Dr. de Clermont-TonnerrePlastic Surgeon

Paris 16th & Pontoise (95)

Blepharoplasty

Eyelid surgery — Paris 16th & Pontoise

Blepharoplasty is eyelid surgery. It corrects drooping eyelids, under-eye bags and skin excess that weigh down the gaze and give a tired appearance. Performed in Paris 16th and Pontoise by Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre, it may be covered by French national health insurance when it is functional.

Book a consultation

Two techniques

Upper or lower blepharoplasty?

Upper blepharoplasty

Drooping eyelids

Corrects excess upper-eyelid skin that weighs the gaze down and may impair the visual field. The scar is concealed in the natural eyelid crease and becomes invisible.

  • Excess overhanging skin
  • Heavy, tired-looking gaze
  • Possible visual impairment (functional ptosis)
  • Health insurance reimbursement if ptosis is documented

Lower blepharoplasty

Under-eye bags

Addresses fatty hernias causing under-eye bags and hollow dark circles. The scar is placed just beneath the lash line, or via a trans-conjunctival approach (no external scar).

  • Persistent under-eye bags
  • Tired appearance despite adequate rest
  • Hollow dark circles (fat transfer possible)
  • Trans-conjunctival approach available — no external scar

Both techniques can be combined in a single procedure (four-eyelid blepharoplasty).

Step by step

How the procedure works

01

Consultation and assessment

Examination of the eyelids, assessment of skin excess, fatty hernias and muscle tone. Ophthalmological assessment if functional ptosis.

02

Pre-operative

Blood tests, anaesthetic consultation. Mandatory 15-day reflection period.

03

Procedure

Local or general anaesthesia depending on the case. Duration 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on eyelids treated. Removal of excess skin and/or fat.

04

Hospitalisation

Day case in most cases. Application of ice and light dressings.

05

Follow-up

Suture removal at day 5–7. Bruising resolving within 10 to 15 days. Definitive result at 6 months.

At a glance

Duration
45 min to 2 hours
Anaesthesia
Local or general
Hospitalisation
Day case
Time off work
7 to 10 days
Result
At 3 months
Reimbursement
Possible if functional ptosis

Advantages

  • Rejuvenated, open gaze
  • Invisible scars in the natural creases
  • Possible improvement of visual field
  • Can be performed under local anaesthesia
  • Day case in most cases
  • Long-lasting results (8 to 12 years)

Risks

  • Retro-orbital haematoma (rare but serious)
  • Transient dry eye
  • Lagophthalmos (incomplete eye closure, transient)
  • Ectropion (lower eyelid eversion, rare)
  • Unsightly scar
  • Residual asymmetry

Insurance & Reimbursement

Upper blepharoplasty may be covered by French national health insurance if the ptosis is functional (visual field impairment documented by perimetry). Prior approval from the CPAM is required. Aesthetic blepharoplasty remains at the patient's expense.

Expected results

Blepharoplasty opens and rejuvenates the gaze naturally. The effect is immediately perceptible once the bruising has resolved (10 to 15 days). The definitive result is stable at 6 months. Patients appear rested and rejuvenated without anyone detecting a surgical procedure.

Résultats

Avant / Après

Blepharoplasty

Photos de patients du Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre, partagées avec leur accord. Les résultats varient selon les individus et leur morphologie.

Upper blepharoplasty before after — heavy eyelids
Upper blepharoplasty result — open gaze
Upper blepharoplasty before after — drooping eyelid
Upper blepharoplasty result — rejuvenated gaze
Upper blepharoplasty before after — skin excess
Lower blepharoplasty result — under eyes
Lower blepharoplasty before after — rejuvenation

Frequently asked questions

What is blepharoplasty?+
Blepharoplasty is eyelid surgery. It may address the upper eyelids (excess skin or fat, ptosis), the lower eyelids (under-eye bags, hollow dark circles), or all four eyelids simultaneously. It rejuvenates and opens the gaze.
Is blepharoplasty covered by health insurance in France?+
Upper blepharoplasty may be covered by French national health insurance when the ptosis (drooping of the eyelid) is functional, meaning it impairs the visual field. A prior ophthalmological assessment and a visual field test documenting the functional impairment are required. Aesthetic blepharoplasty without functional impairment remains at the patient's expense.
Are the scars visible after blepharoplasty?+
Upper blepharoplasty scars are placed in the natural eyelid crease and become virtually invisible. For lower blepharoplasty, the scar is placed just below the lash line, also very discreet. In certain lower eyelid cases, a trans-conjunctival approach (no external skin scar) is possible.
Can blepharoplasty be performed under local anaesthesia?+
Yes, blepharoplasty can often be performed under local anaesthesia with light sedation, on a day-case basis. This option is valued for its rapid recovery. For more complex cases or four-eyelid procedures, general anaesthesia may be preferred.
How long do blepharoplasty results last?+
Blepharoplasty results generally last 8 to 12 years. The surgery removes existing excess but does not stop the ageing process. Touch-ups may be considered subsequently if required.
What is the difference between upper and lower blepharoplasty?+
Upper blepharoplasty treats excess skin on the upper eyelids that weighs the gaze down and may impair the visual field; it may be covered by French national health insurance in cases of documented functional ptosis. Lower blepharoplasty corrects fatty hernias (under-eye bags) and hollow dark circles on the lower lids; it is performed via a subciliary or trans-conjunctival approach (no external scar). Both procedures can be combined under the same anaesthesia for a global gaze rejuvenation.
How long is the recovery after blepharoplasty?+
Recovery after blepharoplasty is generally short. Bruising and swelling subside within 10 to 15 days. Most patients return to work within 7 to 10 days. Intense physical activity is discouraged for 3 to 4 weeks. The definitive result is appreciated at 3 months, once the tissues have regained their normal suppleness.
When can contact lenses be worn again after surgery?+
It is recommended to wait at least 2 to 3 weeks after blepharoplasty before wearing contact lenses again. During this period, manipulation of the eyelids and conjunctiva should be avoided so as not to disturb the healing process. In the event of post-operative dry eye, lens wear may be deferred further on the advice of the surgeon or ophthalmologist.
Can blepharoplasty be combined with a facelift?+
Yes, blepharoplasty is one of the procedures most frequently combined with a cervicofacial facelift. The combination allows for a globally harmonious facial rejuvenation under a single anaesthetic. The surgeon tailors the surgical plan to each patient at the consultation, taking into account general health, the areas to be treated and aesthetic objectives.
Are there non-surgical alternatives to blepharoplasty?+
Certain non-surgical techniques can reduce mild signs of eyelid ageing: hyaluronic acid injections to fill hollow dark circles, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to improve skin quality, or radiofrequency and focused ultrasound to gently tighten the skin. However, these approaches cannot remove significant skin excess or established fatty hernias. In cases of marked ptosis or large bags, only surgery provides a lasting correction.
What does a natural blepharoplasty result look like?+
A successful blepharoplasty produces a rejuvenated, open and rested gaze without anyone suspecting a surgical procedure. The eyelids should not appear tight, asymmetrical or artificial. The eye should not have difficulty closing (lagophthalmos). The result is optimised when the surgeon respects the natural anatomical folds and tailors the amount of skin and fat removed to each patient's individual characteristics.

Patient testimonials

★★★★★

“My drooping eyelids made me look tired. Blepharoplasty with Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre rejuvenated my gaze by 10 years. The scars are in the creases and are absolutely invisible at 6 months.”

Françoise

★★★★★

“I had significant under-eye bags for years. The procedure went perfectly under local anaesthesia. Recovery was quick and the result is remarkable. I highly recommend.”

Odile

★★★★★

“My upper blepharoplasty was covered by French health insurance as my vision was impaired. Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre was highly professional. My gaze is now open and natural.”

Bernard

⭐ View all Google reviews

See also

Face surgery — all proceduresRhinoplastyFaceliftOtoplasty — prominent earsGenioplastyChin liposuction
Book on DoctolibFees & pricing