Is It Permissible to Get Surgery to Correct My Droopy Eyelid?

Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad

Question

Since childhood, I’ve had bags under my eyes and on my droopy eyelid due to a genetic condition. However, recently it has been getting darker such that when I’m fresh and awake, I look exhausted. My husband researched and told me there is something called blepharoplasty, which can minimize this effect and help me look much fresher.

There is also a slight possibility that the eyelid could drop down more in the future, causing issues with vision. Is it okay to get this surgery, or if it would be haram as it is cosmetic? It has affected me a little mentally, so I would appreciate a clarification to decide following Allah’s pleasure.

Answer

May Allah reward you for wanting to choose Allah’s pleasure first and for considering what your husband would be pleased with as well.

Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty (BLEF-uh-roe-plas-tee) is a type of surgery that removes excess skin from the eyelids. With age, eyelids stretch, and the muscles supporting them weaken. As a result, excess skin and fat can gather above and below your eyelids. This can cause sagging eyebrows, droopy upper lids, and bags under the eyes.

This type of surgery is permissible, and I recommend you pray istikhara and consult professionals before proceeding. May Allah put blessings on your decision and bring much good from it.

Please see these links as well:
Is Cosmetic Surgery Allowed?
Is Cosmetic Surgery Permitted in the Shafi’i School?

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqida, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.