# Facelift: can I safely have a facelift and upper or lower eyelid (blepharoplasty) surgery at the same time, and what are the benefits, risks, and recovery differences compared with having them separately?
Yes, combining a facelift with upper or lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) in a single operation is a common and safe option when performed by an experienced facial surgeon. Many patients choose this because the face and eyes age together, and treating both areas at once can produce a more harmonious, natural result while reducing overall downtime and the need for a second general anaesthetic. The decision to combine procedures is individual. It depends on your anatomy, medical history, and personal goals. This guide describes the benefits, the realistic risks, and what recovery looks like so you can approach your consultation well informed. At Bella Vou, we discuss this option in a calm, no-pressure consultation so you can decide what feels right for you.
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## Can I have a facelift and eyelid surgery at the same time?
Combining facelift and blepharoplasty in a single session is one of the most commonly performed multi-procedure plans in facial rejuvenation surgery. The two operations complement each other: a facelift addresses sagging in the mid-face, jowls, and neck, while blepharoplasty targets hooded upper lids, under-eye bags, or excess lower-lid skin. Because the areas are adjacent but involve different tissue planes, a skilled surgeon can work on both without one procedure compromising the other.
Most healthy adults who are suitable candidates for each procedure individually are also suitable for the combined approach. Your surgeon will review your full medical history, carry out a thorough examination, and discuss what results you can realistically expect, and these steps determine whether combining makes sense for you.
### Does Bella Vou offer combined facelift and blepharoplasty, and is it safe?
At Bella Vou, combined facelift and blepharoplasty is a routine part of surgical practice. Surgeons regularly plan and perform multi-area facial procedures, and they tailor the surgical strategy to each patient’s anatomy and goals.
Safety is based on several factors:
– Surgeon experience, including membership of bodies such as the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and extensive experience with combined facial surgery.
– Thorough pre-operative assessment, including blood tests, medical-history review, and a detailed physical examination to identify factors that might affect safety.
– Accredited surgical facilities, with procedures taking place in a fully equipped, CQC-registered environment and dedicated anaesthetic teams.
– Proactive aftercare, including scheduled follow-up appointments, direct-line access to the clinical team, and check-in calls to monitor healing.
Combining two procedures does mean a slightly longer time under anaesthetic, so your overall health and fitness are carefully evaluated beforehand. When assessment confirms you are a suitable candidate, the combined approach is considered as safe as having either procedure on its own, according to peer-reviewed literature published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal.
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## Benefits and risks of doing facelift and upper/lower blepharoplasty together vs separately
### Key benefits of combining both procedures
– A single recovery period. Instead of two separate rounds of swelling, bruising, and time off work, healing is consolidated into one window. Most patients find this more convenient practically and emotionally.
– One anaesthetic, not two. Combining procedures means you undergo anaesthesia only once, reducing cumulative exposure.
– More balanced, natural-looking results. Refreshing the lower face and neck without addressing heavy or tired-looking eyes, or vice versa, can create a mismatch. A combined approach allows the surgeon to plan the overall aesthetic together, producing a cohesive result.
– Potential cost savings. Facility fees, anaesthetist fees, and certain consumables are shared across both procedures when performed together, which typically makes the combined route more cost-effective than two separate operations. (See the cost section below for more detail.)
### Risks specific to the combined approach
Every surgical procedure carries risks, and it is important to understand them before making a decision. Main considerations when combining facelift with blepharoplasty include:
– Longer operating time. Combined surgery usually takes between three and five hours, depending on the extent of work. A longer procedure can slightly increase the risk of fatigue-related complications, though this is managed with modern anaesthetic monitoring.
– Increased initial swelling and bruising. Operating on two areas means more tissue disruption. Swelling around the eyes can be more pronounced and may take longer to settle compared with blepharoplasty alone.
– Dry-eye symptoms. Lower blepharoplasty, in particular, can temporarily affect tear distribution. Combined with tissue changes from a facelift, some patients experience dry or watery eyes for a few weeks. This is usually self-limiting and managed with lubricating eye drops.
– Rare but serious risks. Haematoma (a collection of blood beneath the skin), infection, and temporary nerve weakness are possible with any facelift. These risks are not significantly increased by adding blepharoplasty, but they are important to discuss with your surgeon.
Published evidence suggests that complication rates for combined facelift-blepharoplasty are comparable to those of facelift alone when the surgery is performed by an appropriately trained surgeon in an accredited facility. A systematic review in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found no statistically significant increase in major complications for combined facial procedures compared with single procedures.
### When it may be better to stage the procedures
Your surgeon may recommend separating the two operations in some situations:
– You have a medical condition that makes longer anaesthesia inadvisable.
– You are a heavy smoker and unable to stop for the recommended period before and after surgery, in which case staging may reduce healing risks.
– You prefer a more gradual change and want to assess the facelift result before deciding on eyelid surgery.
– Your surgeon identifies anatomical factors, for example significant lower-lid laxity requiring complex reconstruction, that would benefit from a dedicated, focused procedure.
Your consultation is the right time to explore these factors. Bella Vou does not pressure people to proceed; the focus is on giving an honest opinion and realistic advice.
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## How much longer is recovery if I combine facelift and eyelid surgery?
### Combined recovery timeline at a glance
| Milestone | Facelift only | Blepharoplasty only | Combined procedure |
|—|—|—|—|
| Return to light daily activities | 7–10 days | 5–7 days | 10–14 days |
| Most bruising and swelling resolved | 2–3 weeks | 1–2 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| Return to work (desk-based) | 2 weeks | 7–10 days | 2–3 weeks |
| Resume exercise | 4–6 weeks | 2–3 weeks | 4–6 weeks |
| Final result settling | 3–6 months | 1–3 months | 3–6 months |
These are typical ranges; individual healing varies depending on age, skin quality, overall health, and the specific techniques used.
### What to expect week by week
Days 1–3: This is the most intensive phase of recovery. You will have dressings around the face and may have small tapes or sutures near the eyelids. Swelling peaks around day two or three. Cold compresses and sleeping with your head elevated help. Pain is usually well controlled with prescribed medication, and most patients describe it as tightness or discomfort rather than sharp pain.
Days 4–7: Bruising begins to shift colour and fade. Sutures around the eyes are typically removed between days five and seven. You will have a follow-up appointment during this period so the team can check your healing and answer questions.
Weeks 2–3: The majority of visible bruising resolves. Many patients feel comfortable going out in public with light make-up to conceal any residual discolouration. Facial sutures or clips are usually removed by the end of week two.
Weeks 4–6: Swelling continues to reduce gradually. You can usually return to moderate exercise around week four, building back to your normal routine by week six, guided by your surgeon’s advice.
Months 2–6: Subtle swelling and tissue settling continue. The final result becomes apparent over this period. Scars mature and fade, particularly when you follow aftercare instructions regarding sun protection and scar care.
### Bella Vou aftercare for combined procedures
After a combined facelift and blepharoplasty, support includes:
– A detailed aftercare pack with written instructions, medication, and supplies for the first few days at home.
– Scheduled follow-up appointments, typically at one week, two weeks, six weeks, and three months.
– Direct access to the clinical team by phone for concerns between appointments.
– Proactive check-in calls from the nursing team during the first week; this is standard practice.
Patients often report that attentive, ongoing support increased their sense of safety during recovery.
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## Will combining facelift and blepharoplasty save money or reduce overall downtime?
### Cost considerations
Combining procedures generally costs less than having them separately. The savings come from shared elements:
– Anaesthetist fees, one session instead of two.
– Facility and theatre fees, a single use of the operating theatre.
– Pre-operative tests, one set of blood work and assessments.
– Post-operative garments and consumables, consolidated into one recovery period.
The exact saving varies depending on the type of facelift (mini, SMAS, or deep-plane) and whether you are having upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or both. As a general guide, combining can reduce the total cost by roughly 15–25 per cent compared with two standalone procedures, though this is a typical industry range and not a fixed figure. Your personalised quote will be discussed during your complimentary consultation.
Typical UK price ranges for reference:
| Procedure | Typical UK range |
|—|—|
| Mini facelift | £6,000–£10,000 |
| Full / SMAS facelift | £9,000–£15,000 |
| Deep-plane facelift | £12,000–£18,000 |
| Upper blepharoplasty | £2,500–£4,500 |
| Lower blepharoplasty | £3,000–£5,500 |
| Upper and lower blepharoplasty | £4,500–£7,500 |
These are typical UK ranges and are provided for general guidance. They should not be taken as Bella Vou’s prices. Your individual quote will reflect your specific surgical plan.
### Financing and payment plans
Bella Vou offers flexible financing options, including interest-free and extended payment plans, to help spread the cost. Details are discussed openly during your consultation, with no obligation or pressure.
### Downtime savings
Combining procedures typically saves time. Two separate procedures would mean two recovery periods, each with downtime from work, social commitments, and exercise. Combining them into one window typically saves three to four weeks of total downtime over the course of a year.
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## How do I choose a qualified surgeon for combined facial surgery?
### What to look for in a surgeon
Choosing the right surgeon is the most important decision in your journey. For combined facelift and blepharoplasty, look for:
– GMC Specialist Register listing, confirming the surgeon is on the General Medical Council’s Specialist Register for plastic surgery or a relevant surgical specialty.
– Membership of recognised bodies, such as BAAPS or BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons), indicating peer-recognised training and standards.
– Specific experience with combined facial procedures. Ask how frequently they perform the combination you are considering; experience matters around the delicate tissues of the eyes.
– A before-and-after portfolio. Review real patient photographs that demonstrate natural, balanced outcomes, and look for patients with a similar starting point to yours.
### What happens during your consultation at Bella Vou?
Your consultation at Bella Vou is complimentary and unhurried, and is designed to leave you fully informed. Expect:
1. Discussion of your concerns and goals, where the surgeon listens to what bothers you and what you hope to achieve.
2. A physical examination, including assessment of facial anatomy, skin quality, bone structure, and eyelid position.
3. A medical history review, including medications, previous surgeries, and relevant health conditions.
4. An explanation of the recommended plan, with details of techniques, how the surgery would be performed, expected results, and possible complications.
5. Before-and-after photographs, so you can view results from patients who have had similar procedures.
6. Time for questions and next steps; there is no rush and no pressure.
Virtual consultations are available as a convenient first step, particularly if you are travelling from outside the local area. An in-person appointment is recommended before any surgical decision is finalised.
### Verifying experience with specific techniques
If you are considering a deep-plane facelift or SMAS facelift in combination with blepharoplasty, ask the surgeon directly about their training and case volume with these techniques. Reputable surgeons are willing to discuss their experience openly. You can also cross-reference credentials through the GMC register and the BAAPS member directory.
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## What are the main types of facelift, and how do they pair with blepharoplasty?
Understanding the different facelift techniques helps you have a more productive consultation. Each type can be combined with eyelid surgery, but the choice of facelift depends on the degree and location of ageing you want to address.
### Mini facelift
A mini facelift uses shorter incisions and targets early signs of ageing, such as mild jowling and early skin laxity along the jawline. It suits patients in their 40s and 50s with moderate changes. Recovery is quicker than a full facelift, making it an efficient pairing with upper blepharoplasty for a refreshed, natural look.
### SMAS facelift
The SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) facelift lifts and repositions the deeper muscular layer beneath the skin, producing longer-lasting results than a skin-only lift. It effectively addresses jowls, nasolabial folds, and neck laxity. Combining an SMAS facelift with upper and lower blepharoplasty is a popular comprehensive rejuvenation plan.
### Deep-plane facelift
The deep-plane facelift releases and repositions tissue at a deeper anatomical level than the SMAS technique. It is particularly effective for significant mid-face descent and pronounced jowls, and it tends to produce natural results because it moves the tissues as a single unit rather than pulling the skin. It pairs well with blepharoplasty, though the combined operating time is longer, so your fitness for a longer anaesthetic will be assessed.
### Which combination is right for you?
| Concern | Recommended facelift | Recommended blepharoplasty |
|—|—|—|
| Mild jowling + hooded upper lids | Mini facelift | Upper blepharoplasty |
| Moderate jowls, nasolabial folds + tired-looking eyes | SMAS facelift | Upper and/or lower blepharoplasty |
| Significant sagging, deep folds + under-eye bags | Deep-plane facelift | Lower blepharoplasty (± upper) |
| Neck laxity + upper lid heaviness | SMAS or deep-plane facelift with neck work | Upper blepharoplasty |
Your surgeon will recommend the best combination based on your individual anatomy and goals; there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
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## Facelift vs non-surgical alternatives: where does blepharoplasty fit in?
### When surgery is the right choice
A surgical facelift is the standard for addressing moderate to significant facial sagging. No non-surgical treatment can replicate the degree of lifting and repositioning that surgery achieves. If you have notable jowling, loose neck skin, or deep nasolabial folds, a facelift, potentially combined with blepharoplasty, will give the most significant and long-lasting result, typically lasting eight to twelve years.
### Non-surgical options and their limitations
Non-surgical treatments can be effective for mild, early changes or as maintenance after surgery:
– Dermal fillers restore lost volume in the cheeks and under-eyes. Results last 6–18 months depending on the product. Fillers can complement a facelift but do not replace the lifting effect.
– Thread lifts provide a modest lift using dissolvable threads. Results typically last 12–18 months and are best for patients with mild laxity not yet ready for surgery.
– Ultherapy and radiofrequency treatments stimulate collagen for mild skin tightening. Results are subtle, build over several months, and last roughly one to two years.
For the periorbital area specifically, non-surgical options are even more limited. Excess upper-lid skin that impairs your field of vision or creates a heavy, hooded appearance is best addressed surgically. Fillers can help with tear-trough hollowing, but they do not remove surplus skin or fat pads.
### Can non-surgical treatments be combined with surgery?
Yes. Many patients benefit from a phased approach: surgical rejuvenation of the face and eyes, followed by non-surgical treatments such as skin-quality treatments, fillers for fine lines, or laser resurfacing for texture and tone. Your surgeon can outline a long-term plan to keep results looking fresh.
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## What are the risks of facelift surgery, and how does adding blepharoplasty affect them?
### Common risks of facelift surgery
The most frequently discussed risks of facelift surgery include:
– Haematoma, a collection of blood beneath the skin, occurring in roughly 1–3 per cent of facelift patients [NEEDS SOURCE]. It is more common in male patients and those with uncontrolled blood pressure. If it occurs, it is usually identified and treated promptly.
– Infection, uncommon with proper surgical technique and aftercare, but possible and treated with antibiotics.
– Temporary numbness, with altered sensation around the ears and cheeks that usually resolves within weeks to months.
– Nerve injury, with temporary weakness of facial muscles occurring in a small percentage of patients and almost always recovering. Permanent nerve damage is rare.
– Scarring, with incisions placed within natural creases and the hairline. Scars mature and fade over 6–12 months. Visible or thickened scarring is uncommon but can occur.
### Does combining with blepharoplasty increase risk?
Adding blepharoplasty introduces its own specific, generally low-risk, considerations:
– Dry eyes or excessive tearing, usually temporary and managed with lubricating drops.
– Chemosis, swelling of the conjunctiva, which resolves with time and eye drops.
– Asymmetry, with minor differences between the two eyes that can occur and may settle as swelling resolves.
– Under- or over-correction, removing too much or too little skin or fat; an experienced surgeon minimises this risk through careful pre-operative planning.
Published evidence does not show a meaningful increase in overall complication rates when blepharoplasty is added to a facelift, provided the surgeon is experienced and the patient is medically suitable.
### How to reduce your risk
You play an active role in your own safety:
– Stop smoking at least four to six weeks before and after surgery, because smoking significantly impairs healing.
– Avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, and certain supplements (such as vitamin E and fish oil) for two weeks before surgery, as directed by your surgeon.
– Follow all pre-operative instructions carefully.
– Attend every follow-up appointment so your surgeon can monitor healing and catch any issues early.
– Be honest about your medical history and any medications you take.
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## Frequently asked questions
### Can I have a facelift and eyelid surgery at the same time?
Yes, it is well-established and safe when performed by an experienced surgeon. It allows one recovery period and one anaesthetic; your suitability will be confirmed during a thorough pre-operative assessment.
### Does combining facelift with blepharoplasty save money or reduce overall downtime?
In most cases, yes to both: shared anaesthetist, facility, and testing fees typically reduce the combined cost by roughly 15–25 per cent, and you consolidate two recovery windows into one, saving several weeks of downtime.
### How much longer is recovery if I combine facelift and eyelid surgery?
Combined recovery typically adds three to seven days compared with a facelift alone. Most patients return to desk-based work within two to three weeks and resume exercise at four to six weeks.
### What are the risks of combining facelift with blepharoplasty?
Main additional considerations are a longer operating time, slightly more early swelling and bruising, and a small chance of temporary dry-eye symptoms. Overall complication rates are comparable to facelift alone when performed by an experienced surgeon.
### How do I choose the right surgeon for combined facial surgery?
Look for a surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register, with membership of recognised bodies such as BAAPS; ask about their experience with combined procedures, review before-and-after photos, and ensure you feel listened to during your consultation.
### Will combining procedures give a more natural result than having them separately?
Often, yes. Addressing the lower face and eyes together allows a surgeon to plan a cohesive aesthetic, which helps avoid a mismatched appearance.
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This article is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual suitability for combined surgery depends on your health, anatomy, and personal goals. We recommend a face-to-face consultation with a qualified surgeon to discuss your specific circumstances. All clinical content has been reviewed by the Bella Vou surgical team.
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