Upper Eyelid Lift Surgery London

Upper Eyelid Surgeon with Dr Shan Shan Jing

Dr Shan Shan Jing is a British-trained Consultant Plastic Surgeon whose practice spans aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. She graduated from University College London with first-class honours and distinctions, completed specialist plastic surgery training and achieved Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. Her further training includes specialist cosmetic fellowships in London and Manchester and Head and Neck microsurgery training in New Zealand. This background informs an anatomy-led approach in which aesthetic judgement, tissue preservation and eyelid function are considered together.

Upper eyelid surgery is a good example of this approach: a small change can alter expression noticeably. Dr Shan Shan therefore considers the eyelid together with eyebrow position, eye shape, symmetry and facial proportions rather than applying a standard amount of skin removal.

The surgical plan aims to address heaviness or hooding while preserving comfortable eyelid closure, function and the patient’s recognisable features.

When Might Upper Eyelid Surgery Be Considered?

Patients commonly seek advice because the upper eyelids feel heavy, the natural crease has become less visible or the eyes appear more tired than they feel.

• Excess or loose upper eyelid skin
• Hooding over the natural eyelid crease
• A heavy upper eyelid appearance
• Age-related loss of upper eyelid definition
• Differences between the two upper eyelids
• A persistently tired appearance

An important part of assessment is identifying what is actually creating the appearance. Hooding can be caused by upper eyelid skin, but eyebrow descent can contribute as well. True eyelid drooping, known as ptosis, is different again and may require a different operation. This distinction matters because blepharoplasty is not the correct treatment for every droopy eyelid.

Upper Eyelid Surgery Cost in London

Dr Shan Shan Jing’s current published price for upper eyelid blepharoplasty starts from £2,500. The final fee depends on the surgery recommended after consultation and should be confirmed before treatment.

Upper Blepharoplasty Price

Upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty): From £2,500

A written quotation is provided once the proposed operation and any associated requirements have been established.

Upper Eyelid Surgery Recovery

Bruising, swelling and a feeling of tightness are common early after surgery. Recovery is usually gradual rather than dramatic, with the eyelids continuing to settle after the first visible bruising has faded.

First Few Days

Swelling and bruising are usually most noticeable. Rest, wound care and keeping activity gentle are important.

Week One

Early swelling should start to reduce. Wound review and any planned follow-up take place according to the operation performed.

Weeks Two to Three

The eyelids usually look more settled and many patients feel more comfortable returning to normal work and social activities.

Weeks Four to Six

Residual swelling continues to improve. Exercise can be reintroduced in line with post-operative advice.

Longer-Term Healing

The eyelid contour continues to refine and scars soften and mature over the following months.

Recovery times are guides rather than guarantees. Return to work, driving and exercise depends on healing and the advice given after surgery.

How Dr Shan Shan Plans Upper Eyelid Surgery

The key question is not simply how much skin can be removed, but why the upper eyelid looks heavy and what change would remain in proportion with the rest of the face.

1. Clarifying the Concern

The consultation explores whether the main issue is heaviness, hooding, asymmetry, loss of crease definition or another change.

2. Looking Beyond the Eyelid Skin

Skin quality, the natural crease, eyebrow position, eye shape and symmetry are assessed together.

3. Deciding Whether Blepharoplasty Is the Right Operation

Where eyebrow position or true ptosis is a significant contributor, blepharoplasty alone may not address the concern.

4. Planning the Incision and Amount of Reduction

The incision and amount of tissue removal are planned conservatively, with eyelid closure, comfort and facial expression in mind.

What Happens During Upper Blepharoplasty Surgery?

Before surgery, the upper eyelids are marked according to the agreed plan. The incision is generally placed within the natural upper eyelid crease so that the scar sits within an existing fold when the eyes are open.

A measured amount of excess skin is removed. Other tissues may be addressed when this is clinically appropriate. The incision is then closed carefully. The precise anaesthetic, technique and expected operating time are discussed before surgery.

The operation is planned to improve hooding or heaviness while preserving comfortable eyelid closure and the natural character of the eyes.

Aftercare Following Upper Eyelid Surgery

Aftercare focuses on wound healing, swelling, eyelid comfort and the developing scar. Follow-up appointments give Dr Shan Shan the opportunity to review healing and answer questions as recovery progresses.

Patients receive specific advice on wound care, activity, work, driving and exercise. Any unexpected symptoms should be discussed with the clinical team rather than managed using generic online guidance.

Understanding the Risks of Upper Eyelid Surgery

Upper blepharoplasty is surgery and has recognised risks and limitations.

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Swelling and bruising
• Scarring
• Temporary changes in sensation
• Dry-eye symptoms or irritation, which can occasionally persist
• Asymmetry
• Difficulty closing the eye fully (lagophthalmos) or other changes in eyelid contour
• Chemosis (swelling of the conjunctiva)
• Under-correction or over-correction
• Need for further treatment or revision
• Rare visual complications
• Anaesthetic-related complications

Procedure-specific risks, including lagophthalmos, persistent dry-eye symptoms, chemosis and rare visual complications, are discussed in the context of the patient’s eye health, medical history and proposed operation before consent.