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The eyes can indicate age more than any other part of the face.
They also show our emotion, and we use them to communicate with
others. Eyelid surgery can have amazing effects on your overall
appearance. The process of blepharoplasty (more commonly known
as eyebag removal surgery or eye lid surgery) removes some of
the excess skin and tissue area around the eye to create a fresher,
more youthful look. Book your eyebag removal
consultation
Suitable Candidates
Any one or combination of the following conditions could indicate
that you may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery:
- Excess skin obscuring the natural fold of the upper eyelids
- Loose skin hanging down from the upper eyelids, perhaps impairing
vision
- A puffy appearance to the upper eyelids, making the eyes look
tired
- Excess skin and fine, 'crepe paper type' wrinkles of the lower
eyelids
- Bags and dark circles under the eyes
- Lower eyelid droopiness
The Eyebag Removal procedure
During the upper lid blepharoplasty the surgeon will create small
incisions in the natural folds of the upper eyelid, and for lower
lid surgery, incisions are made just below the lashes on the lower
eyelid. Excess skin and tissue can then be removed and the area
will be closed with very fine stitching. The fine stitches aim to
minimise scarring, but fine lines can be expected at first, though
they will fade significantly with time.
Blepharoplasty can be performed under local anaesthetic, though
a general anaesthetic can sometimes be more suitable. You will
usually stay in hospital overnight, but you should arrange to
be off work for a week to allow the area to heal after eye lid
surgery. London clinic Nip N Tuck's surgeons recommend that strenuous
activity or sport should be avoided for at least six weeks. Some
tenderness and minor swelling can be expected but will reduce
rapidly and can be eased with painkillers.
Eyelid surgery cannot remove dark circles under the eyes caused
by dark pigmentation or by thin, translucent skin. Nor can it
lift sagging eyebrows or get rid of crow's feet. Your surgeon
and an eye specialist will advise if this operation is appropriate
for you.
Pre-operative preparation
If you are a smoker, it is highly recommended to stop smoking
well in advance of eyelid surgery. London clinic Nip N Tuck's
surgeons note that smoking can impair your ability to heal. Aspirin
and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding,
so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time
before surgery.
Possible complications
- Your vision may be temporarily blurred, but this should improve
after a few days
- Difficulty closing your eyes when sleeping, but this is rare
- Sensitivity to light - this will improve after a few weeks
- Your lower eyelids may sag
- Some pain is common with most operations, but you will be
prescribed painkillers for a few days following your operation
- Minor swelling, bruising and tenderness, which should fade
quickly, but may last up to a month. This can be eased with
painkillers
- It is difficult to predict how your eyes will look after surgery.
They may end up looking asymmetrical.
This is not a definitive list, and symptoms will vary with each
patient undergoing eyelid surgery. London clinic Nip N Tuck's
surgeons note that if you have glaucoma or dry eyes that don't
produce enough tears, there is a higher risk of complications
following treatment. Please ask your consultant or eye specialist
for more information.
Post-operative Recovery
Rest is recommended for the first few days following the operation.
It is also preferable to sleep in a semi-reclining position. This
prevents fluid from accumulating in the face, thus reducing the
tendency to swelling. Secretions around the eyes can be cleaned
with warm water.
The swelling and the bruising vary from person to person. Generally,
they will disappear within two weeks after eyelid surgery. London
clinic Nip n Tuck's surgeon's advise that there is usually less
bruising and swelling if you avoid strenuous physical activity,
bending your head down, stressful situations and the consumption
of alcohol.
You should contact your surgeon if you are experiencing severe
pain that is not relieved by your medication; excessive swelling
of the eyelids; or a change in your vision. Your face may look
and feel tender and bruised and it may take up to two weeks for
this swelling to settle. You should be able to go home the same
day or the day after the operation.
You'll need to go back to have your stitches removed four to
seven days after the operation. You should be able to return to
work a week after the operation. For the first six weeks after
the operation, do not lift anything heavy or do anything strenuous.
Most people resume normal activities within two to three weeks.
After your operation
Your surgeon will arrange for you to have follow-up visits to check
on your progress. Complete healing will normally take four to six
months. The scars on the eyelids usually heal very well and are
almost invisible. However, the part of the ear which is situated
beyond the eyelids, in the crows feet area, may take longer to become
soft and pale. Gentle massaging of the lower eyelid and the corners
of the eye may be suggested in order to reduce the swelling and
speed up softening of the skin. Do not hesitate to ask your surgeon
about any concerns you may have regarding the healing process.
The results of eyelid surgery last for a long time. The effects
are sometimes permanent, but the effect may be reduced as you
get older or if you put on weight.
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