Eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Your eyes, framed by their lids and brows, may well be the first thing people notice about your face. Over time, the eyelids and even the eyebrows may become 'droopy' or 'baggy' as the skin stretches, muscles weaken and fat pockets bulge. This is a common feature of the ageing process, but there may also be a hereditary element. Besides making you appear tired or older, drooping eyelids can obscure vision and create difficulty in wearing glasses.

Blepharoplasty is cosmetic eyelid surgery. It is usually performed under local anaesthesia by ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgeons.

The aim of blepharoplasty is to reduce the sagging tissues. There are two types of surgery:

• Traditional scalpel surgery
  Incisions are made in the natural folds of the eyelid so that they are virtually unnoticeable after the lids have healed. If the eyebrows are also droopy a forehead lift may be appropriate.
• Laser resurfacing
  This has some advantages over traditional surgery in that there is minimal bruising and swelling afterwards, and the healing time is faster.

After blepharoplasty

Following surgery you should have a more rested and youthful appearance. Just how much improvement depends on the individual's characteristics.

Some swelling and bruising can be expected. The swelling usually subsides within the first few days. The bruising sometimes takes 2 - 3 weeks to subside. You may have some mild discomfort and some watering of the eyes. You should wear ultra sun protection and avoid bending over for the first few days. You should not wash your face or use any cream or soap for the first few days.

After three days you will see the surgeon for a change of dressing. You will be given a shopping list at this stage, including

• Non-oily soap cleanser
• Dermatological formula QV cream
• Light weight cover makeup
• SPF15+ sunscreen milk

On the sixth day you will return to the surgery to have the upper lid stitches removed if non-dissolvable sutures are used. You can then start using the suggested skin products. The skin below the eyes may appear slightly hollow and shiny. This can be offset with makeup until the new, more resilient skin has healed.

Are there any risks from blepharoplasty?

Every operation carries risks. However, many thousands of successful eyelid operations are performed each year. These risks will be discussed fully at your consultation. Risks include:

• Infection: this is minimised by applying antibiotic ointment for the first few days following surgery
• Visibility of scars: this is rare as the skin on the eyelids usually heals with a barely visible scar.
• Asymmetry of the upper lids: some people have assymmetrical lids prior to surgery and become aware of it afterwards
• Insufficient or excessive removal of fat: can occur after the operation but is rare
• Blindness: is extremely rare. This can result when bleeding occurs behind the eyeball in the immediate post-operative period. The risk of this after traditional scalpel surgery is 1 in 10,000.