Blepharoplasty is an operation that removes excess skin, or
fat or muscle or a combination of this, from around the eyes
to correct droopy eyelids and bagginess under the eyes. It
can be carried out on the upper and lower lid.
Depending on the operation it can be done either under a local
anaesthetic or general anaesthetic. A local anaesthetic means
the patient is awake during the procedure. The area is made
numb by injecting a local anaesthetic under the skin or the lids.
When a general anaesthetic is given the patient will be asleep
throughout the procedure.
The incisions are made into the natural lines or creases of the
lid, extending for a very short distance into the laughter lines
(crow’s feet) at the corner of the eye. The excess tissue is
removed. If there is no excess skin, the excess fat can be
removed through an incision on the inside of the lower eyelid
(transconjuctival approach). The wound is usually closed with
very fine stitches. The eyes are then covered with pads.
upper blepharoplasty - usually about an hour
lower blepharoplasty - usually about an hour
These operations can be performed as a day case with no need
for an overnight stay in hospital.
However, if a general anaesthetic is used you may need to
spend one night in hospital.
The stitches are removed in three to five days
This will depend on your job but usually one to two weeks when
the bruising has reduced.
Upper blepharoplasty will rejuvenate your appearance and reduce the appearance of lines on the forehead. Lower blepharoplasty will correct a tired look
There may be some mild soreness around the eyes, wateriness,
feeling of grittiness, sensitivity to light for a few weeks.
Haematoma (blood collection) may occur requiring evacuation.
Rarely excess skin excision may affect adequate eyelid closure.
Application of a cold compress helps reduce the swelling and bruising.
Lying propped on pillows with the head higher than the body can reduce the swelling and bruising further.