Eyelid Surgery
Skin thins with age and collagen and elastin levels drop, causing sagging. Changes to fat and muscle can also alter the appearance of the eye area.
What does it involve?
The procedure is performed through incisions in the crease of the upper eyelids and just under the lash line of the lower lids. These incisions extend outwards just a little into the crow’s feet area. They usually heal to form fine scars that are well concealed.
Blepharoplasty may be performed under general anaesthesia, or under local anaesthesia with total intravenous sedation. It is often done as a day case, but you may prefer to stay overnight after the operation.
Is it right for me?
Both men and women are suitable candidates for eyelid surgery. Surgery may be of benefit if you find that the upper eyelid skin hangs heavily over your lids, you have excess skin under your eyes, which hangs in folds or looks puffy and you find that people comment on your tired appearance.
If the sagging is more of the eyebrows than the eyelid then a brow lift may be of greater benefit.
If you are seeking an improvement in your whole face, you may also be a candidate for a facelift combined with a blepharoplasty.
Surgery my not be appropriate if you suffer from thyroid problems, dry eye (not enough tears), high blood pressure or any major disorders
What are the risks?
Complications are RARE, but you should be aware of them so that you can make an informed decision.
Rarely, some hair loss around the scars may occur. There may be skin irregularities or asymmetry.
Every operation carries with it the risk of bleeding, infection and delayed healing. Significant bleeding may require urgent reoperation. Infection and delayed healing may require antibiotics. There may be darkening of the skin of the eyelids, skin irregularities or asymmetry.
The lower eyelid may retract to reveal the white of the eye, or even turn outwards to reveal the red lining on the inside. You may experience symptoms of dry eyes, which may persist in the long term.
The scars heal very well in most patients, but please be aware that if you have dark skin, freckly skin or red hair, the scars may be more obvious or even lumpy.
What should I expect?
The recovery period may last between 10-14 days. There will be bruising and swelling, most of which subside by the end of the first week and prescribed oral painkillers will help to control any discomfort.
You should be able to venture out of doors in the second week. However you should avoid driving until you are confident you can perform all necessary manoeuvres safely.
Our practice nurse will keep in close contact with you whilst you recover at home. Generally, you will be seen in the clinic after 5-7 days for removal of stitches and then at one month postoperatively.
Numbness, however, may persist for a few weeks more, and may be associated with itching of the scalp as it recovers. You should avoid driving until you are confident you can perform all necessary manoeuvres safely.
However, if there are any problems or concerns, you will be seen more frequently than this or as often as you wish. In the longer term, you are welcome to see Mr Ng for a check up at any time.
All follow up appointments are free of charge whether they are at 2 months or even 10 years post operatively.