What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin, fat and/or muscle from around the eyes to correct drooping upper eyelids and lower eyelid bags.
What does surgery involve?
Blepharoplasty is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic, requiring a one night stay in hospital, or in some cases can be performed on a day case basis. Upper blepharoplasty can be carried out under local anaesthetic on a day case or outpatient basis. Your surgeon will advise which anaesthetic is most appropriate for you.
For surgery on the upper eyelids, an incision is made in the natural crease of the lid. Surgery on the lower eyelids involves an incision just below the eyelash line. The resulting scars will run along the eye's natural folds, concealing them as much as possible. Excess skin, fat and/or muscle is removed and the incisions closed using very fine sutures.
You will have light dressings on your eyes and a lubricating ointment may be applied to prevent your eyes from becoming dry. Cooling eye masks or ice packs are often used to minimise swelling.
How soon will I recover?
You are likely to experience mild pain, bruising and swelling. Your eyes may feel tight and difficult to close when you go to sleep, however these are temporary side effects and should subside after the first few weeks.
Painkillers will be prescribed and you should take these regularly for the first week or so. It is important to discuss any discomfort with our nursing team.
You will have visible scars following your surgery, however it should gradually soften and fade over several months. Occasionally the eyes can become watery and/or sensitive to light for a few weeks. You may experience blurred or double vision for a few days.
Avoid applying eye make-up until advised by your surgeon. This is usually a few days after removal of your sutures.
Contact lenses must not be worn for at least two weeks following surgery, and initially they may feel uncomfortable when you resume wearing them.
You must avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and swimming for approximately four weeks after surgery. You should only resume driving when you are confident that your vision is completely back to normal.
The length of time you will need to take off work will depend on the type of work you do, however a minimum of one week is usual.
What are the risks involved?
Blepharoplasty is generally a very safe operation. Nonetheless, all surgery and anaesthetic have some risk associated. Risks to all surgeries include infection, excessive bleeding, adverse reaction to anaesthetic or blood clotting.
There is a small possibility that swelling of the lower eyelid can cause it to pull away from the eye. This is called an ectropion which usually settles on its own, but occasionally requires further surgery.
Finance payment plan
We are pleased to offer finance payment plans for this procedure. Find out more or call our team on 01633 820 344.
