oculoplastic Services

Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery), involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the eyelids to improve appearance, reduce under-eye bags and create a more youthful look.

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Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) is a surgical procedure performed to improve the cosmetic appearance of the eyelids. It is also known as eyelid reduction or eyelid surgery.

Blepharoplasty improves hooded or drooping eyelids or eye bags by removing excess fat or skin. The aim is to reduce the signs of ageing around the eyes and create a more youthful, refreshed appearance.

Blepharoplasty is one of the most common functional and cosmetic procedures performed in facial plastic surgery. The recovery time is short, and the procedure is low risk. An eyelid lift can be performed on the upper, lower, or both eyelids.

How long do results last?

While results vary from patient to patient, most people are satisfied with their blepharoplasty results for 10-15 years.

Most patients don’t have a second procedure because they’re so satisfied with the results of the first one.

Who is suitable for eyelid surgery?

Blepharoplasty is suitable for both men and women. It’s usually patients over the age of 40 who notice signs of excess skin or prominent lower eye bags. However, some patients in their 20s or 30s have a genetic predisposition for excess skin or lower eyelid bags and can benefit from eyelid surgery.

Suitable candidates for blepharoplasty are/possess:

Bothered by signs of ageing in the eye area
Excessive drooping of the eyelids
Eyelid puffiness
Wrinkled skin of the eyelid
Presence of dark circles under the eyes
Realistic expectations
Tired appearance of the eyes

Miss Hawkes will determine your suitability for a blepharoplasty during your pre-operative consultation.

Why should I choose Miss Hawkes for blepharoplasty?

Miss Elizabeth Hawkes is a consultant ophthalmic surgeon, oculoplastic surgeon and experienced cosmetic doctor. Natural enhancement of the face and eye is paramount to Miss Hawkes. She boasts an extensive knowledge of the delicate eye area, forehead and face. Miss Hawkes provides treatments in a safe, medical environment at the award-winning private London clinic, the Cadogan Clinic.

Visit her YouTube channel to see Miss Elizabeth Hawkes perform Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty Surgery.

Treatment areas Which areas can be treated?

Upper eyelids:Removes excess or drooping skin and fat, resulting in a more youthful appearance and enhanced vision.
Lower eyelids:Improves the appearance of dark circles, hollow under-eye regions, and eye bags. This may include repositioning existing fat to create a more youthful look under the eyes.

Trusted Practitioner

Highly experienced and serving in multiple advisory roles, Dr Hawkes stays at the forefront of industry standards and care.

Award-Winning

Award-winning and Tatter-recommended, Dr Hawkes is honoured to be commended for her achievements.

Bespoke Treatment

Using extensive facial and ocular expertise, Dr Hawkes tailors each treatment to the individual needs and natural features.

Advanced Techniques

State-of-the-art technologies and meticulous care underscore Dr Hawkes’ dedication to continuous innovation, learning and excellent results.

Concerns Treated

Which concerns can be addressed?

Droopy eyelids:Lifts and tightens the upper eyelids, restoring a more youthful, alert appearance.
Eye bags:Removes or repositions excess fat under the eyes to reduce puffiness and create a smoother contour.
Excess eyelid skin:Removes surplus skin on the eyelids to improve appearance and comfort.
Excess skin around the eyes:Reduces loose skin surrounding the eyes for a more refreshed and open look.
Visual impairment due to excess skin:Lifts sagging upper eyelid skin that may obstruct vision, improving the field of sight.
Hooded eyes:Removes excess upper eyelid skin to reduce the hooded effect, giving a more defined crease and brighter look.

TESTIMONIALS

Happy patients

Where do I start? Over the past few years, I became increasingly self-conscious about the excess skin over my eyes. Not only did it make me look older, but it also caused discomfort. When a client came in with bruising and stitches around his eyes, he explained he had had blepharoplasty. Intrigued, I began researching the procedure and, more importantly, the best specialists in the field. After a virtual consultation with a London clinic, followed by an in-person meeting, it was confirmed that I would benefit from the surgery. Though additional procedures were suggested, I was only interested in the upper and lower eyelid surgery. I agreed to the fee and scheduled the procedure. However, after speaking with my client about his recovery, which included some complications like styes and seeing his healing photos with swollen, red eyes, I became hesitant. Given my profession, I couldn’t risk any potential complications, so I canceled the surgery. Despite this, I couldn't stop thinking about how much better I would feel without the heavy folds of skin around. my eyes. I resumed my research, this time focusing on oculoplastic surgeons, and discovered Dr. Elizabeth Hawkes. Not only is she one of the top professionals in her field in the UK, but she’s also a board member. After meeting with Dr. Hawkes, discussing the procedure in detail, and seeing numerous before-and-after photos, I felt reassured. She advised against the lower eyelid surgery, stating it would only yield minimal results. This advice, which saved me money, highlighted her integrity and commitment to patient satisfaction. I had the surgery three months later, and the aftercare was exceptional. I was provided with ice packs and eye drops to minimize swelling, and within a week, I was almost back to normal. Although full recovery can take up to six months, I was thrilled with the quick and impressive results. I can't recommend Dr. Hawkes enough. My confidence is back, and I've received so many compliments on how I look. Choosing a qualified oculoplastic surgeon was the best decision I made.

August 24, 2024

From my very first appointment with Dr Elizabeth Hawkes I felt extremely reassured that she was going to achieve what I was looking for. I felt 100% comfortable & confident with her. She listened to my concerns and guided me with what she felt would be the best solution for me. I have since had my surgery and I’m at week four with amazing results! Thank you Dr Elizabeth Hawkes for making me feel confident in myself again, I would highly recommend you to anyone.

June 19, 2024

Outstanding. Having researched a number of doctors prior to booking this procedure, Elizabeth Dolatshahy Hawkes gave me great confidence in her experience during a consultation prior to surgery. Explanations of the process and expectations were clear. Importantly, her photo’s of her work were her own and not generic. The results were excellent. I would definitely recommend her services.

June 14, 2024

I had some issues with my eyes and was referred to Elizabeth Hawkes at the Benenden hospital. From the very first appointment I was reassured that I had made the perfect choice of surgeon. Ms Hawkes was caring, understanding and extremely professional. She explained everything in a way that is easily understood. As part of my treatment I had a blepharoplasty upper eyelid lift and I am overwhelmed of how much difference it has made. My eyes have opened up and I have a fresher look. I didn’t tell many people, but I get a lot of comments now of how “well I look”. I am really impressed with the results. Surgery was as I expected, as everything was explained beforehand by Ms Hawkes. I was swollen and bruised for a bit after but the one thing that did surprised me was there was NO after pain. In my head I was sure there would be so prepared well with painkillers at the ready, but didn’t need to take any. A week or so after I went back to have the stitches out, again all relatively simple. I am now 5 weeks post op and the scars are virtually invisible, hidden in the natural crease of my eyes. If you are thinking of this procedure, then I would definitely recommend it and without doubt recommend Elizabeth Hawkes to do the surgery.

April 27, 2024

I had upper and lower blepharoplasty a little over a week ago with Elizabeth Hawkes at the Cadogan Clinic. The whole experience from initial consultation to operation and post op visit was superb. Elizabeth has a kind, natural and caring approach as do all her team. Her skill levels are incredibly good and I couldn’t be more pleased with the operation results, even only 8 days post op. I would recommend Elizabeth Hawkes and the Cadogan clinic to anyone looking for great results, with the whole process carried out in a lovely caring manner, but professional at all times.

May 17, 2023

I consulted with Ms Hawkes for a concern about my eyelids and questions around blepharoplasty. She has been very helpful in explaining how it works, transparent about the expectations of the results on my case specifically and the risk. We also discussed other alternatives not involving surgery. I felt very confident after the consultation and decided to proceed with the surgery (lower & upper). On the day of the surgery, I felt reassured, it all went very smoothly. I am now more than 6 weeks post op, the results are incredible, the scars are almost invisible. We looked together at before and after photos last week, and it is impressive. I am very happy with the results, looking more fresh, rested and youthful. I would recommend anyone who is bothered by dropping eyelids to get a consultation with Ms Hawkes.

February 23, 2023

Elizabeth is very reassuring and provides a comprehensive service. Im not the type to seek out cosmetic procedures but was bothered by my hooded eyes and so with a degree of anxiety and much research as to who was 'the best', I went for a consultation with Elizabeth. She immediately put me at ease with her thorough explanation of the procedure and all the photographs of before and after and what to expect. I wanted a natural look in that no-one would notice specifically other than 'I looked fresh' and that is exactly what I have got. Im delighted with the results. They take a few weeks to settle down but I recovered quickly, the scars have almost disappeared already and any inbalances I perceived in the first few weeks have also now equalised. I have very natural eyes from a decade or so again and have received many compliments on how 'well' Im looking. My eyes are bright and sparkling again. Thank you and I cannot recommend Elizabeth more highly. Super skilled, listens, and delivers.

January 06, 2023

I am thrilled with the results of my upper and lower lid blepharoplasty surgery. Elizabeth was very considerate and understanding of my apprehension; she has an excellent bedside manner and put me totally at ease. The healing process for me was straightforward and pain-free. I could not be happier and more delighted, that I decided to go ahead with the surgery and that through my research, I chose Elizabeth to be my surgeon. I have no hesitation in highly recommending her.

October 28, 2022

I found Miss Hawkes to be very approachable, kind and very professional. I was able to call or e-Mail if I had any concerns and she would always reply as soon as possible. My recovery from my surgery was longer than I expected, mostly due to severe swelling, but Miss Hawkes reassured me that all the issues would settle in time. Now everything has settled, I am very satisfied with the surgery and would highly recommend Miss Hawkes to anyone considering eye surgery.

July 31, 2022

I have researched for a long time to find someone I can trust with my upper eyelid surgery. I chose Elizabeth because she is specialised in eyes only and she is passionate about the health of the eye from the inside as well as the cosmetic part of it. At our first meeting she examined the health of my eye and then talked about the desired result of the upper eyelid surgery. She was very professional and knowledgable. I felt I found the perfect person for the procedure. I wanted a natural result to make me look fresh and younger again and she did a perfect job. I couldn’t be happier and I highly recommend her! I have already recommended her to a friend of mine.

April 10, 2021

After a number of years researching on upper eyelid blepharoplasty and multiple consultations, I decided to go ahead with the surgery with Dr Elizabeth Hawkes. My eyelids have became heavy due to age and lack of sleep so I had a constant tired look that no expensive cosmetic treatments throughout the years could get rid of. I was not after anything too drastic but I wanted to look more refreshed and get my almond shaped eyes back. Dr Hawkes is very approachable and thorough, she put me at ease with realistic expectations and having seen her previous work and background, I booked myself in for surgery the week after seeing her. It's been only 9 days in but I have not had any discomfort and as the swelling goes down, I can already see her subtle yet effective work. I look younger, have a fresher look overall and most importantly, she's kept my original eye shape. Brilliant work, very pleased with the results.

November 28, 2020

I had lower lid blepharoplasty - eye bag removal surgery carried out- revision surgery. I had gone somewhere else last year the end result I was not happy with. After some research I came across Dr Hawkes page and after my consultation I was confident to go ahead with the surgery second time round. I’m extremely happy with the results, it’s been over a week now since my surgery. If you are considering eye surgery if any sort my advice would be to see a specialist in that field only, my previous surgeon was an all rounder!

September 20, 2020

Dr Hawkes was friendly and professional. During my initial consultation she clearly explained the procedure and I felt confident about having the upper blepharoplasty performed by her. The surgery went well and Dr Hawkes made herself available by text after the procedure. I was therefore able to have any concerns about my healing quickly answered. I am very happy with my post operative results which have exceeded my expectations.

August 18, 2020

I recently had eye lid surgery performed by Miss Hawkes and I am so pleased with the outcome. My eyes feel so much better I don’t have that feeling of sagging heavy eye lids around my eyes, my eyes look amazing and I finally have eye lids instead of sagging skin. Miss Hawkes was fantastic throughout, from my consultation to my surgery and then finally my aftercare. She clearly explained the procedure to me during my consultation and, whilst carrying out the surgery, kept me updated on what she was doing, made sure I was comfortable and not in pain and made me feel relaxed. The aftercare I have received has been superb. This procedure has made me feel so much better mentally about myself and given me a real boost.

October 08, 2019

Dr Hawkes' Results

Before & Afters

Frequently Asked Questions

Dr Hawkes is available to address your inquiries. Should you have questions, we kindly invite you to reach out.

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At what age should I consider blepharoplasty?

Eyelid surgery is usually performed on people over 40 when the signs of ageing have manifested. However, many people in their 30s opt for blepharoplasty with valid reasons, such as pronounced bags under the eyes or excess upper eyelid skin.

Can fine lines and wrinkles be treated with a blepharoplasty?

The skin around the eyes is very delicate and can show signs of ageing easily. Many patients want to know if eyelid surgery can help them get rid of wrinkles around their eyes.
The skin under the eyes appears smoother and firmer after blepharoplasty because excess tissue is removed and muscles are tightened. The procedure removes wrinkles caused by sagging skin or under-eye bags, but it does not treat other common eye wrinkles.
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) can be performed alone to treat eye wrinkles, but Miss Hawkes can also combine it with other procedures. Depending on the type and intensity of the eye wrinkles to be treated, Miss Hawkes may recommend one of the following treatments:

Anti-wrinkle injections
Dermal fillers
Eyebrow or forehead lift

Can I combine blepharoplasty with dermal fillers?

Besides blepharoplasty, Miss Hawkes will sometimes offer non-surgical cosmetic solutions such as tear trough fillers, temple fillers and mid-face enhancements, as the lower eyelids are part of the mid-face.

Does Miss Hawkes perform revision surgery?

Yes, Miss Hawkes is frequently consulted for second or even third opinions after surgery has been performed elsewhere. Revision blepharoplasty surgery is complex and is best managed by a dedicated oculoplastic surgeon.

How do the eyes age?

Ageing around the eyes can be caused by a number of factors. First, the skin sags as a result of the loss of elastin (an essential protein for skin elasticity). This results in dermatochalasis, or excess skin. Second, the underlying major eyelid muscle (orbicularis oculi), which encircles the eye, becomes weak and bulky, which also contributes to eyelid heaviness.
Another sign of ageing is the presence of eye bags. This is due to the forward prolapse of orbital fat, which cannot be held back by the weakening orbital septum over time. In severe cases, excess overhanging skin can obscure a patient’s field of vision.
Eyelid surgery is performed to improve the eyelids by remodelling their structure. This can involve complex combinations of skin removal, muscle tightening, and fat repositioning or removal. Because each eyelid is unique, Miss Hawkes tailors each individual’s surgical plan and procedure.

How is blepharoplasty performed?

The way the surgery is performed varies, but all forms of blepharoplasty require a surgeon experienced in oculoplastics. The operation takes 45 mins-2 hours (depending on the number of eyelids requiring surgery) and can be performed under local anaesthetic, general anaesthetic, or sedation.

How long do blepharoplasty results last?

Blepharoplasty is a long-term procedure that produces excellent, natural-looking results. It can give you a younger appearance by improving the cosmetic appearance of your eyelids. The full effect, however, does not last forever. The natural ageing process will continue.
While results vary from patient to patient, most people are happy with their blepharoplasty results for 10-15 years.
Most patients don’t have a second procedure because they’re content with the first one.

How long do I have to stay in the hospital?

Eyelid surgery is performed in a day case setting with no overnight stay; therefore, you will be discharged after a short time in recovery and an observation period.

How long does eyelid surgery take?

The procedure takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the complexity and number of eyelids requiring surgery. Miss Hawkes performs blepharoplasty in a dedicated day case surgical centre.

How long will I be off work?

Typically, upper blepharoplasty patients can return to work after 7-10 days.
For lower blepharoplasty, the recovery time is longer, at 10-14 days. You should take 2 weeks off work as the lower eyelids recover more slowly due to prolonged swelling.
However, all patients are different, with some returning to work earlier, and others needing more time off for their recovery.
Pricing is approximate and will be confirmed following your consultation.

How much does blepharoplasty cost?

The cost of upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty varies. However, a blepharoplasty procedure with Miss Elizabeth Hawkes at the award-winning Cadogan Clinic in London, typically starts at £5850.

How should I prepare for blepharoplasty treatment?

Miss Hawkes will provide all pre-operative advice during your consultation.
1. Stop smoking. Smoking reduces the blood supply to the skin and can slow healing. Stopping smoking will help the healing phase.
2. Miss Hawkes discusses your individual requirements for medications, including sometimes liaising with your other doctors, to achieve the safest balance between her surgical requirements and your underlying medical conditions. In general, patients are asked to stop taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, blood thinners, and herbal supplements 2 weeks before the surgery as they may cause excessive bleeding.
3. Plan for after surgery. Plan for support during your recovery and for someone to accompany/drive you home from the hospital. All of your post-operative medication (antibiotic creams and drops), as well as an ice-mask, will be provided after the operation to take home.

How should I travel after the operation?

After the procedure, someone should accompany/drive you home. Don’t drive yourself home.

I am afraid of general anaesthetic. Can I have eyelid surgery performed under local anaesthetic?

Miss Hawkes can operate with local, sedation or general anaesthetic, and the decision is guided by patient choice.

Is blepharoplasty surgery painful?

Blepharoplasty is not considered painful. In the postoperative recovery period, pain is also minimal. Discomfort can be relieved with painkillers or ointments prescribed by Miss Hawkes. However, most patients do not require painkillers after the procedure.

Is eyelid surgery safe?

Blepharoplasty is a safe procedure, but as with all facial cosmetic surgery procedures, there are risks. There is a small risk of infection, scarring, bleeding and bruising. Miss Hawkes performs all blepharoplasty procedures in a safe, clinical environment at the award-winning Cadogan Clinic in London.

What are some genetic reasons for having eyelid surgery?

Excess or ‘saggy’ upper eyelid skin and lower eyelid bags can sometimes run in families. Do not be upset if you have these changes as your 20s and 30s. Miss Hawkes will talk about why the changes might have developed in the consultation and also a solution for you, which may involve surgical or non-surgical techniques.

What happens during a blepharoplasty consultation?

Before surgery, Miss Hawkes will invite you to an in-person consultation lasting between 30 minutes.
Miss Hawkes will ask about your overall health and medical history, as well as listen to your concerns. She will go over the standard risks/benefits and determine whether there are any additional risks in your case. She will also advise you on possible outcomes and assist you in setting realistic and attainable goals.
Miss Hawkes will then perform an eye examination and take a number of precise eyelid measurements. Examining the eye is necessary because there is an eye inside the eyelids, and it is critical to maintain the functional aspect that the eyelids play. Miss Hawkes will then photograph you and offer pre-operative advice, including sharing before and after results.

What happens during the recovery period?

Recovery from blepharoplasty is fast, but please plan for 1-2 weeks off work after surgery. You may experience bruising or swelling, which will usually subside after 14 days. Miss Hawkes will remove your stitches on days 5-8.
Please remember that your vision may be blurry on the first day.
\*\*During your recovery\*\*:
Rest with your head elevated for 7 days - Sleep on your back and avoid sleeping on your side or face. Use several pillows under your head to prevent fluid build-up, which can worsen swelling. Use regular ice compressions for 7 days – This can be an ice pack (provided) or frozen peas wrapped in a clean tea towel. Use the prescribed ointment or eyedrops as directed.
Please avoid:
\*\*Strenuous exercise, and straining for 4 weeks\*\* - Extreme physical activity may delay the healing of bruising and swelling \*\*Smoking\*\* - Stop smoking as it irritates the eyes, delays healing and can cause scars to become more visible. \*\*UV light\*\* – Wearing sunglasses from day 1 post-surgery can help protect your eyes from the sun and wind and reduce the chance of scar pigmentation. \*\*Wearing eye makeup and contact lenses -\*\* for 2 weeks
Most patients can resume their everyday routines after two weeks, though this varies depending on the individual.

What type of anaesthetic will I receive during the procedure?

Miss Hawkes can perform eyelid surgery under local anaesthetic, general anaesthetic, or ‘twilight’ sedation.
Miss Hawkes recommends local anaesthesia or twilight sedation for upper eyelid surgery. However, you can opt to have the surgery performed under general anaesthetic.
Miss Hawkes recommends general anaesthetic for lower eyelid surgery.
Miss Hawkes recommends a general anaesthetic for combined surgery of the upper and lower eyelids, due to the length of the procedure.
\*\*Note:\*\* Twilight sedation is a combination of local anaesthetic and sedation. During twilight sedation, the patient receives anaesthetic medication to numb a specific part of the body and a sedative to allow them to feel sleepy while still being awake and responsive.

Where are the incisions made?

\*\*Upper blepharoplasty\*\* - The incision for upper blepharoplasty is made along the eyelid natural skin crease.
\*\*Lower blepharoplasty\*\* - The incision for lower blepharoplasty is either placed just below the lash line (transcutaneous) or inside the lower eyelid (and therefore without an external scar, known as transconjunctival).

Where can I receive treatment for blepharoplasty in London?

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The Cadogan Clinic: 120 Sloane St, London SW1X 9BW
Miss Elizabeth Hawkes offers blepharoplasty in London at The Cadogan Clinic, on Sloane Street, London.

Will I be left with noticeable scarring?

Blepharoplasty leaves minimal scarring, and it is uncommon for patients to have a visible scar after the procedure.
Upper blepharoplasty scars are well hidden in the natural eyelid skin crease. Lower blepharoplasty scars are hidden by the eyelashes.
Please follow all of Miss Hawkes’ aftercare instructions to help the scarring process.

Will I need revision surgery?

As with all cosmetic surgical procedures, the ‘perfect’ result may not be achieved in a single procedure. Additional refinements may be required, but this is unlikely.
Most patients are satisfied with their blepharoplasty results for 10-15 years.
Even though you can expect the effects of eyelid surgery to last for many years, the natural ageing process will continue. As a result, drooping and bulging of the eyelids may reoccur. If drooping and bulging of the eyelids reoccur - this is not because of postoperative complications or failures. A revision blepharoplasty can be considered in this case.

Will I need to wear a bandage after blepharoplasty?

Bandages are not required. Sometimes dressings are applied.

Will the results appear natural?

Blepharoplasty produces long-lasting, natural-looking outcomes. The surgery can bring life-changing results. In modern times, less muscle fat and skin are removed, which contributes to the natural aesthetics of the result. The fat is repositioned rather than removed.

What are the potential risks and complications with a blepharoplasty?

All surgical procedures involve risk, although serious risks are unlikely with blepharoplasty.

Common, temporary:

Swollen or numb eyelids
Bruising and swelling
Irritation of the eyes
Watering eyes/transient worsening of dry eye symptoms
Flare of blepharitis

Rare:

Blurred or double vision - Temporary
Blood pooling under the skin (haematoma)
Poor scarring
Long term worsening of dry eye symptoms

Very rare:

Infection
Injury to the eye muscles
Drooping of the eyelid
Ectropion

Extremely rare:

Visual impairment – Extremely rare, and many people find that their vision improves in the long term

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