Mr Darryl M Coombes
Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
GMC 4745266 (Specialist Register, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery)
Plastic surgery · Eyelids
Upper eyelid surgery in Tunbridge Wells: under local anaesthetic
Surgery to remove excess skin from heavy or hooded upper eyelids, carried out by consultant facial surgeon Mr Darryl Coombes here at Vale, under local anaesthetic. You go home the same day.
Consultation with Mr Coombes £250 · CQC-registered for surgery · No general anaesthetic
- £3,950Upper eyelid surgery, both eyes
- £250Consultation with Mr Coombes
- LocalAnaesthetic, you stay awake
- 30–40 minTypical time for both upper lids
- About 1 weekUntil stitches come out
Heavy upper eyelids
When your eyes look tired but you don’t feel it
As we get older, the skin of the upper eyelids loses its stretch. Extra skin can fold down over the crease, making the eyes look hooded, heavy or tired. For some people, the overhanging skin also gets in the way of their side vision.
Upper eyelid surgery removes that extra skin so the eyelid looks more open. It’s one of the most common types of facial surgery, and it can be done comfortably under local anaesthetic.
Call 01892 543029The procedure
What is upper eyelid surgery?
Upper eyelid surgery, or upper blepharoplasty, removes excess skin from the upper eyelids and, where needed, a small amount of muscle or fat. The cut is made in the natural crease of the eyelid, so the scar is hidden when your eyes are open.
At Vale, it’s carried out by Mr Coombes under local anaesthetic. Treating both upper eyelids usually takes around 30 to 40 minutes, and you go home the same day.
At Vale we offer upper eyelid surgery only. We don’t carry out lower eyelid surgery or any procedure that needs a general anaesthetic.
Who it may help
Who might consider it?
Hooded eyelids
Extra skin that folds over the eyelid crease and makes the eyes look heavy.
A tired look
Eyes that look tired or older than you feel, even when you’re well rested.
Side vision
Overhanging skin that gets in the way of your vision to the sides.
With a facelift
It can be combined with the Apex Facelift® for suitable patients.
Is this right for you?Book a £250 consultation with Mr Coombes to see if upper eyelid surgery is right for you.
Your journey
From consultation to recovery
- 01
Consultation
Mr Coombes examines your eyelids and brows, talks through what you’d like to change, and explains the procedure, risks and costs.
- 02
Time to decide
You get written information to take away. We recommend at least two weeks between your consultation and booking surgery.
- 03
Your procedure
Both eyelids are numbed with local anaesthetic. The extra skin is removed and the cut closed with fine stitches. It takes around 30 to 40 minutes.
- 04
Recovery
You go home the same day. Stitches usually come out within a week, and bruising generally settles over about ten days.
Results
Upper eyelid surgery before and after
Shown with each patient’s written permission. Results vary from person to person, and these photos don’t guarantee your result.
Your eyesight
When eyelids affect your vision
If overhanging skin is getting in the way of your side vision, removing it may also help you see better. Mr Coombes will ask about this at your consultation. If you have any problems with your eyes, such as dry eyes, glaucoma or recent eye surgery, please tell us beforehand, as it may affect whether surgery is suitable.
Recovery
The first two weeks
- You go home the same day. Someone should drive you, as your vision may be blurry for a few hours.
- Cool compresses and sleeping with your head raised help reduce swelling.
- Stitches are usually removed within a week.
- Bruising generally settles over about ten days. Most people feel comfortable going out after this time.
- Light exercise can usually start again after about two weeks.
Is surgery right for you?
Making a considered decision
Eyelid surgery works best for people who are in good general health, have realistic expectations and are making the choice for themselves. We recommend at least two weeks between your consultation and booking surgery, so you have time to think and to ask any further questions.
Your clinician
Your surgeon
Mr Darryl Coombes is a consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon, qualified in both dentistry and medicine, with many years’ experience of surgery around the face and eyes.
You’ll see Mr Coombes at every stage: your consultation, your surgery and your follow-up.
Registered and regulated
Other procedures
See all pricesMore facial surgery
Your questions
Eyelid surgery questions answered
Will I be awake?
Yes. Upper eyelid surgery at Vale is done under local anaesthetic, so the eyelids are numb but you’re awake. Most people find it more comfortable than they expected.
Will there be a scar?
Yes, but it sits in the natural crease of the upper eyelid, so it’s usually hidden when your eyes are open. It fades over the following months.
What are the risks?
Bruising and swelling are normal. Less common risks include infection, bleeding, dry or gritty eyes, difficulty fully closing the eyes for a time, asymmetry, and removal of too little or too much skin. Serious problems with vision are very rare. Mr Coombes goes through the risks in detail, and you’ll get them in writing.
How long is the recovery?
Most people take a few days off work. Sleeping with your head slightly raised for the first few nights helps the swelling go down. Bruising usually settles over about ten days, and light exercise can usually start again after about two weeks.
Do you do lower eyelid surgery?
No. At Vale we offer upper eyelid surgery only, under local anaesthetic.
Is my problem really my eyelid or my brow?
Sometimes heavy-looking eyelids are caused by a low brow. Mr Coombes will check both, and may suggest a brow lift instead of, or as well as, eyelid surgery.
Is finance available?
Interest-free finance over 12 months may be available for treatments over £1,500, subject to status.
Got another question?Ask us at your consultation. You don’t have to go ahead.
Get started
Talk to Mr Coombes about your eyelids
Book a £250 consultation with Mr Coombes to see if upper eyelid surgery is right for you.
- Consultation
- £250
- Upper eyelid surgery
- £3,950
- Anaesthetic
- Local only
- Procedure time
- About 30–40 minutes
- Stitches out
- Usually within a week
- Call01892 543029
- Emailinfo@valehealthclinic.co.uk
- ClinicVale Health Clinic, 31–33 Vale Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1BS
Cosmetic surgery is only available to adults aged 18 and over. Results vary from person to person, and you should have realistic expectations. Written by Mr Darryl Coombes, Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon (GMC 4745266). Last updated 15 October 2026.