Eyelid Reduction (Blepharoplasty)

What is a blepharoplasty?

With ageing, the eyelids can develop excess skin that droops over the upper eyelids or falls loosely under the lower eyelids.  Some of the fatty tissue behind the eyelids can also bulge out, creating the appearance of ‘bags’ under the eyes.  This can create the appearance of tiredness or sadness, and can even result in partial obstruction of vision.

A blepharoplasty is designed to remove the excess skin, and tighten up the muscles and supporting structures of the eyelids, creating a more youthful and less tired appearance.

Occasionally, this procedure can be medically indicated if the excess skin on the upper eyelid is significant enough that it begins to obscure your vision.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

Our eyes can express so much subtle emotion so powerfully that the presence of loose skin and eyelid ‘bags’ can profoundly affect the way we appear and are perceived by others.  Most commonly, this is described by patients as ‘tiredness’ or ‘sadness’, and can have a significant affect on their personal and professional life.

By removing the excess skin and fat, and tightening up the eyelids, the affect on your overall facial appearance can be quite profound, typically being reported as a sense of being more awake or alert, with a more rejuvenated and refreshed appearance around the eyes.

Is Mr Morgan experienced in this procedure?

As a Plastic Surgeon with a special interest in facial surgery, Mr Morgan has performed these types of procedures many times and is comfortable operating around the delicate structures of your face.  He is able to show you photographs of his own patients, many of who will have presented with the same concerns as you.

How is it performed?

This surgery can be done under local anaesthetic but is most commonly performed under general anaesthesia.  It is commonly performed as day surgery, especially if only the upper eyelids are corrected.  Procedures on all four eyelids may entail an overnight stay in hospital.

The upper eyelids are usually corrected with the removal of excess skin and muscle.  Lower eyelids need the bulging fat repositioned, and the skin and muscle tightened below the eye.  The scars are well hidden in natural crease lines and are barely visible when healed.

Swelling has usually settled within ten days but there may be some bruising for a few weeks after the operation.  Women can apply make-up within two weeks and most people will have returned to work by this stage.

How long will I need to recover?

Everyone will experience an anaesthetic or recover from an operation differently.  Although uncommon, complications can also occur and result in a longer recovery time.  Generally, most patients will recover sufficiently in two weeks to return to social activity and office-based work.  More physical activity may require extra time.

Who should/should not consider this type of surgery?

The best results are achieved in those with a clearly defined concern and realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve.  In situations where this is not the case, the outcome from surgery may often be disappointing.

You should not consider this type of surgery as a response to a personal or professional crisis, or under the encouragement of somebody else.  Any decision to undergo surgery needs to be for the right reasons.  All surgery entails an element of risk, and you should not make any decision regarding surgery at a time of stress.

Being healthy and happy with your decision increases the chances of achieving a satisfactory result.  Smoking, other medical conditions, and being overweight can make surgery unsafe.  These and other risks will be discussed with you at the time of your consultation.

Other questions?

If you are interested in facial rejuvenation surgery, we encourage you to contact our office for an appointment so that we may discuss your particular needs.