The operation to correct ageing of the eyelids is known as blepharoplasty. Our eyes are the most important feature on our face and their impact can be greatly reduced by excess skin creases and eye bags.

Several factors contributing factors are:

Unfortunately, it is never possible to eradicate all eyelid creases, for to do so would invariably produce an over correction and excess tension on the eyelids.  Blepharoplasty removes excess skin and bags to give the eyes a fresher look but will not remove the wrinkles or laughter lines from the sides of the eyes. These may be improved with skin resurfacing (ex laser) or Botulinum Toxin. Malar bags (bulges high on the cheek bones) are also not corrected in this procedure.

At your consultation Ms Kavouni will ask for your general medical history, details of any previous eyelid surgery and you will also be asked about possible thyroid or kidney disease as these can cause swelling of the eyelids. Slight differences in facial symmetry are normal and Ms Kavouni usually points these out as they often remain unnoticed by the patient.  She will also describe the positioning of the scars and indicate the likely postoperative results.

Computer imaging is also a helpful consultation tool and Ms Kavouni uses the latest state-of-the-art technology to assist patients in visualising anticipated outcomes.

Eyelift (Blepharoplasty) - The Operation

Blepharoplasty can be carried out both with local anaesthetic and sedation or under general anaesthetic. They are usually performed as day case operations.  Eyelifts are often carried out at the same time as a facelift giving excellent overall results. The incision for the upper eye is the natural crease line approximately one centimetre above the eyelashes and extends out into the ‘crow’s foot’ area.  Excess skin is trimmed, any fat usually present in the adjacent area to the sides of the nose is removed and the lid is then sutured using one continuous stitch.

The incision for the lower eye is just below the eyelashes, again, extending out into a natural laughter line. The tissues are then elevated and hinged forward and excess fat removed or redraped. The skin is then lifted upwards and outwards gently tensioning the area and removing the overlapping skin and suturing to close. Sometimes the lower lid surgery can be carried out without external scars if the skin excess is minimal.

Eyelift (Blepharoplasty) - After the Operation

Sutures will be removed at Ms Kavouni’s discretion three to seven days post operatively. It is important not to stoop or carry out vigorous activities for two or three days, otherwise postoperative bleeding could result.

The eyelids should be gently splashed with water and not rubbed in any way. It is advisable to apply antibiotic eye ointment for three or four days and eye makeup should not be used for the first week or two.

You may also be comfortable using artificial tears for the first few days. Discomfort around the eyelids following surgery may be controlled by mild analgesics such as Paracetamol (Aspirin must be avoided).

The eyelift scars may appear pink for some weeks, occasionally months, although they are easily disguised with makeup. The scars in the ‘crow’s feet’ area may become lumpy for a period but these invariable flatten with a period of time. This may be helped by gentle massage, starting three to four weeks post operatively.

Complications after blepharoplasty are rare. Most are temporary i.e. excess tears or abnormal pigmentation of the eyelid skin. As after any surgery, bleeding and infection can occur. Bleeding might require a return to the operating theatre to avoid damage to the eye, whilst an infection is usually readily treated with antibiotics.

Occasionally, what appears to be a transparent sack of fluid develops and covers part of the eye. This looks quite frightening but you should not be alarmed as this will settle on its own. A scratch on the cornea (surface of the eyeball) while not serious, can be irritating and may take several days to heal.

Eyelift (Blepharoplasty) - Summary