Correct drooping upper eyelids, excess skin, or bags under the eyes with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty).
Blepharoplasty rejuvenates the eyes by removing excess skin and fat responsible for bags under the eyes, or by tightening the tissue. The procedure improves the appearance of the eyelids while maintaining a natural result. A preoperative consultation allows us to precisely determine the technique best suited to your anatomy and expectations.
What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure on the eyelids that involves removing excess skin, repositioning fatty pockets, or tightening the tissue around the eyes. This surgery rejuvenates the appearance of the eyes while maintaining a natural and harmonious result.
It treats:
- drooping upper eyelid,
- the bag under the eyes,
- sagging skin,
- loss of muscle tone associated with aging.
Objective: to open up the eyes, correct tired-looking eyes, and restore a natural harmony to the eye contour area.
Who is it for? Indications for eyelid surgery
Eyelid surgery is intended for individuals who are bothered by heavy or tired-looking eyes, whether for aesthetic or functional reasons (visual discomfort).
Upper eyelids
- A drooping upper eyelid that makes the eyes look heavy.
- Excess skin on the upper eyelids.
- Possible discomfort in the visual field.
Lower eyelids
- Persistent bags under the eyes (excess fat).
- Pronounced dark circles associated with a fatty hernia.
- Swollen or "puffy" appearance upon waking up.
Overall appearance of the eyes
- A tired look despite having rested.
- A pronounced eye contour that ages the expression.
- Desire to restore natural harmony to the eyes.
Why do drooping eyelids and bags under the eyes appear?
- With age, the skin around the eyes loses elasticity and collagen, leading to sagging skin.
- Orbital fat can move forward, causing bags to form under the eyes.
- Slower lymphatic circulation promotes swelling and puffiness.
- Genetics, lack of sleep, and certain hormonal factors can accelerate these mechanisms.
The different types of blepharoplasty
Upper blepharoplasty
This technique treats the excess skin responsible for drooping upper eyelids. It opens up the eyes, lightens the eyelids, and can also improve the field of vision.
Lower blepharoplasty
It corrects bags under the eyes caused by excess fat and, if necessary, also treats excess skin to smooth the lower contour.
Transconjunctival route
Performed without external scarring, this technique removes fat from inside the eyelid. Ideal for young patients with bags under the eyes but no sagging skin.
How is the procedure performed?
Results: a rejuvenated and natural look
The results begin to appear when the bruising and swelling disappear, usually after 10 to 15 days. The eyes then appear more open, the eyelids are tightened, and the bags under the eyes are removed.
The final result can be seen after 2 to 3 months, once the tissue has completely healed. It is long-lasting: the improvement lasts for an average of 10 to 15 years, depending on skin quality, natural aging, and lifestyle.
Postoperative care
The after-effects of blepharoplasty are usually minor. Swelling and bruising around the eyes are common for 5 to 10 days. A feeling of tightness in the eyelids or dry eyes may also be felt during the first few days.
Patients can usually return to work after 5 to 7 days, depending on the activity and the patient's comfort level. It is recommendedto avoid intensive sports and sources of heat (sauna, steam room, significant sun exposure) for about 10 days. The scars, hidden in the natural folds or along the lash line, gradually become almost invisible.
Are there alternatives to surgery?
For some patients, eyelid surgery is not necessarily essential. Cosmetic medicine treatments can smooth wrinkles, improve the appearance of dark circles, or tone the skin, with milder side effects.
Botulinum toxin injections → these act on the muscles responsible for expression lines around the eyes (crow's feet, frown lines). By relaxing these muscles, they smooth the periorbital area and give a more relaxed and less tired appearance.
Hyaluronic acid → it is used to fill hollow circles under the eyes (tear troughs) and soften the transition between the eyelid and cheek. It does not treat bags under the eyes, but corrects the shadow and "hollow" appearance of the eyes.
Fractional radiofrequency with microneedles (Genius or Morpheus)/CO2 laser → these technologies deeply heat the dermis to stimulate collagen production. They improve firmness, skin texture, and certain fine lines, particularly in cases of moderate sagging.
During the consultation, the doctor will guide you towards the most suitable solution: medical treatments or, if necessary, surgical blepharoplasty. To learn more about eyelid lifts without surgery, discover medical blepharoplasty.
Learn more about medical blepharoplastyFAQ – Blepharoplasty in Marseille
Is blepharoplasty painful?
No. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, which generally makes it painless. A slight tightness may be felt during the first few days, but the pain remains mild and well controlled.
What is the difference between bags and dark circles?
Bags under the eyes are caused by excess fat under the eyes, giving a puffy appearance. Dark circles are hollows (tear troughs) or brown or bluish pigmentation. They are treated differently: surgery for bags, hyaluronic acid or laser for dark circles.
Does the fat that is removed come back?
No. The fat removed during lower blepharoplasty (eye bags) does not return. However, natural aging can create new changes over time.
Is the scar visible?
The scar is very discreet: – on the upper eyelid, it is hidden in the natural crease – on the lower eyelid, it is placed under the eyelashes – in the transconjunctival approach, it is inside the eyelid and therefore invisible
At what age should you have blepharoplasty?
Generally between 35 and 75 years old, depending on the indications. The criterion is not age but the presence of excess skin, bags, or sagging.
Make an appointment
Blepharoplasty at the PHENICIA Clinic in Marseille is performed by cosmetic surgeons specializing in the eyes. Each patient receives a personalized consultation with an analysis of the eyelids, an explanation of the technique, an assessment of the risks, and a detailed quote.
This consultation allows us to define a customized surgical plan, tailored to your body type, your aesthetic expectations, and your lifestyle, in a secure and high-end setting.