Blepharoplasty in Paris: correcting drooping eyelids
Blepharoplasty is the surgical procedure that corrects excess skin and fat on the upper and/or lower eyelids. It is one of the most commonly performed facial procedures: it restores an open, rested and rejuvenated appearance to the eye, and in some cases may even qualify for partial reimbursement by France's national health insurance system (Sécurité Sociale) for its functional component. Here is a comprehensive overview.
Upper vs lower eyelids: two distinct procedures
Upper blepharoplasty
This procedure removes the excess skin that weighs down the upper eyelid and — in cases of severe ptosis — may encroach on the visual field. The scar is concealed within the natural eyelid crease and becomes virtually invisible within a few months. It is the simplest eyelid procedure, most often performed under local anaesthesia.
Lower blepharoplasty
This procedure corrects sub-orbital fat pockets (puffy under-eye bags), excess lower-eyelid skin and laxity of the orbicularis muscle. The approach may be transcutaneous (scar just below the lash line, invisible) or transconjunctival (no skin incision, for isolated fat pockets without excess skin).
Blepharoplasty results are long-lasting: 10 to 15 years for the upper eyelids, and somewhat less for the lower eyelids owing to the thinness of the skin. It offers one of the best benefit-to-durability ratios of any facial procedure.
Functional indication and French health insurance coverage
When drooping of the upper eyelid (ptosis) objectively reduces the superior visual field, upper blepharoplasty may be classified as a functional procedure and become eligible for partial reimbursement by the French national health insurance system (Assurance Maladie / Sécurité Sociale).
The process involves:
- An orthoptic assessment documenting the reduction of the superior visual field
- A prior-agreement request (accord préalable) submitted to the local health insurance fund (CPAM — Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie)
- A detailed medical report drafted and signed by the surgeon
If approved, the Sécurité Sociale covers the standard statutory portion of the procedure fee. Complementary private health insurance (mutuelle) may top this up depending on your policy terms. Any purely cosmetic component associated with the procedure remains entirely at the patient's expense.
Anaesthesia, recovery and results
Local or general anaesthesia
Upper blepharoplasty alone is frequently performed under local anaesthesia as a day-case procedure, with no overnight hospital stay required. When all four eyelids are treated simultaneously, or when the patient prefers, a light general anaesthetic is offered instead.
Bruising for 10 to 15 days
Bruising and swelling of the eyelids are normal and reach their peak around days 3 to 5. They fade over 10 to 15 days. Wearing sunglasses helps conceal residual discolouration and allows an earlier return to social activities. Sutures are removed around days 5 to 7.
Combining with a face lift
Combining blepharoplasty with a cervico-facial lift under the same anaesthetic is a common strategy. The overall result is more harmonious, and the patient undergoes only a single recovery period.
Frequently asked questions
Can upper-eyelid blepharoplasty be covered by French public health insurance?+
Yes, under certain conditions. When ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid) causes an objectively documented reduction of the superior visual field — confirmed by an orthoptic assessment — functional blepharoplasty may be partially reimbursed by the French national health insurance system (Assurance Maladie / Sécurité Sociale). A prior-agreement request (accord préalable) must be submitted to the local health insurance fund (CPAM). Purely cosmetic blepharoplasty remains entirely at the patient's own expense.
What type of anaesthesia is used for blepharoplasty?+
Upper-eyelid blepharoplasty alone is most often performed under local anaesthesia, with or without light sedation, as a day-case procedure with no overnight hospital stay. Lower-eyelid surgery generally requires general or loco-regional anaesthesia, especially when both upper and lower eyelids are treated at the same time.
How many days off work are needed after blepharoplasty?+
Bruising and eyelid swelling are most pronounced during the first 5 to 7 days. Most patients return to work after 7 to 10 days. The final result, with complete resolution of visible traces, is achieved within 3 to 4 weeks. Wearing sunglasses helps conceal residual bruising when returning to social activities earlier.
Can I wear contact lenses after blepharoplasty?+
Contact lens wear must be suspended for at least 2 to 3 weeks post-operatively, to allow eyelid oedema and ocular irritation to resolve. Your surgeon will provide a precise timeline during the post-operative follow-up appointments.
Can blepharoplasty be combined with a face lift?+
Yes — and it is a very common, well-suited combination. Pairing blepharoplasty with a cervico-facial (neck and face) lift under the same anaesthetic produces a more harmonious overall result — an open, rested eye alongside a redefined facial contour — while the patient goes through only a single recovery. It is one of the most frequently requested combinations at the practice.
Book a blepharoplasty consultation in Paris
Drooping eyelids, a heavy-looking gaze, under-eye bags: Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre will assess your situation during a dedicated consultation at 56 avenue Victor Hugo, Paris 16th arrondissement.
Or explore the aesthetic medicine page for non-surgical options.