Procedures
Face » Eyelid & Eyebag Surgery
Why choose us for a Eyelid & Eyebag Surgery ?
- You will be seen and operated on by a fully qualified BAAPS/ BAPRAS Consultant plastic surgeon.
- Our prices are competitive and represent outstanding results.
- We provide a personal and holistic service to our patients
- We put your safety first!
As we age, the skin loses its elasticity and so becomes looser around our eyes. The skin gathers in excess over the upper eyelids and can lead to an appearance of sadness as well as heaviness when opening our eyes. In and around the lower eyelids the skin can become loose and eyebags develop. Cosmetic Surgeons London can help restore the brighter and fresher look of your younger years with blepharoplasty (eyelid/eyebag) surgery.
Am I a candidate for blepharoplasty surgery?
- I have excess skin over the upper eyelid and the natural crease has disappeared
- I have loose skin which hangs from my upper eyelids especially towards the outside which makes me look tired
- The heavy skin over the upper eyelid makes it difficult for me to open my eyes fully and obscures my vision
- My lower lids have started to sag and there is excess skin visible
- I have noticeable puffiness (eye bags) beneath my lower lid (even when I am not tired!)
If this applies to you then Cosmetic Surgeons London can help provide you with a detailed in-depth assessment. Your surgeon will determine which cosmetic eyelid procedure will make you look more youthful. Some patients may be ideal candidates for a brow lift as a combined procedure.
What does blepharoplasty surgery involve?
Blepharoplasty is a term for many surgical procedures which can be applied to the upper and lower eyelids to give them a younger appearance. It can be carried out under local anaesthesia for the upper eyelids. General anaesthesia is preferred for the lower eyelids to give the patient a more comfortable and a safer experience.
You (the Patient's) Journey
Before the operation
You will have seen Mr Sojitra on more than one occasion to fully answer all your questions. It is important to avoid medications, if possible, such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) e.g Ibuprofen (Nurofen), Sodium Diclofenac (Voltarol) for 1 week before surgery. These tablets may increase bleeding during and after surgery. It is advisable to stop smoking 2 weeks before and after surgery from both a wound healing and an anaesthetic perspective.
The operation
You will be admitted to hospital on the morning of surgery and Mr Sojitra along with his consultant anaesthetist will come and discuss the surgical plan again with you and make some marks on your skin with pen. You will be required to have either a general or local anaesthetic. The operation will take approximately 1 - 3 hours depending on whether upper and/or lower eyelids and/or browlift is carried out. Local anaethetic is injected while you are asleep as this helps reduce bleeding during your operation as well as reducing pain and improving your post operative comfort. For upper lid blepharoplasty, the incision is hidden in the crease of the upper eyelid. In lower lid blepharoplasty, the incision is placed just below the eyelashes and is therefore well hidden. In patients who have no lower eyelid skin excess but just "lower lid bags" then the incision can be placed inside and therefore no external scar seen (transconjunctival blepharoplasty). Cosmetic Surgeons London always puts your comfort first. You will wake up with eyepads which are left in place for 2 hours. Some patients require an endoscopic browlift at the same time. It is best you take it easy and please note that it is normal for your eyes and cheeks to be bruised and swollen. You will need to have a friend or family member to drive you to and from the hospital and to look after you for the first 24-48 hours following surgery.
Recovery
You will experience some degree of bruising, swelling, and discomfort around your eyes and cheek all of which improve by the day. The swelling will tend to increase over the first 48 hours and then gradually subside over the next 2 weeks. Your eyes can sometimes feel a little gritty for the first few days. You may put make-up on after a few days if you wish. Our consultant anaesthetist will prescribe you adequate medication (eye drops and tablets) to take home to alleviate any discomfort you may experience. You are encouraged to rest the first few nights. It is important not to get the paper tape wet after surgery and you will be advised on showering. Depending on your type of work, you may return to work between 7-14 days after your procedure. No heavy lifting, straining or strenuous exercise for 6 weeks. It can take a few weeks before the swelling completely subsides. The fine stitches will be removed in 5-7 days. You will be seen 7-14 days after surgery. Your surgeon will closely follow your recovery.
Safety and potential complications?
Scars
Scarring on the whole is not problematic. A scar will always exist unless surgery is done from inside and will fade with time. Certain individuals e.g. afro-carribean races and red haired individuals are at a higher risk of forming excess scar tissue (keloid or hypertrophic scars). Should these scars develop excellent advice and treatment will be provided by your surgeon.
Bleeding
Rarely, small blood vessels that have been cauterised during surgery open up afterward. It is commoner in males and in patients who take blood thinning medications such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) e.g Ibuprofen (Nurofen), Sodium Diclofenac (Voltarol). This results in a collection of blood (haematoma) that needs to be removed. This involves a return to the operating theatre where the blood collection is washed out and the skin sutured back. There are no permanent side effects due to this and your ultimate blepharoplasty result will not be affected.
Gritty or Watery eyes
This may occur during the first few days after surgery and often tends to settle down completely after a few weeks.
Lower lid drooping
In some cases, the lower lid may sag a little in the early post-operative period due to swelling and heaviness. This tends to correct itself. Occasionally, a minor corrective procedure may be required.
Useful Sources of Information for Blepharoplasty
- https://www.baaps.org.uk/procedures/eyelid-surgery
- https://www.plasticsurgery.org/patients_consumers/procedures/Blepharoplasty.cfm
Cosmetic Surgeons London can help improve the appearance around your eyes giving you a fresher, rested and youthful look.
Summary
| Operation Time | 1 - 3 hours |
| Anaesthetic | General Anaesthesia (Local for Upper) |
| Nights in hospital | 1 night |
| How much time off work? | 2 weeks |
| When can I exercise? | After 6 weeks |
Cosmetic Surgeons London always puts your comfort and safety first!
