# Facelift: can I safely have a facelift and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) at the same time, and what are the benefits, risks, recovery differences, and cost implications compared with having them as separate procedures?
Yes, combining a facelift with blepharoplasty in a single session is an established, safe approach when performed by an experienced facial surgeon. Many patients choose this option because the procedures complement each other — a facelift treats sagging in the mid and lower face while blepharoplasty rejuvenates the upper or lower eyelids — and recovering once rather than twice can be more convenient and cost-effective. A combined operation is longer, and not every patient is a suitable candidate. The right decision depends on your anatomy, medical history, and personal goals, which should be discussed at a consultation with your surgeon. At Bella Vou, your consultation is complimentary and focused on clear, no-pressure advice tailored to your needs.
## Can I have a facelift and upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) at the same time?
Combining a facelift with upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or both is a commonly requested facial rejuvenation pairing. The procedures target different anatomical zones, the eyelids and the lower two-thirds of the face, so they do not compete for the same tissue or blood supply, which is important for surgical safety.
Most experienced facial surgeons are comfortable performing both in a single session. The [British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS)](https://baaps.org.uk/) notes that combining complementary procedures is routine practice when the patient’s health allows it. Your surgeon will assess cardiovascular fitness, bleeding risk, and skin quality before confirming you are a good candidate for a combined operation.
### How the two procedures work together
A facelift, whether a mini facelift, SMAS facelift, or deep-plane facelift, repositions deeper facial tissues and removes excess skin along the jawline, neck, and cheeks. Blepharoplasty removes or redistributes fat and loose skin around the eyes. Performed together, the result is a balanced refresh of the entire face, avoiding mismatched areas.
### Who may not be suitable for a combined procedure
Patients who may be advised to stage the procedures separately include those with significant cardiovascular or respiratory conditions that make longer anaesthesia inadvisable, a history of poor wound healing or heavy scarring, very complex revision cases where each procedure needs its own focused surgical plan, and lifestyle factors such as smoking that impair circulation and healing. Your surgeon will explain if staging is safer and why.
## What are the benefits of combining a facelift with blepharoplasty?
A single recovery period
The most practical advantage is recovering once. Separately, each procedure requires its own downtime — typically one to two weeks of social downtime for blepharoplasty and two to three weeks for a facelift. Combining them means you go through the early healing phase just once, which for many patients with busy lives is a significant benefit.
More harmonious, natural-looking results
Aging often affects multiple parts of the face: heavy upper eyelids, under-eye bags, jowls, and neck laxity frequently develop together. Addressing them in a single session allows the surgeon to balance the overall result in real time, adjusting one area in relation to the other for a more cohesive outcome.
One anaesthetic, one set of pre-operative tests
A combined procedure requires a single round of pre-operative blood work, ECG (if required), anaesthetic, and surgical-facility time. This reduces cumulative exposure to anaesthesia and the logistical burden of preparing for two separate operations.
Potential cost savings
While the combined fee is higher than either procedure alone, it is usually less than the sum of two separate operations. You avoid paying twice for anaesthesia, facility use, and certain aftercare costs. More detail on cost implications is covered below.
## Is it safe to combine facelift and eyelid surgery, and how does it change recovery?
### Safety profile
When performed by a qualified, experienced surgeon, the safety profile of a combined facelift and blepharoplasty is comparable to that of either procedure alone. A 2020 review in Aesthetic Surgery Journal found no statistically significant increase in major complication rates when facelift and blepharoplasty were combined, provided patients were carefully selected and the surgical team was experienced.
The key risks to be aware of include:
| Risk | Facelift alone | Blepharoplasty alone | Combined procedure |
|—|—|—|—|
| Haematoma | Low (1–3 %) | Very rare | Low (similar to facelift alone) |
| Infection | Low | Low | Low |
| Temporary numbness or nerve irritation | Moderate | Rare | Moderate |
| Dry eyes or temporary tearing | N/A | Moderate | Moderate |
| Prolonged swelling or bruising | Moderate | Mild–moderate | Moderate–marked |
| Scarring | Minimal (hidden incisions) | Minimal (crease incisions) | Minimal |
Ranges reflect published data across multiple sources; individual risk depends on technique, health, and aftercare compliance. Always discuss your personal risk profile with your surgeon.
### How recovery differs
Early recovery after a combined procedure is broadly similar to facelift recovery, with additional eyelid-specific care such as cold compresses, lubricating eye drops, and temporary avoidance of contact lenses. Most patients find:
– Days 1–3: The most swelling and bruising occurs. The eye area may feel tight, and vision can be slightly blurry from ointment or swelling. Rest with the head elevated is essential.
– Days 4–7: Sutures around the eyes are often removed. Bruising begins to fade, and most patients feel more comfortable.
– Weeks 2–3: Facelift sutures are removed, and most social activities can resume with light make-up to conceal residual bruising.
– Weeks 4–6: Swelling continues to settle. Light exercise can usually restart with your surgeon’s approval.
– Months 3–6: Final results become apparent as residual swelling resolves.
Compared with having the procedures separately, total calendar time off is typically shorter — you consolidate two separate two-to-three-week recovery windows into one slightly longer window of roughly three to four weeks.
## Will combining a facelift with blepharoplasty save me time or money compared with staging them separately?
Time savings
The time saving is real. Two separate procedures would require two consultations, two pre-operative assessments, two operations, and two recovery periods, potentially spread over six months or more. A combined approach compresses this into a single journey from consultation through to final follow-up.
Cost implications
Typical UK price ranges for these procedures (as a general market guide, not clinic-specific pricing) are:
| Procedure | Typical UK price range |
|—|—|
| Upper blepharoplasty | £2,500 – £5,000 |
| Lower blepharoplasty | £3,000 – £6,000 |
| Mini facelift | £6,000 – £9,000 |
| SMAS or deep-plane facelift | £8,000 – £15,000 |
| Combined facelift + blepharoplasty | £9,000 – £18,000 |
These are typical market ranges and vary by region, surgeon experience, and facility. They should not be taken as Bella Vou’s pricing. Your personal quote will be confirmed after consultation.
The combined fee generally includes a single anaesthesia charge and a single facility fee, which is where most of the saving comes from. On average, patients can expect to pay roughly 15–25% less than the total of both procedures booked independently, though this varies.
Financing and payment plans
Bella Vou and many clinics offer financing options to spread the cost of surgery into monthly payments. During your consultation, the team can explain available plans so you can choose an option that feels comfortable financially and emotionally, with no pressure to commit on the day.
## Can Bella Vou perform a combined facelift and blepharoplasty, and can I see before-and-after photos?
Bella Vou’s surgeons regularly perform combined facelift and blepharoplasty procedures. Each surgeon holds membership of recognised professional bodies and has experience in facial rejuvenation, including complex and revision cases. During your consultation, your surgeon will explain how the surgery would be performed, what results you can expect, and any possible complications, so you have the information you need to make an informed decision.
Before-and-after galleries are available to view at consultation, where your surgeon can show cases with a similar starting point to your own. These galleries help set realistic expectations and show the kind of natural, balanced results the team aims to achieve.
### What to expect at your Bella Vou consultation
Your consultation is complimentary and entirely without obligation. During the appointment, your surgeon will review your full medical history and examine you to evaluate suitability for a combined procedure, discuss your goals and explain what is and is not achievable, walk you through the surgical plan, anaesthesia options, expected recovery time, and possible complications, and answer all your questions. You will also be shown the aftercare and support programme so you understand the practical steps the team will take to support you through recovery.
## How do I pick the right facelift surgeon near me?
Choosing a surgeon is one of the most important decisions in your journey. The right surgeon combines technical skill with honest communication and care for your wellbeing.
### Credentials and experience to look for
– GMC registration with a specialist entry — in the UK, confirm your surgeon is on the [General Medical Council’s Specialist Register](https://www.gmc-uk.org/).
– Membership of recognised bodies — look for membership of organisations such as BAAPS, BAPRAS, or equivalent international bodies.
– Specific facial surgery experience — a surgeon who regularly performs facelifts and blepharoplasty will have refined techniques and a clear understanding of facial anatomy.
– Hospital practising privileges — this confirms the surgeon has been independently vetted by a hospital’s medical advisory committee.
### What to look for in before-and-after photos
Before-and-after galleries are valuable but need careful assessment. Look for patients with a similar age, skin type, and degree of ageing to your own. Check that photos are taken in consistent lighting and from the same angles. Assess whether results look natural and balanced rather than pulled or overdone. Ask how far post-surgery the photos were taken, since results at three months may still include residual swelling.
### Red flags when selecting a facelift surgeon
Be cautious if you encounter pressure to book surgery at the first appointment or limited-time discounts, reluctance to discuss risks or realistic outcomes, lack of verifiable qualifications or professional memberships, before-and-after photos that appear heavily filtered or inconsistent, or no clear aftercare plan or follow-up schedule.
### Questions to ask at your consultation
Helpful questions include: How many combined facelift and blepharoplasty procedures do you perform each year? What technique do you recommend for my anatomy, and why? What are the most common complications you see, and how do you manage them? What does your aftercare programme include? Can I speak to previous patients or read verified reviews? What happens if I am not happy with my results?
## How much does a facelift cost by type, and what financing options are typically available?
### Typical price ranges by facelift type
Facelift costs vary depending on the technique, the surgeon’s experience, geographic location, and whether additional procedures such as blepharoplasty are included.
| Facelift type | What it addresses | Typical UK price range |
|—|—|—|
| Mini facelift (short-scar) | Early jowling, mild laxity | £6,000 – £9,000 |
| SMAS facelift | Moderate jowling, neck laxity | £8,000 – £13,000 |
| Deep-plane facelift | Significant mid-face descent, neck banding | £10,000 – £15,000 |
| Extended or full facelift with neck lift | Complete lower face and neck rejuvenation | £12,000 – £18,000 |
These figures are general UK market ranges and are not Bella Vou’s fees. Your individual quote will be provided after a detailed consultation.
### What makes up the total cost?
The headline figure typically includes the surgeon’s fee, the anaesthesia fee, the facility fee (operating theatre, nursing staff, overnight stay if required), and aftercare, which covers follow-up appointments, dressing changes, and support. When blepharoplasty is added, the incremental cost covers the additional surgical time and any specific consumables. Because the anaesthesia and facility fees are already accounted for, the combined price is lower than booking each procedure independently.
### Financing and payment plans
Spreading the cost of surgery is common. Many clinics offer interest-free or low-interest finance plans, allowing you to pay in monthly instalments over 12 to 60 months. At Bella Vou, the team will discuss available options during your consultation so you can plan with clarity and confidence.
## Frequently asked questions
Can I have a facelift and upper eyelid surgery at the same time?
Yes. Combining a facelift with upper blepharoplasty is an established, safe approach when you are assessed as a suitable candidate. The two procedures address different areas of the face and are routinely performed together by experienced facial surgeons.
What are the benefits of combining a facelift with blepharoplasty?
The main benefits are a single recovery period, a more harmonious result, one anaesthetic session, and potential cost savings compared with having the procedures separately.
Is it safe to combine facelift and eyelid surgery, and how does it change recovery?
For carefully selected patients, the combined procedure carries a similar safety profile to either surgery alone. Recovery is slightly longer than blepharoplasty alone but broadly comparable to facelift recovery, with the addition of eyelid-specific aftercare such as lubricating drops and cold compresses.
Will combining a facelift with blepharoplasty save me money?
In most cases, yes. You avoid paying twice for anaesthesia and facility fees, which typically results in a saving of roughly 15–25% compared with the total cost of two separate operations.
How do I choose the best facelift surgeon near me?
Look for GMC Specialist Register entry, membership of bodies such as BAAPS or BAPRAS, specific experience in facial surgery, and a portfolio of natural-looking before-and-after results. A thorough, no-pressure consultation is one of the strongest indicators of a trustworthy surgeon.
Can Bella Vou perform a combined facelift and blepharoplasty?
Yes. Bella Vou’s surgeons regularly perform combined facial rejuvenation procedures. Your journey begins with a complimentary consultation where your surgeon will assess your suitability, explain the surgical plan, and answer all your questions honestly and without pressure.
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*This article is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual suitability, risks, and outcomes vary. Always consult a qualified surgeon to discuss your personal circumstances before making any decisions about surgery.*
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