Skip to content If sagging or drooping eyelids are affecting your vision or making you look older and worn out, eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, may be worth considering. This procedure removes excess skin, fat, or muscle around the eyes to improve both appearance and function.
To qualify, most patients need to be in good overall health and free from certain eye conditions such as glaucoma or thyroid-related eye disease. In many cases, eligibility depends on whether excess skin is interfering with daily life, especially by restricting vision.
Understanding the candidacy criteria is the first step to knowing if this treatment is right for you. Let’s look at what makes someone a good candidate for eyelid surgery.
Blepharoplasty, commonly referred to as eyelid surgery, involves the removal of excess skin, fat, or muscle from the eyelids. This procedure can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on the patient’s concerns. The types of blepharoplasty are:
Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin or fat, causing sagging or heaviness in the upper eyelid. It can improve vision obstructed by drooping eyelids.
Lower blepharoplasty addresses puffiness, bags under the eyes, and excess skin. It helps minimise the appearance of dark circles and makes you look more refreshed.
To achieve these benefits, it’s important to determine your candidacy.
Not everyone qualifies as a suitable candidate for eyelid surgery. Candidacy depends on your eye health, overall health, and personal goals. You may qualify for blepharoplasty if you meet the following criteria:
When excess skin or fat makes the upper eyelids heavy or blocks part of your vision, surgery can remove the obstruction and restore a more alert look.
If you have bags under your eyes that make you look tired, eyelid surgery can help. Lower eyelid surgery targets these puffiness areas and can improve the overall look of your eyes.
Excess skin may hang over your upper eyelid and limit your vision. Eyelid surgery may give you a clearer line of sight by correcting this issue.
Although this surgery is recommended for people over 35, younger people with hereditary conditions like hooded eyes, which may cause early drooping of the eyelids, may also qualify.
In these cases, the surgeon evaluates the severity and decides whether any surgery is recommended to improve both function and appearance.
Although eyelid surgery will make a noticeable difference, it definitely won’t give you a dramatically youthful look or change the outline of your eyes. So, setting realistic goals is a must.
Candidates must be non-smokers and free from uncontrolled health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or serious eye diseases.
Most people who qualify for eyelid surgery are over 30, in good overall health, and do not have serious eye problems. Before moving forward, it’s important to let your surgeon know if you have any medical conditions, such as:
Equally important is having realistic expectations. Blepharoplasty can refresh your appearance and boost confidence, but it will not completely change how you look or alter the natural shape of your eyes. Everyone has unique features, and some natural asymmetry is normal. The goal of surgery is to improve function and appearance, not to create a new face. A clear discussion with your surgeon can help align your goals with what surgery can realistically achieve.
Certain medical and eye conditions may prevent eligibility for eyelid surgery. These include:
High blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease—conditions that are not well controlled, so eyelid surgery may not be recommended. Surgery may stress your body more, so these conditions must be controlled or discussed.
Having glaucoma, dry eyes, or retinal problems may make the surgery or its outcomes complicated. If you have any chronic eye problems, eyelid surgery might not work for you.
Smoking slows down healing and increases the risk of infection, scarring, and poor results. Most surgeons ask patients to quit weeks before and after surgery.
If you expect a dramatic change, blepharoplasty may not be the right option for you. Eyelid surgery aims to improve the aesthetic appearance of the eyes and correct the loss of function rather than transform one into a new face.
Eyelid surgery can be carried out under local anaesthetic or, in some cases, under general anaesthetic. Before the procedure, your surgeon will ask you about any medications you take that affect blood clotting, like aspirin, warfarin, or apixaban.
For the upper eyelids, the surgeon makes a small incision along the natural crease of the lid. Through this opening, any excess skin, fat, or muscle that is causing heaviness or drooping is carefully removed or adjusted. The incision is then closed, and because it lies in the eyelid’s natural fold, the scar is usually well hidden.
For the lower eyelids, the incision is made either just below the lash line or inside the eyelid itself. This allows the surgeon to remove or reposition fat that creates under-eye bags, sometimes along with a small amount of loose skin. If needed, the muscles or tendons of the eyelid are tightened to provide extra support before the incision is closed.
If you’re searching for how to qualify for eyelid surgery, you should consult with an expert. This will ensure your safety and the best possible outcome.
A qualified surgeon will check your eligibility for blepharoplasty by assessing your:
During this consultation, you can ask questions, discuss your concerns, and make informed decisions.
Qualifying for eyelid surgery is the first step towards addressing lazy eyelids or under-eye bags.
Eyelid surgery can be life-changing for the right candidate, providing aesthetic and functional advantages.
For advice book a consultation session with our expert oculoplastic surgeon, Mr Jeeva, to confirm your candidacy for upper or lower blepharoplasty.
Discuss your goals and concerns—take a step towards an alert profile and better vision!
01. How to get eyelid surgery approved?
To approve you for an eyelid surgery, the doctor will check for the presence of:
02. What is the test for eyelid surgery?
A visual field test will check the severity of compromise in your vision due to drooping eyelids. The test results will qualify you as the right candidate for eyelid surgery.
03. Can you fix eyelids without surgery?
Options like laser resurfacing, skin tightening, and dermal fillers may help lift the drooping eyelids without surgery.
04. Is eyelid surgery worth it?
If you have severe saggy or droopy eyelids, blepharoplasty is worth it. It helps achieve a younger and more alert profile.
05. What is the best age for eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery can technically be done from the age of 18, but most people consider it later in life. The ideal candidates are usually adults in their 30s or older, when signs of ageing like sagging skin or puffiness around the eyes become more noticeable.
06. Can eyelid surgery have complications?
Yes, like any surgery, blepharoplasty carries some risks, although serious problems are uncommon. In rare cases, it may cause issues such as injury to the eye muscles, the lower eyelid pulling away from the eye (known as ectropion), or bleeding inside the eye socket.
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Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Mark Gorman is a consultant plastic surgeon and department lead at Salford Royal, specialising in facial plastics and complex reconstructive procedures. His expertise spans a wide range of areas, including oculoplastic, nasal, ear, abdominal, and microsurgical reconstruction, with particular focus on breast, head and neck, and lower limb reconstruction.
With a non-surgical and surgical skillet, Dr. Gorman is known for using advanced techniques to achieve natural, harmonious results. His approach often integrates dermal fillers and fat transfer to enhance facial features in combination with a range of deep plane facelifts.
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Additionally, he runs his own aesthetic training company, further extending his influence in the field.Dedicated to total well-being, Dr. Gorman created the Look Body Mind philosophy, which blends aesthetics and wellness for a holistic approach to beauty.Whether you’re looking for subtle enhancements or comprehensive reconstructive work, Dr. Gorman’s patient-centered care, grounded in precision, skill and an exceptional aesthetic eye, ensures that you will feel confident throughout your journey.
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Sophie brings over a decade of customer service expertise to her role as Receptionist at Yorkshire Skin Centre. With a strong foundation in retail management and the travel industry, she is recognised for her warm, approachable manner and professional attitude—ensuring every client feels welcomed and valued from the moment they arrive.
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Herezel McCourt is a highly experienced Registered Nurse at Yorkshire Skin Centre, bringing over two decades of clinical expertise across diverse surgical and medical specialties. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Perioperative Practice from Huddersfield University, UK, and a BSc in Nursing from Cebu Doctors’ University in the Philippines.
Herezel has spent the majority of her career within the NHS, most recently as a Clinical Specialist in Ophthalmic Surgery at The MidYorkshire Teaching NHS Trust.
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Herezel is a calm and supportive presence to both patients and colleagues, and her attention to clinical excellence makes her an invaluable member of the Yorkshire Skin Centre team.
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Rhea Levitt is a highly experienced Clinical Assistant at Yorkshire Skin Centre, known for her hands-on approach, warm personality, and commitment to delivering high-quality patient care. With a solid background in healthcare settings, Rhea brings valuable clinical expertise and administrative support to the team.
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In addition to her clinical duties, Rhea supports the practice by carrying out internal audits and ensuring best practices are upheld throughout the clinic. She plays a key role in maintaining smooth day-to-day operations and upholding the high standards that Yorkshire Skin Centre is known for.
Dedicated, professional, and always ready to help, Rhea is an invaluable member of the team who helps ensure that every patient receives attentive, safe, and seamless care.
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Raman holds a Bachelor of Science with Bachelor of Education (BSc, BEd) from India, a qualification that integrates scientific studies and teaching education, equipping her with a strong foundation in both fields. She is currently building her career in the UK healthcare industry, bringing her hardworking, compassionate, and friendly nature to the team.
With valuable experience in customer service and patient care, Raman plays a key role in managing day-to-day operations, handling bookings, and ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for all patients.
Her dedication to excellence and passion for healthcare and client well-being make her an integral part of our team.
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Nichola is a highly skilled practitioner with a strong background in beauty and holistic therapies. She earned her Level 3 Beauty Therapy qualification with distinction from the Yorkshire College of Beauty and further enhanced her expertise with Level 4 Specialist training. She is also CIDESCO-certified, an internationally recognized gold standard in beauty and spa therapy, ensuring clients receive the highest level of care and treatments.
With 18 years of customer service experience, primarily in the hospitality industry, Nichola deeply understands the importance of building strong client relationships. She is known for her hardworking nature, punctuality, and dedication to continuous learning.
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Yorkshire Skin Centre in Leeds is a CQC registered medical clinic. Led by Dr Raj Thethi who completed his core surgical training in hospitals around West Yorkshire before branching into aesthetic medicine.
Dr Raj Thethi is a Northern Territory Regional Expert for an international dermal filler company called Teoxane. He also sits on their National UK Faculty. He is nationally recognised leader in the field of Aesthetics and a skilled trainer up..Yorkshire Skin Centre in Leeds is a CQC registered medical clinic. Led by Dr Raj Thethi who completed his core surgical training in hospitals around West Yorkshire before branching into aesthetic medicine.
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Dr Raj is the Founder and Clinical Director of the Yorkshire Aesthetic Clinic. With a successful career in aesthetics and a passion for patient care, Dr. Raj found that his expertise in facial aesthetics was a natural progression where he could showcase his warm and friendly demeanour alongside his exceptional skills.
Dr Raj specialises in advanced facial aesthetics, offering a wide range of treatments and skin procedures. With his extensive training and experience in both medical and aesthetic fields, he brings a unique perspective to delivering exceptional results.
Driven by his passion for patient satisfaction, Dr Raj established the Yorkshire Aesthetic Clinic. Located in a comfortable and welcoming environment, the clinic provides a luxurious and refined setting for patients seeking aesthetic treatments…. Read More
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Hi, I’m Sarah Coates. I’m a Senior Change Manager, Hogan accredited coach, proud mum of 2 beautiful boys and am blessed with incredible friends to get into mischief with!
As I headed towards my 40th birthday, my life changed in a way that I could never have imagined and I came off that roller coaster with a new lease of life, with an understanding of the importance of self care and a huge amount of gratitude.
I love to travel, have a passion for interior design and enjoy sharing all that life has to offer with my beautiful family and fabulous friends.
If I’m not at work, you’ll find me playing at the park with my boys, enjoying the sun in Ibiza, listening to music or at the bar with a glass of fizz!
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I am Senior Manager currently working for a small charity based in Leeds. My role is both professionally stimulating and challenging. No two days are ever the same. It includes aspects of advocacy, client rights, individual representation and inclusivity.
One milestone that resonates deeply is the creation of support groups, safe spaces where clients can openly share their stories. Witnessing the impact of these connections has fuelled my determination to improve the journey of others.
Through my own aesthetic endeavours , I’ve developed an unparalleled understanding of the emotional nuances tied to cosmetic treatments. This empathy allows me to offer sincere reassurance and guidance, especially during moments of vulnerability, in an era of aesthetic care that marries technical expertise with genuine human understanding and a person centred approach.
In my spare time I love the outdoors, enjoying hillwalking, taking part in sport, managing my bountiful allotment, and enhancing my cookery skills trying different cuisines (..no Masterchef yet).. and travel.
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Dr. Khan earned her MD from Copenhagen University in 2003 and boasts over 20 years of medical expertise. Her early career was dedicated to dermatology and gynaecology across Yorkshire, and in 2011, she became a qualified GP from The Royal College of General Practitioners in London.
Dr. Khan’s commitment to women’s health is evident through her achievements. In 2012, she earned a Diploma in Sexual and Reproductive Health.
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Consultant Ophthalmologist & Oculoplastic Surgeon
Mr Jeeva is celebrated for his mastery in aesthetic eyelid surgery. By adopting a patient-centric ethos, he delivers personalised treatments that amplify natural beauty and revive youthful vitality.
He has completed a prestigious fellowship at the Royal College of Surgeons, specialising in cosmetic plastic surgery. This rigorous training has endowed him with advanced techniques in aesthetic surgery, ensuring outcomes that are both beautiful and natural.
With a specialised fellowship in oculoplastic surgery, Mr Jeeva has honed his skills in delicate eyelid surgeries, tear duct disorders… Read More
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Alana embarked on a career in nursing in 2008, following her comprehensive training and graduation. Since then, she has accrued a wealth of experience working in a variety of roles within both the NHS and private healthcare sectors. Known for her dedication and exceptional skills, Alana rapidly ascended into management, and for the past seven years, has been serving as a matron.
Throughout her career, she has consistently maintained her clinical competencies and academic studies. She initially earned a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, later advancing her studies to become an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Independent Prescriber. Her commitment to continuous professional development led to the completion of her full Master’s degree.
Alana’s passion for skin spurred her to further specialise in this field. In 2017, she pursued training in facial aesthetics, a decision that marked the beginning of a significant new chapter in her career. Since then, she has been affiliated with several leading skin clinics across the UK, where she has honed her expertise and built a reputation for excellence. Her extensive knowledge and experience in skin led her to become an expert medical trainer and since 2021, Alana has been imparting her knowledge at an award-winning training academy. Previously, she held the prestigious position of National Trainer for SKN Clinics, where she educated a variety of medical professionals, including plastic surgeons.
While Alana enjoys all aspects of skin, she has a particular fondness for medical-grade skin care, which she believes offers unparalleled benefits to patients. Her dedication to patient care and her professional knowledge and skills, make her a standout figure in this field. Through her work, Alana has positively impacted numerous lives, helping patients achieve their best skin health and aesthetic goals. In her trainer role, Alana is known for her meticulous approach and her ability to convey complex information in an accessible manner, ensuring that her trainees are well-equipped to deliver high-quality care. Her leadership and mentorship have been crucial in elevating the standards of practice within the industry.
Alana’s career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in nursing and aesthetics. Her professional journey reflects a blend of clinical expertise, academic achievement, and a genuine passion for improving patient care. As she continues to advance her career, Alana remains dedicated to staying at the forefront of the field, continually enhancing her skills and knowledge to provide the best possible care to her patients and to train the next generation of skin care professionals.
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With over 15 years of experience in the NHS, Mr Nikos Lymperopoulos specialises in reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery. He graduated from the University of Athens Medical in 2009 and completed his basic surgical training in Liverpool. After earning a PhD with honours in DIEP clinical anatomy research in 2013, he completed advanced surgical training in plastic surgery across Yorkshire and Liverpool, including a cosmetic fellowship in the North West.
Mr Lymperopoulos further honed his expertise with two prestigious breast reconstruction microsurgical fellowships at The Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea and Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospitals in London. His extensive experience in breast reconstruction after mastectomy provides a profound understanding of surgical anatomy and aesthetics, benefiting procedures such as breast augmentation, reduction, and uplift. Additionally, he is highly skilled in abdominoplasty, often enhanced with liposuction or muscle repair, especially post-pregnancy.
Specialising in skin cancer treatment, he adeptly handles Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Melanoma. He offers a comprehensive range of breast and body cosmetic surgeries, including breast augmentation with implants or fat transfer, breast reduction, uplift, tummy tucks, and liposuction. Combined procedures, such as “mommy makeovers,” are also available to restore post-pregnancy body contours.
Trained in both surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation, Mr Lymperopoulos performs eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), as well as toxin and filler injections. Currently, he serves as a Consultant at Mid Yorkshire Teaching Hospitals, specialising in breast reconstruction and skin cancer surgery, and holds an Honorary Senior Lecturer position at the University of Leeds.
An advocate for education and research, Mr Lymperopoulos has over 20 publications in peer-reviewed journals and a PhD in microsurgical breast reconstruction. As an Education Lead, he developed “The Yorkshire FRCS (Plast) Course” to aid UK trainees in their exit exams. His innovative training simulator was awarded first place in Innovation at the BAPRAS meeting in 2021.
Blepharoplasty, also known as an eye lift, is a surgical procedure performed on the eyelids to improve their appearance. It can address concerns like:
Excess skin on the upper eyelids: This can obstruct vision and create a hooded appearance.
Bags under the lower eyelids: These can make you look tired or aged.
Drooping lower eyelids: This can also obstruct vision and contribute to a tired appearance.
Types of Blepharoplasty:
Upper blepharoplasty: This addresses concerns with the upper eyelids, removing excess skin and sometimes fat or muscle tissue.
Lower blepharoplasty: This addresses concerns with the lower eyelids, removing excess fat or skin and sometimes repositioning tissues.
Asian blepharoplasty: This addresses specific concerns related to the anatomy of Asian eyelids, creating a more defined crease.
