Eyelids involve an area of the face which often shows the signs of aging first. With time it is common to develop hooding of the skin on upper eyelids and sometimes bulging of fat in the inner or outer aspects of the upper lid. Skin excess on the upper lid is partly caused by tendency of the forehead and brow to drop over the years due to the effect of time and gravity.
Gravity affects tissues of the lower eyelid even more, by causing a descent of the cheek fat down, away from the lid. This further aggravates age weakened, slack structures of the eyelid resulting in wrinkling of the skin and bulging of the lid itself. There is a tendency for the lower lids to develop shadowy rings with the junction of the cheek and give an impression of tiredness. It is therefore, perhaps not surprising, that so many people inquire “if someting can be done” to improve the appearance of their eyes and make them feel better about themselves.
Lower lid blepharoplasty and/or endoscopic brow lifting normally require a one-night hospital stay. Upper eyelid rejuvenation on it’s own might just be carried out on a day care basis. All patients are reviewed a week after surgery when wounds are inspected and sutures removed.
A restful, physically calm schedule for the first 5-7 days after surgery is important to initiate good wound healing and prevent unnecessary rise in head pressure. It is also advisable and often more comfortable, to sleep on higher pillows for the first few days.
It is typical for the lid margins to become bruised and swollen but this usually settles over 5-10 days. Within the first 2-3 days, patients should spend several hours each day resting with moistened, cooling eye pads to help swelling and bruising resolve. Swelling and bruising is only evident during the first 4-7 days post operation.
In the first few days after surgery it is common that the eyes feel watery. This is typically due to swelling and settles without any specific treatment. Occasionally the watering (and sometimes accompanying discomfort) can last somewhat longer, which may be due to persistent oedema of the conjunctiva over the front of the eye (chemosis). The latter usually responds very well to treatments with drops and ointments, but can in some cases symptoms can last for several weeks and occasionally requires more active management.
The eyelid margin can feel numb for several months following surgery and recovery of sensation may be accompanied by a pricking, tingling feeling, which settles with time. Scars from eyelid surgery typically heal extremely well although no guarantee can ever be given about the final quality of scars in any given case.
Lower lid blepharoplasty and/or endoscopic brow lifting normally require a one-night hospital stay. Upper eyelid rejuvenation on it’s own might just be carried out on a day care basis. All patients are reviewed a week after surgery when wounds are inspected and sutures removed.
A restful, physically calm schedule for the first 5-7 days after surgery is important to initiate good wound healing and prevent unnecessary rise in head pressure. It is also advisable and often more comfortable, to sleep on higher pillows for the first few days.
It is typical for the lid margins to become bruised and swollen but this usually settles over 5-10 days. Within the first 2-3 days, patients should spend several hours each day resting with moistened, cooling eye pads to help swelling and bruising resolve. Swelling and bruising is only evident during the first 4-7 days post operation.
In the first few days after surgery it is common that the eyes feel watery. This is typically due to swelling and settles without any specific treatment. Occasionally the watering (and sometimes accompanying discomfort) can last somewhat longer, which may be due to persistent oedema of the conjunctiva over the front of the eye (chemosis). The latter usually responds very well to treatments with drops and ointments, but can in some cases symptoms can last for several weeks and occasionally requires more active management.
The eyelid margin can feel numb for several months following surgery and recovery of sensation may be accompanied by a pricking, tingling feeling, which settles with time. Scars from eyelid surgery typically heal extremely well although no guarantee can ever be given about the final quality of scars in any given case.
Recovery after blepharoplasty is usually very straightforward, especially if only upper eyelids have been operated upon. As with any surgical procedure, there are general and procedure (blepharoplasty) specific risks which patients must be aware of:
General Risks (especially if operation is carried out under general anaesthetic):
Procedure Specific Risks:
Day care for upper eyelids, one night stay if lower eyelids are operated
General for 4 lids; Local for upper lids only
1.5-2 hours
7 days
from week 1
2-3 weeks
from week 2
1 week
2-3 weeks