Eye Bag Removal Surgery London

Refresh your eyes, rejuvenate your look, restore confidence. Under-eye bags, puffiness, and sagging lower lids can age the face and give a fatigued, worn-out appearance. Eye bag removal, also known as lower-eyelid blepharoplasty, is a trusted surgical solution that restores a smoother, more youthful under-eye contour. At Dr Cotrufo’s practice, we provide tailored eye bag removal surgery for patients seeking subtle yet effective rejuvenation that enhances natural facial features.

Dr Stefano Cotrufo is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in London Harley Street with over 15 years’ experience as a plastic surgery and reconstructive microsurgery specialist.

Summary

Procedure timeProcedure time
60-90 min
AnaesthesiaAnaesthesia
Twilight
Hospital stayHospital stay
Optional
Support garmentSupport garment
2 weeks
ExerciseExercise
From 2 weeks
RecoveryRecovery
6 weeks
Final resultsFinal results
3 months

What is Eye Bag Removal?

Eye bag removal targets excess skin, fat, or fluid beneath the lower eyelids, which often appears as puffiness or sagging due to aging, genetics, or lifestyle factors. During the procedure, redundant fat may be removed or repositioned, loose skin trimmed or repositioned, and the lower eyelid contour refined to create a smoother and more rested appearance. In many cases, conservative fat repositioning is preferred over aggressive removal to avoid hollowing under the eyes and to maintain a natural look.

Dr cotrufo’s favourite approach to eye bag is “transposition of the excess of fat. Rather than a surgical excision of the prominent/exceeding fat, Dr cotrufo tends to use this volume to restore fulness of the mid part of the cheek – where the subcutaneous fat has naturally shrank or sometimes never existed.

For this reason Dr Cotrufo is a pioneer in midface lifting, which he performs in the form of an “extended lower blepharoplasty” combining 1. the repositioning of the eye bag fat with 2. the deep-plane lift of the central portion of the face (hence the term “midface lift”), extended vertically down to the corner of the mouth.

The extended lower blepharoplasty will address not only the eye bag, but also:

  1. The sunken area just below the eye bags
  2. The dept of the nasolabial fold – which is the fold running from the side of the nose down to the corner of the mouth – or to the chin in mid aged or older people.
  3. Address more severe lower eyelid deformities called “festoons”.

@Tim: images : Wendy turvey before and after – half before and half after on the left side – where she had severe festoons.

Why Choose Eye Bag Removal with Dr Stefano Cotrufo

Choosing Dr Stefano Cotrufo for your eye bag removal ensures that you are in the hands of a highly experienced facial plastic surgeon who prioritises natural-looking results and patient safety. Dr Cotrufo has extensive expertise in lower‑eyelid blepharoplasty and takes a meticulous approach to every procedure, carefully assessing the anatomy of the eyelids, mid‑face volume, and overall facial balance to create a bespoke surgical plan tailored to each patient.

He is particularly skilled in advanced techniques such as fat repositioning and conservative skin trimming, allowing him to rejuvenate the under-eye area while preserving a youthful, natural appearance. Where appropriate, Dr Cotrufo can also combine eye bag removal with complementary treatments, such as tear‑trough or cheek volume restoration, to achieve harmonious mid‑face rejuvenation.

Patients consistently choose Dr Cotrufo not only for his surgical expertise but also for his dedication to patient care. From the initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, he provides clear guidance, personalised support, and attentive follow-up to ensure every stage of the eye bag removal journey is as comfortable and reassuring as possible. The ultimate goal is to deliver refreshed, bright eyes that enhance your natural features without ever appearing overdone.

The Procedure

During a private consultation, Dr Cotrufo will assess your lower eyelid anatomy, skin quality, fat distribution, mid-face volume, and overall facial balance to plan a bespoke lower-eyelid blepharoplasty that complements your natural features. The surgery typically involves incisions placed just beneath the lash line, or if only fat repositioning is required, a transconjunctival route may be used to avoid visible scars. Fat may be repositioned rather than removed to prevent a hollow under-eye appearance, while any excess skin is trimmed conservatively to preserve eyelid function, avoid laxity, and maintain natural eye shape. The procedure generally lasts between one and two hours. When appropriate, eyelid surgery may be combined with treatments to restore facial volume, such as tear-trough or cheek fillers, to optimise mid-face harmony and deliver balanced rejuvenation.

Recovery and Aftercare

After surgery, many patients return to work within about one week, although swelling and bruising can persist for one to two weeks. Dissolvable stitches are typically used, and it is important to keep the eyes dry during the first 48 hours while following gentle care instructions. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or bending for at least two weeks and to refrain from activities that increase blood pressure for around three weeks. Bruising usually peaks during the first week, with most patients feeling comfortable resuming normal public life within seven to ten days. Makeup can help conceal any residual bruising at that stage. Final results gradually emerge as swelling subsides, with scars becoming barely perceptible over time.

Is Eye Bag Removal Right for You?

Ideal candidates are generally in good health, non-smokers, and free from serious eye conditions. Suitable patients have persistent under-eye bags or puffiness caused by fat prolapse, loose skin, or fluid retention that do not respond to non-surgical treatments. Lower-lid surgery requires consideration of the mid-face as a whole, with volume, tissue laxity, and fat repositioning all influencing the final outcome. Candidates should have realistic expectations, understanding that while upper-lid surgery outcomes are predictable, lower-lid blepharoplasty is more complex and results can vary.

Considering Eye Bag Removal in London

In London, eye bag removal surgery typically ranges from around £3,000 to upwards of £4,000–£5,000, depending on clinic, surgeon expertise, and procedure complexity. Dr Cotrufo provides a fully personalised treatment plan and transparent cost estimate at consultation, including any recommended eyebrow, tear-trough, or cheek volume restoration to ensure optimal aesthetic balance.

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Sensational attentive surgeon. Couldn’t be happier with the results. Would really recommend Stefano to anyone even considering surgery.

Emma Leicester



FAQs

  • How long does eye bag removal surgery take?
  • Will there be visible scars after the surgery?
  • When can I return to work or social activities?
  • Will eye bag removal surgery fix dark circles under my eyes?
  • Is lower-lid surgery riskier than upper-lid blepharoplasty?
  • Can eye bag removal be combined with other rejuvenation procedures?
  • How long do the results last?
  • Am I a good candidate for eye bag removal surgery?

How long does eye bag removal surgery take?

The procedure usually lasts between one and two hours, depending on whether it is performed alone or in combination with other treatments such as upper-lid surgery or tear-trough restoration.

Will there be visible scars after the surgery?

When skin excision is required, the incision is placed just beneath the lower lash line, where scars typically heal well and fade over time. If only fat repositioning is needed, a transconjunctival approach is used, leaving no visible external scars.

When can I return to work or social activities?

Most patients feel comfortable returning to work or social activities after seven to ten days, although some swelling or bruising may remain for one to two weeks. Makeup can usually conceal these marks.

Will eye bag removal surgery fix dark circles under my eyes?

Eye bag removal primarily addresses puffiness, excess fat, and loose skin. While the procedure improves the under-eye contour, it does not eliminate shadows or pigmentation. Additional treatments, such as fillers or skin resurfacing, may complement blepharoplasty if dark circles are present.

Is lower-lid surgery riskier than upper-lid blepharoplasty?

Lower-lid blepharoplasty is more complex because the lower eyelid must maintain proper function, including tear drainage and eyelid closure, while achieving aesthetic improvement. Over-aggressive fat removal or skin trimming can lead to complications such as hollowing or eyelid laxity, so a conservative, tailored approach is essential.

Can eye bag removal be combined with other rejuvenation procedures?

Yes, many patients benefit from combining lower-lid blepharoplasty with tear-trough fillers, cheek volume restoration, or other facial procedures to achieve harmonious mid-face rejuvenation.

How long do the results last?

Blepharoplasty results are long-lasting. While ageing continues naturally, the structural improvements achieved by removing or repositioning fat and tightening skin can endure for many years, making eye bag removal a worthwhile long-term investment.

Am I a good candidate for eye bag removal surgery?

Good candidates are healthy, non-smokers with realistic expectations and under-eye puffiness due to excess fat or loose skin rather than superficial wrinkles or pigmentation. A detailed assessment of your eyelid anatomy and mid-face volume will determine suitability.

Still have questions?

We’re here to help. To learn more about Eye Bag Removal surgery or schedule a consultation with a top-rated surgeon in London, call 0207 873 2330 or enquire below. You can also view our testimonials or follow us on Instagram.

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Chief Surgeon

Dr Stefano Cotrufo

Dr Stefano Cotrufo is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with over 15 years’ experience working in London as a plastic surgery and reconstructive microsurgery specialist. He performs a wide range of plastic surgery and non-surgical procedures from his private practice in Harley Street.
Member of The European Union of Medical Specialists for Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
General Medical Council Registered Plastic Surgeon
realself Top Doctor Award
The Royal Society of Medicine Plastic Surgeon
BMA Certified Plastic Surgeon
Member of British Society of Rhinoplasty Surgeons
Masters Educational Series, Implantech 2016, Facial & Body Contouring Implants Course Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr Stefano Cotrufo, consultant plastic surgeon, Harley Street London
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