Blepharoplasty

As we get older, the skin on our eyelids tends to lose elasticity and the supporting muscles can weaken, leading to an accumulation of surplus skin and fat both above and below the eyelids. Aside from ageing, genetics, lack of sleep and our lifestyle choices can also mean that we develop baggy, wrinkled eyelids. 

Also called eyelid surgery or eye bag removal, blepharoplasty surgery removes excess skin and fat and tightens the eye area, giving for a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance. It can be performed to address drooping eyebrows, sagging upper eyelids, and under-eye bags. Eyelid surgery can be carried out for cosmetic purposes or to correct eyelid issues which interfere with vision. 

Some people choose to have both upper and lower eyelid surgery performed in a single session to achieve a more comprehensive rejuvenation of the eyes and surrounding areas. 

• Can create a more youthful, refreshed appearance 
• Can improve vision 
• Has minimal scarring 

• Has a fast recovery time when compared to other cosmetic procedures 
• Provides long-lasting results 
• Can boost self-confidence 

• Bleeding 
• Infection 
• Scarring 
• Bruising 
• Dry eyes 

• Eye muscle injury 
• Eyelid asymmetry 

Precisely how the procedure will be performed will depend on the type of eyelid surgery you’re having. Blepharoplasty can be performed using local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on the extent of the surgery. 

In upper eyelid surgery, excess skin, muscle, and fat is removed from the upper eyelids. It can address sagging or drooping eyelids, which can make you look tired or older, and can help improve peripheral vision in cases where excess skin is obstructing the field of vision. 

During lower eyelid surgery, under-eye bags, puffiness, and wrinkles are targeted. Excess fat and skin are removed or repositioned to create a smoother and more youthful appearance. 

Your surgeon will start the operation by making incisions in the natural creases or folds of your eyelids to help hide any scarring. They will then remove excess skin, muscle, and fat tissue carefully through the incisions, before closing them with fine sutures or skin adhesive.  

There are a range of reasons why someone would decide to have blepharoplasty. This kind of operation can reduce puffiness, tightening loose or sagging skin on the upper and lower eyelids and help tighten the skin to create a smoother, more youthful eyelid contour. It can also reduce wrinkles and address fine lines around the eyes.  

As well as improving the cosmetic appearance of the eyes, eyelid surgery can help improve vision, such as in cases where excess skin on the upper eyelids is obstructing the field of vision and causing functional limitations. And it can provide relief if you’re experiencing discomfort due to excess skin or fat on the upper eyelids. 

As a result, eyelid surgery can help improve self-confidence and positively impact your self-image and overall quality of life, improving your psychological wellbeing. 

Following your eyelid surgery, you should plan to take around 10 days off work to get your recovery off to the very best start. You’ll have follow-up appointments with us so that we can monitor your healing progress, and it’s important that you follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions as this will help to smooth your recovery. 

Some noticeable swelling and bruising around your eyes is to be expected and this will last for the first week or so. You might also experience some tightness and irritation around your eyes in the first few days after your operation, which can be helped by using ice packs and taking relevant pain medication. When you rest, you should keep your head elevated as much as possible. 

Avoid smoking, wearing contact lenses, rubbing your eyes and any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for the initial 2-3 week period after your blepharoplasty.  

It may take approximately 4-6 weeks before you can see your final results from your eyelid surgery.