Procedure
Blepharoplasty in Cyprus
Surgery to the upper eyelid, the lower eyelid or both, removing or repositioning skin, fat and muscle. It is done to soften the changes that come with age, and where drooping upper lids obstruct the field of vision.
Procedure facts
- Duration
- 1–2 hours
- Anaesthesia
- General or local
- Hospital stay
- Day surgery
- Pre-admission tests
- Blood tests and electrocardiogram
- Downtime
- 1 month
- Driving
- 5–10 days
- Exercise
- 2 weeks
- Final result
- 3–4 months
Overview
What eyelid surgery does
Eyelid contouring is chosen as a way to soften harsh lines, lift sagging tissue and correct puffiness. These physical changes not only alter appearance but can also interfere with everyday vision, particularly when the upper eyelids begin to droop into the line of sight.
Performed on an outpatient basis, eyelid correction refines the eye’s natural contours. By removing or repositioning eyelid skin, excess fat and muscle, the surgeon restores definition to the eye area — on the upper lid, the lower lid, or both. The incisions are placed within the natural crease of the eyelid skin.
You may hear the operation referred to as an eyelid lift, eyelid reshaping, or upper or lower eyelid correction. The medical term is blepharoplasty.
The objective is to bring subtle balance back to the face without excessive tightening or unnatural alteration. Care is taken to maintain a patient’s own expression while reducing the signs of ageing. Depending on the case, the operation is performed under local or general anaesthesia and typically lasts around two hours. For many patients the result is long-lasting and does not require a repeat procedure.
Why patients choose it
- Smooths wrinkles along the lower eyelids
- Softens signs of fatigue around the eyes
- Minimises sagging and under-eye fullness
- Removes fatty tissue that causes upper lid puffiness
- Eliminates loose skin, creating lid folds
- Corrects drooping of the lower eyelids
- Restores a more refreshed appearance
- Improves vision where the eyelids interfere with sight
Upper blepharoplasty
Upper eyelid contouring focuses on the region between the lashes and the eyebrow. Over time this space may begin to close in through gravity, fat accumulation or structural change. In certain cases individuals are born with prominent or swollen upper lids that persist into adulthood.
The technique involves precise removal or repositioning of fat and excess skin, creating a smoother, more defined contour without pulling or distortion. The aim is to maintain the eye’s natural shape while opening the area.
Lower blepharoplasty
The lower eyelids often show signs of age through bagging, deep creases or sagging skin. These changes can make a person appear tired even when well-rested.
Correction involves removing or redistributing the tissue below the eye, particularly where fat has settled or shifted. Where a visible groove runs from the tear duct toward the cheek — often called a tear trough — the procedure can soften this line by restoring volume. The technique is adjusted to prevent hollowing, which can occur if too much tissue is removed.
Patients diagnosed with ectropion, a condition in which the lower lid turns outward, may also see improvement through this surgery.
What the operation involves
Anaesthesia Either local or general anaesthesia is administered by a licensed anaesthesiologist. The type depends on the surgical plan and on patient preference.
Incisions Dr. Stavrou begins by marking the natural folds and creases of the eyelids to guide incision placement. This allows for discreet scarring that blends into the skin’s existing lines. After healing, signs of surgery are often close to imperceptible.
On the upper eyelid, excess skin and fat are removed with caution, preserving enough tissue to maintain natural volume and avoid hollowness. Where volume loss is already present, tissues may be adjusted to fill gaps and smooth transitions.
The lower eyelid requires greater complexity and is usually done under general anaesthesia. Incisions are placed just below the lashes and extend slightly outward. In some cases a transconjunctival approach is used, accessing the area from inside the lower lid to prevent external scarring. Fat is either removed or moved into hollow spaces to restore symmetry.
Closure Closure is performed using either dissolvable or traditional sutures. Dr. Stavrou will explain the most appropriate choice based on skin type and the nature of the incision. In some cases small adhesive bandages are applied immediately after the procedure to protect the healing tissue.
Recovery
Mild swelling, bruising or sensitivity is common and expected after surgery. These symptoms typically subside within the first 10 to 14 days.
To encourage healing, patients should use cold compresses and sleep with the head slightly raised. Any discomfort can be managed with medication prescribed by the surgeon.
Temporary dryness or irritation of the eyes may occur, and specific instructions for cleansing and care are given for this period. Straining the eyes, such as reading or screen use, should be limited in the first couple of days, with a gradual return to normal activity after about a week.
More intensive activity, including gym sessions or alcohol consumption, should wait at least three weeks. Visible improvement is noticeable within a week, with the final result settling over a few months. Skincare and sun protection are essential during the recovery phase.
Risks and considerations
Eyelid surgery carries the general risks of surgery — bleeding, infection and a reaction to the anaesthetic — alongside a set specific to the eye. Bruising and swelling around the eyes are expected for the first one to two weeks rather than complications. Temporary dryness, watering, blurred vision or difficulty closing the eyes fully can occur while healing and are usually short-lived. The fine scars sit in the natural eyelid creases and generally settle well, though healing varies between patients. Less common risks include asymmetry between the two sides, a change in the position of the lower lid and, very rarely, a change in vision. Removing too much skin is deliberately avoided because it is difficult to reverse. What is realistic for a given eyelid is discussed in full at the consultation.
Before and after
1 case published with the patient's written consent. These are individual results, not an average and not a guarantee.
Questions patients ask
Can I drive after blepharoplasty?
Driving is usually possible five to ten days after upper eyelid surgery, as vision can be blurred in the first few days. Discuss it with your surgeon before you start driving again.
Does lower blepharoplasty remove wrinkles?
Surgery to the lower lids can smooth the wrinkles under the eyes. The skin of the area is deliberately not pulled too tight, so that the result does not look unnatural.
Does blepharoplasty affect vision?
For most patients there is no change in vision. Patients with excess skin on the upper lids may find their field of vision improves after surgery.
What is the best age for blepharoplasty?
For aesthetic reasons the minimum age is around 30. In patients with excess fat in the upper lids, bags under the lower lids or a severe eyelid deformity, surgery can be performed as early as the twenties.
How long does the result of blepharoplasty last?
The result is long-lasting. Surgery does not stop the natural process of ageing. Heredity, lifestyle and skin care all affect how long it holds.
Will the shape of my eyes change?
Blepharoplasty improves the natural shape of the eyes and does not change their fundamental structure. It addresses drooping lids and bags under the eyes caused by excess skin or fat.
Where it is performed
- Surgery in Cyprus
- The Surgery Center 3i, Strovolos
- Surgery in Athens
- Iatriko Athinon, Marousi Mediterraneo Hospital, Glyfada
Where yours takes place is agreed at the consultation.
How we quote
A quotation follows consultation, because what it costs depends on what the operation actually involves for you — the technique, the time in theatre, and whether anything is being addressed at the same time. We do not publish price lists and we do not quote before examining you.
Arranging a consultation
Book a slot in the clinic diary directly, or send the details of what you are considering and we will reply with the times we have.