Eyelid Surgery - Blepharoplasty...

The operation to correct ageing of the eyelids is known as blepharoplasty. Our eyes are the most important feature on our face and their beauty can be greatly reduced by excess skin creases and eye bags.

Unfortunately, it is never possible to eradicate all eyelid creases, for to do so would invariably produce an over correction, due to excess tension on the eyelids. This operation removes excess skin and bags to give the eyes a fresher look but will not remove the wrinkles or laughter lines from the sides of the eyes. These may be improved with Botox injections or skin resurfacing (laser). bags (bulges high on the cheek bones) are also not corrected in this procedure.

At your consultation you will be asked your general medical history with details of any previous eyelid surgery. Slight differences in facial symmetry are normal and are usually pointed out as they are often unnoticed by the patient. The surgeon will describe the positioning of the scars and indicate the likely postoperative results.

Eyelid Surgery - The Operation

Blepharoplasty can be carried out both with local anaesthetic and sedation or under general anaesthetic. They are usually performed as day case operations . This procedure is often carried out at the same time as a facelift giving excellent overall results. The incision for the upper eye is the natural crease line approximately 7-8 millimeters above the eyelashes. The excess skin is trimmed, any fat usually present in the adjacent area to the sides of the nose is removed and the lid is then sutured. The incision for the lower eye is just below the eyelashes, again, extending out into a natural laughter line. The tissues are then elevated and excess fat removed or redraped. The skin is then lifted upwards and outwards gently tensioning the area and removing the overlapping skin and suturing to close.

Eyelid Surgery - After the Operation

Sutures will be removed at the surgeon's discretion three to seven days post operatively. It is important not to stoop or carry out vigorous activities for two or three days, otherwise postoperative bleeding could result. The eyelids should be gently splashed with water and not rubbed in any way. It is advisable to apply antibiotic eye ointment for three or four days and eye makeup should not be used for the first week or two. Discomfort around the eyelids following surgery may be controlled by mild analgesics such as Paracetamol (Aspirin must be avoided).

The scars may be helped by gentle massage, starting 2weeks post operatively. Complications after blepharoplasty are rare of the eye.

Summary

Blepharoplasty is one of the most popular aesthetic plastic surgery procedures. The results are significant and give a freshened appearance to the eyes. Following blepharoplasty, you may not be able to wear contact lenses for some time and should discuss this possibility with your surgeon.