Written by Dr Rami Haidar | 8th August 2026 | Excellence Medical Boutique, Dubai
Blepharoplasty is one of the most commonly performed facial surgical procedures, and for good reason. The eyelids are among the first areas of the face to show signs of ageing, and changes here can significantly affect how rested, alert, or approachable a person appears. For patients in Dubai considering eyelid surgery, understanding the procedure, the recovery process, and what outcomes are realistically achievable is an important part of making the right decision.
This article explains what blepharoplasty involves, who it is appropriate for, and what patients at Excellence Medical Boutique can expect across the full treatment journey.
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that addresses excess skin, muscle, or fat in the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Upper eyelid surgery typically removes redundant skin that has descended over the lid margin, which can create a heavy, hooded appearance and, in more pronounced cases, affect the field of vision. Lower eyelid surgery addresses under-eye bags caused by herniated fat, excess skin laxity, or both.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation, or under general anaesthesia depending on the extent of the surgery and patient preference. Incisions are made in the natural creases of the eyelids, which means scarring is generally well concealed once healing is complete.
The procedure works by removing or redistributing the structural elements that have changed with age. In upper blepharoplasty, the surgeon excises the appropriate amount of skin and, where necessary, underlying orbicularis muscle or fat. The goal is to restore a clean, open lid platform without creating an over-operated or hollowed appearance.
In lower blepharoplasty, the approach depends on the anatomy. A transconjunctival approach, where the incision is placed inside the lower lid, is used when fat redistribution is the primary goal and excess skin is minimal. A transcutaneous approach, with an incision just below the lash line, is used when skin removal is also needed. In some patients, fat is redistributed rather than removed, filling the tear trough region to soften the transition between the lid and cheek.
Assessment before surgery determines which technique, or combination of techniques, is most appropriate for each patient.
Blepharoplasty is appropriate for patients who have functional or aesthetic concerns related to the eyelids that cannot be adequately addressed through non-surgical means. Good candidates include those with significant upper lid hooding that contributes to a tired or heavy appearance, patients with prominent under-eye bags that persist regardless of sleep or lifestyle, and individuals whose upper lid skin encroaches on the visual field.
The procedure is not a solution for dark circles caused by pigmentation, hollowing of the tear trough, or mid-face descent. In some cases, these concerns are better addressed through injectable treatments, fat transfer, or a combination approach. A thorough facial assessment is necessary before any surgical recommendation is made.
Patients should be in good general health, non-smokers or willing to cease smoking ahead of surgery, and should have realistic expectations about what the procedure can and cannot achieve.
The pre-surgical assessment at Excellence Medical Boutique covers facial anatomy, eyelid structure, skin quality, and the underlying causes of the changes the patient is experiencing. Photographs are taken, and the proposed plan is discussed in detail.
Patients are given specific instructions regarding medications to avoid in the weeks before surgery, particularly blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs. Baseline eye health is also assessed, as dry eye conditions or previous eye surgery can affect both candidacy and the surgical approach.
Patients should expect bruising and swelling in the first one to two weeks following blepharoplasty. The degree varies between individuals and depends on the extent of surgery. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and social settings within ten to fourteen days, once the most visible swelling has resolved.
Sutures, where used, are typically removed within five to seven days. Residual swelling can persist for several weeks, and final results are generally assessed at around three months, when tissue has fully settled.
Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity, sun exposure, and contact lens use during the initial recovery period. Eye drops may be prescribed to maintain comfort during healing.
Dr Rami Haidar is a maxillofacial surgeon with specialist training in facial anatomy and facial surgical procedures. His background in oral and maxillofacial surgery means he approaches the face from a structural and anatomical perspective, rather than purely from an aesthetic one.
At Excellence Medical Boutique in Jumeirah, Dubai, consultations are assessment-led. Every treatment recommendation follows a full evaluation of the patient’s anatomy, skin quality, and goals. Dr Rami does not operate on a volume basis, and patients are not directed towards surgery if non-surgical options would better serve their needs.
For patients considering blepharoplasty in Dubai, a consultation with Dr Rami is the appropriate starting point.
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes or redistributes excess skin, muscle, or fat from the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. It is used to address hooded lids, under-eye bags, and age-related changes to the periorbital area.
Results from blepharoplasty are long-lasting, though the face continues to age over time. Most patients find that upper lid surgery provides a durable improvement for ten years or more. Lower lid results are similarly lasting, particularly when fat redistribution rather than removal is used.
The procedure is performed under anaesthesia, so patients do not experience pain during surgery. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild and managed with prescribed pain relief. Most patients describe the recovery as more uncomfortable than painful.
Incisions are placed in the natural creases of the eyelids, which means scars are generally well concealed. In most patients, scarring becomes very difficult to detect within a few months of surgery.
Blepharoplasty addresses structural causes of a tired appearance, such as excess skin and fat herniation. It does not treat pigmentation-related dark circles, which are better addressed through skin treatments or, in some cases, injectable approaches to the tear trough.
Most patients return to social and professional settings within ten to fourteen days. Residual swelling can persist for several weeks, and final results are typically visible by three months post-surgery.
Upper blepharoplasty addresses hooded or heavy upper lids by removing excess skin and, if needed, underlying tissue. Lower blepharoplasty targets under-eye bags caused by herniated fat or excess skin. Both can be performed together depending on the patient’s anatomy and goals.
Located in the heart of Jumeirah, Dubai, Excellence Medical Boutique is more than a clinic, it’s a destination. A sanctuary where innovation, expertise and care come together to enhance your natural beauty and confidence. Excellence Medical Boutique is conveniently located on 197 Jumeira St, Jumeirah, Jumeirah 1, Dubai. This makes it easy for patients travelling from across Dubai to visit for consultation and treatment.
