Blepharoplasty

Eyelid rejuvenation surgery is suitable for both male and female patients. As discussed above, there are several reasons why you may seek eyelid rejuvenation surgery to freshen up your appearance. You may feel that you have excessive skin or fatty bulges (‘eye bags’). This may have come on as you’ve aged or you may be a younger patient with these problems due to lifestyle or genetic factors. You may also feel that you have a constant tired or angry look.  Some people have severe excess skin in the upper eyelids affecting their vision and this is a medical reason to seek eyelid surgery.

If you are over 18, generally healthy, not overweight and a non-smoker, you are suitable for eyelid rejuvenation surgery. Occasionally, some people who seek eyelid rejuvenation surgery may actually not be suitable, and may require a different treatment (including non-surgical rejuvenation procedures). For example, if you require a mild degree of tightening TIXEL skin resurfacing may be more suitable, if fine lines and wrinkles are your main concern then anti-wrinkle injections may be an option and if you have a tear trough problem then dermal fillers may be best for you. During your consultation, you will be advised on whether eyelid rejuvenation surgery is suitable for you.

At your consultation, you will meet Dr Kian, a fully-qualified plastic surgeon who is trained in both surgical and non-surgical eyelid rejuvenation. He will take a full medical history including details of medications, allergies, smoking and eye problems. Dr Kian also always takes time to understand what your goals and concerns are.

During your examination, the following will be assessed systematically and standard clinical photographs will be taken for your medical record:

• amount of excessive skin
• fat bulges
• skin quality
• brow ptosis (drooping brows, including ‘compensated brow ptosis’ which causes you to subconsciously raise your brows)

Dr Kian will then discuss your procedure with you. He will also discuss the incision and scar that you are likely to expect. He will explain the potential risks and complications of surgery so that you make a fully-informed decision. There will be plenty of time to answer any questions that you may have and you can rest assured that Dr Kian will give you his honest, professional advice.

Dr Kian is trained in different eyelid surgery techniques and the incision that you will have will depend on your individual circumstances. Dr Kian will examine your eyelids during your consultation and discuss with you what your goals are before advising on which technique is suitable for you. Below are some of the more popular techniques that Dr Kian uses:

• Upper eyelid blepharoplasty – with this technique, the scar is carefully placed within your eyelid crease. Most of the time this will result in a fine scare that is hidden in the crease when your eyes are open. However, the scar may be visible with trained eyes when you close your eyes. In women, this can be easily concealed with make up. There will also be a small extension to the scar into your usual crows feet lines, that usually fade well with time.
• Subciliary lower eyelid blepharoplasty – with this technique, the scar is carefully placed just under your lash line. This usually results in a discreet scar that is not clearly visible just under your lashes. This technique may be used when excessive lower eyelid skin needs to be removed.
• Transconjunctival lower eyelid blepharoplasty – with this technique, the incision is placed on the inner surface of your eyelid (conjunctiva). As a result, there is no visible scar externally. This technique may not be suitable if excessive lower eyelid skin needs to be removed.

Eyelid rejuvenation surgery will produce immediate results however you will have post-surgical swelling and bruising that will take 2 weeks to subside. Sometimes, bruising can take several weeks to completely disappear. Full results are usually seen after 6 weeks.

You will be able to wear make up 7 days after your surgery. You will not be able to wear contact lenses for at least 2 weeks following eyelid surgery.

Most patients are very satisfied with the results of their eyelid rejuvenation surgery. However, it is important to choose a surgeon who is appropriately trained in blepharoplasty surgery to minimise the risk of complications. During your consultation, Dr Kian will explain the potential risks and complications of your procedure. Some of these include:

• Scar – the exact scar will depend on the specific technique and will be discussed
• Infection – some wound infections may require antibiotic treatment.
• Bleeding/haematoma – bleeding after surgery may require a second operation to remove the blood clot and stop any bleeding.
• Wound healing problems – occasionally, there may be areas that take a bit longer to heal due to either infection, impaired blood supply or skin necrosis.
• Problems closing your eyelids (usually temporary)
• Ectropion (pulling down of your lower eyelid)
• Unfavourable results – this may be due to problems with asymmetry, under- or over-correction of your problem
• Problems with vision – dry/watery eyes, chemosis and conjunctivitis are common and usually subside. Rarer side effects include blurred/double vision and blindness (very rare).

Recovery time is very individual, however for most people this will be between 7 to 14 days. We would normally advise to take a 1-2 weeks off work, however you may return to work sooner or later depending on how you recover and the type of work that you do. Full results take at least 6 weeks, however this will vary from person to person.

Dr Kian believes that good aftercare is as important as the surgery itself. You will be given contact details to get in touch should you have any concerns after your surgery. You will be advised to have someone with you for at least the first 24 hours after your surgery. You will have a clinic appointment approximately 5 days after your procedure to remove your sutures. At this time, the wound is inspected to ensure that it is healing well and there is no infection. You will have a full review appointment with Dr Kian at approximately 6 weeks after your surgery to check that you are happy with your results and to give you long-term aftercare instructions.