgent assessment.
Operation and recovery
The NHS describes eyelid surgery as lasting around 45 minutes to two and a half hours, using local or general anaesthesia, with many patients going home the same day. Bruising and redness may take several weeks to fade. Many people take around two weeks away from work, while scars and tightness can continue settling for months.
Aftercare can include head elevation, cold packs, prescribed ointment or drops, sunglasses and restrictions on driving, contact lenses, rubbing the eyes, swimming and strenuous activity. Complete stitch removal and eye or wound reviews before leaving Albania.
Flying after eyelid surgery
The CDC cites a general recommendation to wait seven to ten days after eyelid or facial cosmetic procedures before flying. This is not automatic clearance. Vision, eye closure, swelling, bleeding, dryness, medicines, additional procedures and journey length may require a longer stay. Fly only after the treating clinician confirms that the eye and wound are stable.
What an itemized quotation should include
- The named surgeon, facility and exact upper or lower eyelid procedures.
- Whether eye, visual-field or additional specialist assessment is included.
- Anaesthesia, theatre and any hospital charges.
- Ointment, drops, dressings and scheduled stitch-removal or eye reviews.
- Urgent eye-care, complication and revision arrangements.
- Travel and accommodation shown separately from clinical costs.
We do not publish one Albania price because upper, lower or combined surgery, anaesthesia, specialist assessment and aftercare can change the total.
Clinics offering plastic surgery
Associated profiles are research starting points, not endorsements. Verify the named surgeon’s eyelid-specific training, the facility and access to urgent ophthalmic assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Can blepharoplasty improve vision?
Upper-lid skin can sometimes obstruct peripheral vision, but functional benefit requires appropriate examination and may need visual-field testing. Cosmetic surgery should not be assumed to solve every vision problem.
Is upper blepharoplasty the same as ptosis surgery?
No. Ptosis involves drooping of the eyelid itself and can require a different repair. Brow position can also affect the appearance of upper-lid skin.
Can eyelid surgery worsen dry eye?
Yes. Temporary irritation is common, and pre-existing dry eye can increase risk. Eye closure and surface health must be assessed.
How long is bruising visible?
Bruising commonly lasts around two weeks but redness, swelling and scars can remain noticeable longer.
Sources and medical notice
This guide uses information from the NHS, Cambridge University Hospitals, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, BAAPS and the CDC Yellow Book. It is general information, not medical advice or a guarantee. Sudden vision loss or severe eye symptoms require emergency assessment.
