Eyelid surgery helps create a more youthful appearance by reducing sagging skin

Upper blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle from the upper eyelids. It is done to improve both appearance and function, especially if sagging skin obstructs vision.

Lower blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that targets the under-eye area to remove or reposition excess fat, smooth wrinkles, and reduce puffiness. It helps create a more youthful, refreshed appearance by eliminating under-eye bags and sagging skin.

Blepharoplasty is best suited for individuals who want to improve the appearance of their eyelids or correct functional issues. You may be a good candidate if you meet the following criteria:

1. You Have Excess Skin or Puffiness Around the Eyes

• Upper Eyelids: Droopy or sagging skin that affects appearance or vision.
• Lower Eyelids: Under-eye bags, puffiness, or wrinkles that make you look tired.

2. You Are in Good Overall Health

• No serious medical conditions that may affect healing.
• No chronic eye conditions like dry eye or glaucoma (consult an eye doctor first).

3. You Have Realistic Expectations

• Understand that surgery enhances but does not drastically change appearance.
• Acknowledge that natural ageing continues even after surgery.

4. You Are a Non-Smoker or Willing to Quit

• Smoking slows healing and increases complications.
• If you smoke, you should stop at least a few weeks before and after surgery.

5. You Experience Vision Obstruction (For Functional Blepharoplasty)

• Excess skin hanging over the upper eyelids that interferes with sight.
• A medical evaluation can determine if surgery is necessary for vision improvement.

Eyelid surgery is typically an outpatient procedure that takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on whether you’re having upper, lower, or both eyelids done. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:

1. Pre-Surgery Preparation

• You’ll have a consultation to discuss your goals, medical history, and any concerns.
• Your surgeon may take photos and recommend the best approach for you.
• Your surgeon will allow you time to consider all your options.
• You will be offered a second consultant to go over any questions.
• Should you choose to go ahead, you will attend a pre-operative appointment to ensure you are ready for your procedure.
• On the day of surgery, you will receive local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia (depending on the complexity of the procedure).

2. The Surgical Procedure

For Upper Eyelid Surgery

• The surgeon makes a small incision along the natural crease of your upper eyelid.
• Excess skin, muscle, and fat are removed or repositioned.
• The incision is closed with fine sutures, leaving a nearly invisible scar in the crease.

For Lower Eyelid Surgery

• The incision is made just below the lash line to minimise visible scarring.
• Fat deposits causing under-eye bags are removed or redistributed for a smoother look.
• Excess skin may be trimmed if necessary.

3. Closing the Incisions

• The surgeon will use very fine dissolvable or removable sutures.

4. Post-Surgery Recovery

• You’ll rest in a recovery area where you will be given refreshments and cooling eye compresses for a short time before going home.
• Common side effects include swelling, bruising, mild discomfort, and dry eyes.
• Most people return to normal activities within 7-10 days, with full healing over a few months.

Recovery from eyelid surgery is generally smooth, with most people returning to normal activities within 7 to 10 days. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Immediately After Surgery (Day 1-2)

• You may have swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort around the eyes.
• Your vision may be slightly blurry due to eye ointment and temporary swelling.
• Use cold compresses to reduce swelling and keep your head elevated while resting.
• Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication and antibiotic eye ointment to prevent infection.

2. First Week

• Swelling and bruising peak around day 2-3 and start improving after that.
• Your eyes may feel dry or watery, and light sensitivity is common.
• Avoid heavy lifting, bending over, or strenuous activities to prevent increased swelling and bleeding.
• If you have non-dissolvable stitches, they are usually removed around day 5-7.

3. Weeks 2-4
• Most bruising and swelling subside, and you’ll look more refreshed.
• You can usually return to work and social activities after 7-10 days.
• Make up can be used to cover any residual bruising.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from wind and sunlight.

4. Long-Term Healing (1-3 Months)

• Final results become more visible as swelling completely resolves.
• Scars will continue to fade over several months, blending into your natural skin.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle and skincare routine to prolong results.

• Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling in the first few days, these are provided for you following your surgery.
• Sleep with your head elevated with two pillows to minimize swelling.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol, as they slow healing.
• Follow your surgeon’s eye care instructions to prevent dryness or irritation.
• No contact lenses for at least 2 weeks but you can wear glasses.

The results of eyelid surgery are long-lasting, but they are not completely permanent because the natural ageing process continues. However, most patients enjoy a younger, more refreshed appearance for a number of years or even longer.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

• Typically lasts several years or more.
• In some cases, excess skin may gradually return over time due to ageing.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

• Often provides permanent results, especially when fat removal or repositioning is done.
• Puffiness and under-eye bags rarely return unless caused by genetics or lifestyle factors.

• Genetics & Ageing – Some people naturally develop droopy eyelids faster than others.
• Sun Exposure – UV damage can speed up skin ageing, so wear sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Skincare & Lifestyle – Hydration, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking/alcohol help maintain results.
• Weight Fluctuations – Significant weight gain or loss can affect facial fat distribution.

We would suggest you choose a consultant plastic surgeon to perform your procedure. You can be sure of their credentials if they have FRCS (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons) after their name. All the surgeons at LASE Cosmetic are consultant plastic surgeons and hold the FRCS title. Blepharoplasty is a commonly sought procedure and as such, all our surgeons perform this procedure regularly.

Yes. Upper blepharoplasty is typically performed using local anaesthesia. While lower blepharoplasty can also be carried out under local anaesthesia, it may be more complex at times, leading to the use of general anaesthesia in certain cases.

The results from a blepharoplasty would normally be expected to last a few years. Over time though the tissues can relax and the process of aging might mean the original appearance recurs. In most cases repeat surgery can be considered.

• Make sure that you avoid bending forwards in the first week as this can cause bleeding and / or swelling.
• During this first week you remain on minimal activity, you can go for a gentle stroll if you wish but avoid any vigorous activities or lifting.
• Depending on your occupation, you may consider returning to work once the sutures have been removed. Bearing in mind, the bruising/swelling will not have settled completely.
• Driving should be avoided until most of the swelling has settled following your surgery, this maybe around 1 week.
• Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 1 month after surgery. This includes jogging, repeated bending, heavy housework or any activity that raises your blood pressure.

Contact us here if you wish to request a consultation to discuss eyelid reshaping surgery.