A consultation room at the clinic, with a treatment chair beside a curtained window

Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty in Brussels · Dr Axel De Lange

Blepharoplasty reduces drooping eyelids and under-eye bags, restoring all their freshness and vitality to your eyes.

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to correct excess skin and changes in the fat compartments of the upper and lower eyelids.

On the upper eyelids, it mainly involves removing the excess skin responsible for a heavy look, while preserving the essential anatomical structures and the natural volume of the eyelid.

On the lower eyelids, it corrects fat bags and, where indicated, redistributes volume to soften the transition between the eyelid and the cheek.

The goalTo open up and refresh the eyes by correcting the signs of ageing in the eyelids, while preserving the natural expression of the face.

Blepharoplasty is intended for women and men with excess skin on the upper eyelids, bags under the eyes or eyes that look tired despite sufficient rest.

It is generally considered from the age of 40, but may be indicated earlier in the presence of constitutional fat bags or marked excess skin.

The best candidates are in good general health, with satisfactory eye function and realistic expectations of the results.

To regain a fresher, more open and rested look, without changing the natural features of your eyes.

Medically reviewed by Dr Axel De Lange · Last reviewed

Your journey,
step by step.

The techniques

Upper blepharoplasty

Removal of excess skin from the upper eyelids, with possible correction of fat bags.

The techniques

Lower blepharoplasty

Correction of under-eye bags and excess skin, with possible redistribution of orbital fat.

The techniques

Transconjunctival approach

Treatment of lower eyelid fat bags through an incision on the inside of the eyelid, with no visible skin scar.

The techniques

Four-eyelid blepharoplasty

Simultaneous correction of the upper and lower eyelids for overall rejuvenation of the eye area.

The techniques

Periorbital lipofilling

Restoration of lost volume, particularly in hollow dark circles and at the eyelid-cheek junction.

The techniques

Temporal or forehead lift

Correction of a drooping tail of the eyebrow or of the forehead when this contributes to a heavy look.

Step 01

First consultation

This first meeting is an opportunity to analyse the anatomy of your eyelids, the quality of your skin, the position of your eyebrows and the distribution of the fat compartments.

A thorough clinical examination also makes it possible to assess the tone of the lower eyelids, their position and any disorders of the ocular surface, notably dry eye.

We discuss your expectations, the various possible techniques and the results that can be achieved.

To define a personalised plan to rejuvenate your eyes, respecting your anatomy and your natural expressions.

Step 02

2nd consultation

This consultation serves to confirm the surgical plan and to specify the chosen surgical technique.

The position of the scars, the type of anaesthesia, the risks and the post-operative recovery are explained in detail.

Any combined procedures, notably periorbital lipofilling or a temporal lift, are also discussed when combining them can improve the harmony of the result.

To enable you to approach your procedure calmly, with a precise understanding of how it will proceed and the expected results.

Step 03 · The procedure

Anaesthesia

Local, possibly combined with sedation, or general, depending on the eyelids treated and any combined procedures.

Step 03 · The procedure

Duration

Usually between 45 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on whether the upper, lower or all four eyelids are treated.

Step 03 · The procedure

Setting

The procedure is performed in the operating theatre, most often as day surgery.

Step 03 · The procedure

Technique

Precise removal of excess skin and correction or redistribution of fat bags. The incisions are hidden in the natural crease of the upper eyelids, below the lower lashes or on the inside of the eyelid, depending on the technique used.

Step 03 · The procedure

Recovery

Usual convalescence of 7 to 15 days, with a gradual return to social and professional activities depending on how the oedema and bruising settle.

Step 04 · Follow-up

The first days

Rest, application of cold compresses as instructed and check of the scars. Swelling and bruising around the eyes are common. A feeling of tightness or dry eyes may also occur.

Step 04 · Follow-up

The first weeks

Gradual reduction of oedema and bruising. Non-absorbable stitches are usually removed after 5 to 7 days. A return to social and professional activities is usually possible after 7 to 15 days.

Step 04 · Follow-up

After 1 to 2 months

The eyelids gradually regain their suppleness, the scars fade and the eyes look more natural. Sporting activities can usually be resumed after a few weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure.

Step 04 · Follow-up

After 3 to 6 months

Gradual stabilisation of the tissues, improvement of the scars and a more precise assessment of the aesthetic result.

Step 04 · Follow-up

After 6 to 12 months

Maturation of the scars and stabilisation of the final result. The benefits of blepharoplasty are generally long-lasting, even though natural ageing continues.

Common question

Are the scars visible?

The incisions follow the natural crease of the upper eyelid. For the lower eyelid, the incision is internal (transconjunctival) or external along the lash line; the scars are therefore generally very discreet once healed.

Common question

How long is the recovery period?

Most bruising and swelling disappears within 10 to 15 days; make-up can usually be worn again after 2 to 3 weeks.

Common question

Will my insurance contribute?

If a reduction in the field of vision caused by drooping upper eyelids is documented, a partial contribution from the health insurance may apply — this is confirmed during the consultation.

Bags on the lower eyelids are never covered by the health insurance.

Common question

At what age is this procedure usually performed?

There is no minimum age. It depends on the amount of excess skin and the presence of bags.

Some patients have pronounced dark circles and a hollow tear trough from a young age. They are excellent candidates for lower blepharoplasty using the transconjunctival approach.

Consultation locations

Consultations are booked directly through each clinic's own platform. Appointments are not taken by phone.

See the locations

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