Cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty): treatment summary

 

What is blepharoplasty?

 

Blepharoplasty is an operation to correct droopy eyelids and bagginess under the eyes. It involves removing excess skin, fat and muscle from around the eyes. Blepharoplasty can be carried out on both upper and lower lids, separately or at the same time. It will not remove “crow’s feet” and can’t change the colour of dark shadows under the eyes.

 

Blepharoplasty may be performed as a day-case, but an overnight stay in hospital is sometimes required. The operation can be done under general anaesthesia, which means you will be asleep during the procedure and will feel no pain. Alternatively, it can be performed under local anaesthesia, in which case the area around your eyes will be numb but you will be awake.

 

Your surgeon will advise which type of anaesthesia is most suitable for you. They will also explain how you can expect your eyes to look after having a blepharoplasty, and will discuss the associated risks and alternatives to the procedure.

 

About the operation

 

For surgery on the upper eyelids, your surgeon will make cuts into the natural lines and creases in the lid and into the laughter lines at the corner of your eye.

 

For surgery on the lower eyelids, your surgeon will usually make a cut just below your eyelashes. This means the scars run along the eye’s natural folds, concealing them as much as possible.

 

Excess fat, muscle and loose skin are removed and the cut is closed using fine stitches. If the surgeon only needs to remove fat, but there is no excess skin, the cut may be made inside the lower eyelid, leaving no visible scar.

 

The operation lasts about one to two hours, or less if you’re having just the upper or lower eyelid done.

 

You should expect to have bruising and swelling for up to three weeks after the operation. This might make your eyes feel tight and difficult to close when you go to sleep. Your eyes may also feel sticky, dry and itchy for the first week. For some people they become watery for a few weeks.

 

Blepharoplasty is a commonly performed and generally safe operation. However, all surgery carries risks as well as benefits.

 

Complications specific to a blepharoplasty include a pool of blood collecting under the skin around your eye (haematoma). This may need to be drained if it is large or doesn’t disappear on its own.

 

In rare cases, problems closing your eyes when you sleep can be permanent. Also, there is a possibility that swelling will cause your lower lid to be pulled away from your eye. While this usually settles on its own after a couple of days, some people need another operation. Complications that result in loss of vision are extremely rare.

 

The chance of complications depends on the exact type of operation you are having and other factors such as your general health. Ask your surgeon to explain in more detail how any risks apply to you.

 

As with any cosmetic surgery procedure, it's important that you review your expectations thoroughly with your surgeon before you decide to proceed.

 

To make an appointment or to get a guide price please call our enquiry team on 0800 434 6644.