Are you considering rejuvenating surgery to the upper eyelids? Do you find that your upper eyelid skin has lost its elasticity and is accumulating as loose skin folds in the upper lids?
Do you find that it makes you look ‘tired’?
Drooping of the eyelids is an effect of the ageing process. Sometimes so much skin accumulates in the upper lids that it hangs over the eyelashes to obstruct vision.
Blepharoplasty or upper eyelid lift is an operation to reshape the eyelids. An upper eyelid reduction can improve your vision and make you look younger. It is definitely one of the most popular procedures, as an eyelid lift can have a significant rejuvenating effect on the face and improve a person’s self-confidence. It has less downtime and is often performed under local anaesthetic as a day procedure.
If you are considering this specific procedure, read on for the information you will need to know before you go under the knife.
What can be done?
An eyelid reduction (blepharoplasty) removes the surplus skin and protruding fat to produce a more alert appearance and reduces the morning swelling. Sometimes it is only necessary to reduce the skin, sometimes skin and fat.
What are the limitations?
Ageing effects are apparent earlier in the eyelid skin than elsewhere. It is important for you to understand that only wrinkles which are in the upper eyelid skin will be removed. We are only treating the eyelids within the bony margin of the orbit (eye sockets). Folds of skin extending on to the cheek will not normally be improved. Wrinkles in the area of crow’s feet will remain and although the skin is much tighter it is still necessary to be able to open and close the eyes freely.
The Operation
Upper eyelid lift surgery is usually carried out under local anaesthesia (you are awake during the operation).
In a typical procedure, the surgeon makes incisions following the natural lines of your eyelids in the creases of upper lids. These incisions are extended a little way into crow’s feet or laughter lines at the corner of eyes. Through this incision surplus fat, if indicated, is removed.
Following surgery, it is best to keep your head elevated for a few days to reduce swelling. Cold compresses can also help. The surgeon will normally apply steri-strips as support to the eyelids after surgery. Cleaning the eyes with water is useful and the surgeon may advise the use of eye drops or ointment. Sutures are usually removed after 5-7 days and soon after you will be able to use make-up. Sometimes you will be advised to use steri-strips as support for an extra week.
The closure of eyes appears tight after surgery because of swelling, and because skin has been removed. If closure is not complete at night, you may be advised to apply some eye ointment before going to sleep to avoid corneal exposure. This sensation will settle as the swelling goes down.
What are the consequences?
You can reduce risks by closely following your surgeon’s instructions both before and after surgery. You should tell your surgeon of any thyroid disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or eye disorder such as detached retina or glaucoma. It is important that you provide your surgeon with a recent eye test which records the intra-ocular pressure to ensure that you do not have a tendency for acute glaucoma.
Commonly, there will be swelling of the eyelids and bruising which may take a few weeks to subside. Occasionally, a pool of blood can collect under the skin after the operation has finished (haematoma), this usually disperses spontaneously over 2 or 3 weeks but it may need to be drained if it is large. Infection is uncommon. If your eyes or eyebrows are not symmetrical prior to surgery, and as almost everyone has a mild degree of asymmetry, eyelid surgery may make you much more aware of this.
Dry eyes or watering of eyes may persist for a few weeks, especially if present before the operation and may require eye drops. Though scars settle and fade well over 12-18 months in most patients, some patients may occasionally develop hypertrophic scarring.
The result of an eyelid reduction usually lasts several years and can sometimes be permanent. Surgery does not stop the effects of ageing and the appearance of your eyelids will continue to change with age, sun exposure or other circumstances not related to your surgery.
Blepharoplasty is available at One Ashford Hospital with Miss Anita Hazari. We offer a fixed-price cost of only £3,000^ for surgery carried out as an Outpatient procedure. Initial consultations are available with short waiting times.
One Ashford Hospital is well placed to see patients from Ashford, Canterbury, Maidstone, Dover, Folkestone and all surrounding areas. To book an appointment, call the hospital direct on 01233 364 022 or email here
Why Choose One Ashford Hospital
• Access to leading Consultants within 48 hours*
• 0% and low interest finance options**
• Competitive fixed-price packages
• Modern purpose-built hospital
• Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-ray and Ultrasound
• Private, spacious, ensuite rooms
• Specialist Physiotherapy and nursing teams
• Little waiting time for surgery
• Calm, dignified experience
*Dependent on Consultant availability
**Terms and conditions apply
^At time of writing
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