Ageing of the periorbital region often creates that undesirable tired look which often makes us look much older. A solution to this is eyelid surgery, otherwise known as blepharoplasty.
Our surgeons can help revitalise the periorbital region including the eyelids and support tissues, improving the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both. This provides patients with a more youthful, rested and more alert look. Eyelid surgery is often performed alongside a browlift.
Centre for Surgery also offers Asian blepharoplasty.
BLEPHAROPLASTY AT A GLANCE
Anaesthesia type: Local or ClearSleep
Procedure time: 2-3 hours
Recovery time: 2-3 days
Our oculoplastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing blepharoplasty surgery. The most common indications for blepharoplasty are:
Loose skin: Laxity of the skin and tissue under the eyes gives an aged appearance, and blepharoplasty is used to smoothen out the fine lines.
Droopy eyelids: Having excess upper eyelid skin can lead to droopy lids, which give the appearance of tiredness and fatigue. Severely droopy eyelids can even impair vision.
Eye bags: During the ageing process, people can develop bags underneath the eyes. Excessive stretching of the lower eyelid layers is often the most common reason for the formation of eye bags and is a problem that is efficiently corrected with a blepharoplasty procedure.
Heavy, droopy eyes: Eyelids that have excessive amounts of fat can make you look tired all the time. This fat can be extracted during the surgery, leaving you with a more alert appearance. The key, however, is to extract the right amount of fat to avoid the sunken appearance. Choosing an oculoplastic surgeon at Centre for Surgery means you get specialised expertise delivered within excellent day surgery facilities.
Blepharoplasty or Eyelid surgery will enhance the periorbital region. It is commonly performed for older people as well as those of Asian origin. During the ageing process, skin elasticity diminishes which often causes drooping eyelids because of the added effect of gravity over the decades. Lower blepharoplasty is used for skin laxity and loose muscle which often needs to be tightened up.
The ideal patients for blepharoplasty are those who are healthy non-smokers with no serious eye diseases and have realistic expectations of what can be achieved.
Prior to any surgical procedure, you will need to have a consultation with one of our surgeons.
During the blepharoplasty consultation, you will be able to state your ideas, concerns and expectations about a proposed blepharoplasty procedure and what it can achieve.
The oculoplastic surgeon will:
- Take a full history and perform a thorough examination
- Explain the procedure of blepharoplasty
- Provide an opinion on your suitability based on your needs and preferences
The specific technique of which blepharoplasty procedure to employ will depend on your underlying condition and the degree of skin laxity.
A blepharoplasty surgeon can be either from a plastic surgery, ENT surgery, maxillofacial surgery or ophthalmology background. All four surgical specialities are fully trained to perform blepharoplasty.
Centre for Surgery perform both upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty:
Upper Blepharoplasty overview
- Upper blepharoplasty involves the removal of loose skin that can cause multiple wrinkles or hooding on to the eyelash line. A repair of the eyelid muscle must also occur if there is droopiness in this structure.
Lower Blepharoplasty overview
- Surgery on the lower eyelid is known as a lower blepharoplasty. The oculoplastic surgeon will position the fat within the lower eyelid, which has the much disliked baggy appearance. The most appropriate technique of blepharoplasty will depend on where stretched skin and excess fatty deposits are located around the periorbital region. As an expert in periorbital facial anatomy, an oculoplastic surgeon will determine the best approach during your consultation.
Male eyelid surgery
Male eyelid surgery is available for men who wish to tighten their eyelids, remove excess fat or to appear more youthful. This is also an appropriate procedure for men whose eyesight is impacted by sagging eyelid skin.
After a blepharoplasty procedure, you will notice some bruising and swelling. This can be managed by applying cold packs to the area. You will also need to keep your head elevated, which can be done by sleeping on multiple pillows. It is important to avoid sleeping on your face – make sure to just sleep on your back. If need be, you can take medication to alleviate any pain.
You will have minimal scarring, however, this may appear more prominent directly after the procedure. With time, scarring will become less noticeable, particularly when the eye is open.
You will need to avoid any strenuous activities for around three weeks.
Surgeon-led and managed care throughout for a truly personalised approach
Our innovative ClearSleep anaesthesia technique
Comprehensive aftercare programme
Financing options available
Call us on 020 7993 4849 / 0900 – 2000 Mon – Sat
What happens before the actual blepharoplasty procedure?
It is recommended to stop smoking two weeks before the procedure and you will also have to stop certain medications to minimise the risk of bleeding after your procedure.
What does the blepharoplasty procedure involve?
In upper blepharoplasty, the surgeon removes skin that is loose and causing wrinkling. In lower blepharoplasty surgery, the fat will also have to be repositioned to the puffiness and eyebag appearance.
What is an Asian blepharoplasty?
Asian blepharoplasty is a type of blepharoplasty surgery that creates a crease in the upper eyelid when the crease is absent. Many men and women choose to have this procedure to increase the definition of the eyes.
Am I a good candidate for blepharoplasty?
You must have real expectations because although eyelid surgery can improve your appearance people may not always notice it. The procedure is suitable for both men and women with most patients being over 35. However, droopy eyelids can also be hereditary so those may consider eyelid surgery at a younger age.
Does blepharoplasty result in a lot of discomfort?
The eyelid surgery causes minimal discomfort. Simple medications such as paracetamol will control the pain in most cases.
Will I be bruised and swollen after blepharoplasty?
There will be some bruising and swelling after the surgery, which is managed with elevation and cold packs.Patients can return to work one week after the surgery.
Will a browlift be needed?
Browlift surgery can be performed in conjunction with eyelid surgery. Browlifts can reduce the forehead creasing and also the frown lines. It can also resposition the brow up to 1cm higher to provide excellent correction of low lying dropping brows.
Will I have scars after blepharoplasty?
Scarring is minimal, and the scars will become almost invisible when the eyes are open.
When can I resume gym activities after blepharoplasty?
You can restart gym actvities three weeks after the blepharoplasty procedure.
How long do the results last?
Blepharoplasty surgery creates long-term results. However, the results could be affected by the ageing process.