Eyelift And Eyebag Removal (Blepharoplasty)

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jule Yasser Kong, R.N., M.D. · PRC Licence No. 0133571 · 28 September 2026

Most people who ask about eyelid surgery start with the same sentence: "I look tired, even when I'm not." This page covers what blepharoplasty costs at One Nadela, how the doctor works out what is causing that look, what recovery is really like, and the risks worth knowing before you decide.

How much is blepharoplasty in the Philippines?

At One Nadela, blepharoplasty starts at ₱75,000, and it is performed at our Cebu and Makati clinics.

The final figure depends on what your eyes need. Upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery and both together are different operations, and the doctor only recommends one after seeing you in person.

When you compare quotes between clinics, ask what the number covers: the sedation, the surgery itself, and the follow-up visits. Two prices that look far apart are often describing different things.

A licensed doctor performs this procedure.

What is blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is surgery on the eyelids. It is really two procedures that share a name.

• Upper blepharoplasty removes excess, sagging skin from the upper eyelid. The incision sits along the natural eyelid crease.
• Lower blepharoplasty treats bags under the eyes. Depending on your anatomy, the incision sits just below the lashes or, in selected patients, on the inside of the lower eyelid.

Both aim at the same thing: eyes that look more rested and open, in a way that still looks like you.

Why do my eyes look tired, and how does the doctor decide what I need?

Tired-looking eyes can come from the upper lid, the lower lid, or both, and the cause is not always what it seems in the mirror.

Before recommending anything, the doctor looks at several things:

• Skin laxity, meaning how loose the eyelid skin has become
• Upper eyelid hooding, where skin folds down over the lid
• The eyelid crease, whether you have one and where it sits
• How much excess skin there is
• What is causing the lower eyelid bags, whether that is prominent fat or other factors

Every patient's anatomy is different, so this is done in person, looking at your eyes and your face as a whole. The assessment decides which procedure makes sense, and whether surgery is the right answer at all.

Can upper and lower eyelid surgery be done at the same time?

Yes. If both the upper and lower eyelids would benefit, upper and lower blepharoplasty can be performed in the same operation.

Doing them together lets the doctor address both concerns while you are already sedated, with the goal of a more balanced, even result across the whole eye area.

Can blepharoplasty improve vision?

It can, for the right patient.

When the upper eyelids are hooding or sagging heavily, the extra skin can hang over the lashes and block part of your field of vision, usually at the sides and the top. Removing that excess skin can mean:

• less effort to open your eyes
• eyes that open wider
• better vision where the skin was getting in the way

For these patients, upper blepharoplasty is often functional as well as cosmetic. Whether it applies to you is part of the consultation.

What happens on the day?

Blepharoplasty at One Nadela, upper and lower, is performed under IV sedation. It keeps you in a deeply relaxed state while the doctor operates, so you stay comfortable throughout. Your comfort and safety are the priority from start to finish.

What is recovery like?

Recovery is usually manageable, but swelling and bruising around the eyes are expected. Here is what the weeks tend to look like.

The first few days. Swelling and bruising are usually at their most noticeable. The eyelids may feel tight, heavy or uncomfortable, and swelling can make the eyes look uneven for a while. This is normal healing, not the result. Keeping your head raised and following your aftercare instructions helps.

Stitches. For upper eyelid surgery, stitches sit along the natural crease and may be removed at your follow-up visit, depending on the technique. The doctor explains your incision and stitch plan at the consultation.

Back to work. Most patients return in about 1 to 2 weeks. If your job is public-facing, involves a lot of meetings, or is physically demanding, you may want to allow a little longer. Your eyes may still look slightly swollen after the obvious bruising fades.

Looking like yourself again. The most visible swelling and bruising generally improve within the first 1 to 2 weeks, though everyone heals at their own pace. Over the following weeks the eyelids keep settling and the scars slowly fade. Mild swelling or unevenness can linger, often in the morning.

The final result. You usually see an improvement early, but the final result takes time. Most visible healing happens in the first several weeks, while subtle swelling, scar maturing and tissue settling can continue for several months. That is why the result is judged once the eyelids have healed, not straight after surgery. Patience is part of the process.

How long do the results last?

The surgery corrects your eyelids as they are now. It does not stop natural ageing, so the skin and tissue around your eyes keep changing over time, especially on the upper lid.

How long results last varies from person to person. Most often, they last at least 5 to 10 years.

What are the risks?

Like any surgery, blepharoplasty carries risk. Most side effects are minor and temporary, but they are worth understanding before you decide.

Common and usually temporary

• Swelling and bruising, most noticeable in the first 1 to 2 weeks
• Tightness or discomfort of the eyelids
• Dry, gritty or irritated eyes, or the opposite, excessive tearing
• Temporary blurred vision, often from ointment or swelling
• Sensitivity to light
• Swelling of the white of the eye (chemosis)
• Small whiteheads or bumps along the incision line

These usually settle as healing continues.

Less common

• Asymmetry. No two eyes are exactly alike, before or after surgery.
• Visible or thickened scarring. Incisions usually sit in the natural crease or just below the lashes, but everyone heals differently.
• Too little or too much skin or fat removed
• Difficulty fully closing the eyes, usually temporary, which can make dry eye worse
• The lower eyelid pulling down or turning outward (ectropion), mainly after lower eyelid surgery
• Infection or wound healing problems
• Numbness around the incisions
• The need for revision surgery

Rare but serious

• Bleeding behind the eye (retrobulbar hematoma). Blood can collect and press on the eye and optic nerve, and without urgent treatment it can cause permanent vision loss. It is rare, and it is the most serious risk of eyelid surgery.

Book an assessment

Book a consultation at Cebu or Makati. The doctor examines your eyes, tells you whether the tired look comes from the upper lid, the lower lid or both, and recommends a plan only after that.

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