What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is an eyelid surgical procedure that removes the folds of loose excessive skin and bulges of protruding fat which sit over the upper eye lids to produce a more youthful appearance.
What causes the condition?
Excess skin is often due to ageing, sun damage, trauma or an underlying medical condition like thyroid problems. The eyelid appearance may be common in your family. Sometimes episodes of swelling of the eyelid might be due to infection or allergy.
What does the surgery involve?
The surgery is carried out as a day case procedure, generally under local anaesthetic. This means that you will be awake throughout the surgery but will not feel anything. Occasionally, the surgery is performed under general anaesthetic or sedation. The whole treatment may last 90 minutes and, usually, both eyes are treated at the same time. At the end of the surgery, ointment is put on the wounds and eye pads applied to the lids. If you have surgery on both eyes then one of the eye pads will be removed after about an hour.
What are the benefits?
Your peripheral vision will improve as a result of the surgery. You will have a more youthful appearance.
What are the risks?
Blepharoplasty is a fairly safe and successful surgical procedure but, As with any surgery, there are some risks associated with it.
- Bruising and swelling – this is common and may remain for a few weeks after surgery.
- Scarring – you will have a scar from the surgery. This can be visible initially but then becomes pale and fine.
- Infection – this can occur in the wound.
- Dry eye and poor eyelid closure – your eye may feel dry for a few weeks after surgery and you may have to use artificial tear supplements.
- Asymmetry of the eyelids – sometimes there is a difference between the appearance of both upper eyelids after surgery.
- Bleeding into deep tissue can lead to disturbance of vision and could lead to loss of vision in severe cases. This is extremely rare, and you should report any loss of vision to the hospital immediately.
Post procedure care
Your eyelids may be slightly painful for about 24 – 48 hours after the surgery and you will need to rest and take normal painkillers. If your eyelids are sore and swollen you can also apply some ice packs gently.
You may be given antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops. This is to minimise the risk of infection and reduce the redness and inflammation in the eye. It is important to wash your hands before using these to prevent infection.
Skin sutures may be left in place or removed after one to two weeks and you will be given an appointment for the sutures to be removed.
Your vision may be blurred for few days and you may not be able to wear contact lenses. However, if your eye gets more painful, your vision gets worse, your eye becomes more red or you notice excess discharge from your eye, your should contact us or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department immediately.
You may want to take few days leave from work depending on your circumstances.
You should not resume any strenuous activity, including swimming, for two weeks.
It is best that someone stays with you to help you for a few days after the treatment.
You are advised not to drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol or take sedative drugs for 24 hours.