Eyelid Reduction (Blepharoplasty)

Eyelid Reduction (Blepharoplasty)

Blepharoplasty is also referred to as removal of redundant eyelid skin or eye bag removal

What is blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure to improve the appearance of ageing or loose skin of either or both upper and lower eyelids. The natural ageing process causes less elasticity of the skin and this in turn leads to a drooping of soft tissues including the eyelids. The severity of the problem depends on the skin type and on other factors such as tobacco use. The underlying tissues may also stretch leading to a bulging of the lower eyelid in particular, which can be unsightly.

How would this procedure help me?

A consultation with your plastic surgeon is the first step when considering blepharoplasty. It is important to discuss your expectations clearly and honestly and then consider whether your expectations are realistic, given the information your surgeon will give you.

How is blepharoplasty performed?

Upper blepharoplasty can be carried out under a local anaesthetic. Lower or combined upper and lower blepharoplasty may be carried out under a general anaesthetic.

Upper blepharoplasty

The incision for the operation is along the skin crease above the smooth skin of the lower eyelid, next to the more wrinkly skin. The incision will usually cross onto the nearby cheek skin following the natural skin lines. Excess skin is removed and the wound stitched up with a buried suture, with the ends just showing. Tapes are usually used over the suture and wound.

Lower blepharoplasty

The incision for lower blepharoplasty is made directly beneath the eyelashes, again running onto the nearby cheek skin lines. The skin is lifted up and the bulging soft tissue beneath will be either removed or tightened. The excess skin is then removed and the wound sutured, usually with a combination of buried and external sutures. Skin tapes are also applied.

What happens after the surgery?

The procedure may be a day case or an overnight stay may be required. This will be confirmed by your surgeon. You would be expected to keep yourself propped up at home to reduce swelling. You would be given ointment to protect the eyes. You would normally have the sutures removed 5 - 10 days after the operation. It is normal to have bruising and swelling, which may even close the eyes temporarily. You would be seen by your surgeon for wound checks and then again at about three months following surgery. You would usually need to take one to two weeks off work and should avoid sports for one to two months.

Will the operation leave any scars?

Although scars are an inevitable result of surgery, every effort is made to keep them as inconspicuous as possible. The scars following blepharoplasty are usually hard to see as they lie in natural skin folds.

What results can I expect?

The final result may take up to a year to become apparent. Usually the operation gives satisfactory results which persist for many years.

What can go wrong?

There are risks involved with any form of surgery, and although uncommon, the possibility cannot be ignored. You should discuss these risks with your surgeon, who will gladly answer your questions about the operation.

What can I do to reduce problems with surgery?

Firstly, listen to what your surgeon has to say, and take his advice! Excessive bleeding during or after surgery is always a possibility. It is therefore essential to avoid taking aspirin or ant-inflammatory medication for two weeks before and one week after the operation.

If you are taking any medication, or if you have varicose veins or have ever had phlebitis, tell your surgeon at the visit preceding the operation. The risks of surgery are increased greatly by the use of tobacco, due to interference with circulation and wound healing. If problems do occur, discuss them with your surgeon.