Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Eyelid surgery involves the removal of fat and excess skin from the upper and lower eyelids. It can also correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below the eyes.

Many people feel that their eyes in particular can affect the look and perceived age of their face as a whole. You may be considering eyelid surgery if you feel bags under your eyes make you look permanently tired; if drooping lids are making it difficult to see, apply make-up; or if you are unhappy with the signs of ageing around your eyes.

Whatever your reason for considering eyelid surgery, it can help to tighten and firm the skin around the eyes, decreasing the visible signs of ageing. Many people find this helps to improve their confidence and self-esteem. However, it is important that you are realistic about what you expect from this surgery and understand that results can vary significantly from patient to patient for a number of reasons.

The procedure

Usually, your surgeon will make incisions following the natural lines of your eyelids. Working through these incisions, he will separate the skin from underlying fatty tissue and muscle, remove excess fat and, if necessary, trim any sagging skin and muscle. The incisions are then closed with very fine sutures.

The surgery is performed under twilight sedation, local or general anaesthetic, depending on the nature of your procedure. Your surgeon will discuss this with you during your consultation. Eyelid surgery usually takes one to three hours, depending on the extent of the procedure.

After your operation

• Some pain or discomfort can be expected. This will eventually settle and can generally be managed with regular oral pain medication.
• You may notice some initial bruising and swelling. You may apply cold packs around your eyes to decrease this. It is also important to rest with your head elevated on pillows following your procedure to decrease excessive bleeding or swelling.
• It is normal to have a small amount of bleeding/weeping from the wounds around your eyes. You may also experience temporary blurred vision and excessive tear production.
• You will have sutures in your eyelids, with dressings (Steri-strips) covering the wound sites and excess suture material. It is IMPORTANT to leave this dressing intact. If it becomes dislodged or is causing you irritation, please contact the clinic and our nurses will attend to your care. These dressings should be left intact until your post-operative review, five days after your procedure.

At home

• Any pain or discomfort should be managed with oral pain medication.
• You may find that the bruising and swelling around your eyes becomes more obvious. This is normal and will generally subside after two to three weeks.
• You should continue to sleep with your head elevated on pillows.
• Protect your face from the sun and avoid make-up until your sutures are removed, five days following your operation.
• Avoid heavy lifting, over exertion, strenuous exercise and bending over for three weeks after surgery. Returning to normal activity is an individual matter and will depend on your individual circumstances. Generally most patients return to work two to three weeks after their procedure.
• The routine time for your post-operative appointment is seven to ten days after your procedure, at which time your sutures will be removed.

Problem signs

Surgery is not without its risks. You should be aware of any signs that something might be wrong. The symptoms below are potentially serious and would require you to contact the clinic, your GP or your closest emergency department:

• Signs of infection, such as a high temperature, heavy discharge from your wound, an increase in redness or heat around your wound, or a dramatic increase in pain that is not relieved by oral pain medication.
• Increased swelling around your wound.
• Nausea or vomiting which does not settle.