What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is an operation to correct droopy eyelids and bagginess under the eyes. Rejuvenating eyelid surgery can make you look younger and more alert, but your eyelids also play an important role in the function of your eyes; so it is important to keep them working properly as well as looking good.
The eyes are the focal point of the face. Years of harsh sun exposure, as well as natural ageing, gradually affect the thin, delicate skin around our eyes.
Combined with changes in the deeper tissues around the eyes, these effects may cause the upper eyelids to droop or sag. The lower eyelids may also be affected with shadows and swollen bags worsening over time, making someone look like they are tired or ill.
The condition may progress to the point that it begins to obstruct vision. A single procedure that can be performed in-office may improve this undesirable condition. This procedure, called blepharoplasty, may dramatically restore a healthier and more natural appearance to the area of the eye, as well as improve obstructed vision. If you have experienced similar changes around your eyes, ask your doctor if blepharoplasty is right for you.
Treatment options
Blepharoplasty involves removing excess skin, fat and muscle from around the eyes. It can be carried out on both upper and lower lids, separately or at the same time. It is usually carried out under local anesthetic.
It is normal to have some discomfort around the eyes after the procedure. This can be helped by taking painkillers such as paracetamol. You should expect to have bruising and swelling for up to three weeks after the operation. This might make your eyes feel tight and difficult to close when you go to sleep. Your eyes may also feel sticky, dry and itchy for the first week. For some people they become watery for a few weeks.
Other side-effects can include double or blurred vision for a few days and sensitivity to light for a few weeks.
Important information
In a blepharoplasty procedure, excess skin, muscle and fat may be removed or repositioned in the upper and lower eyelid areas. Your surgeon will first identify the lines and creases of the eyelids to disguise incisional scars among the natural folds of the skin.
The incision for the lower eyelid blepharoplasty may be performed just under the eyelashes or inside of the eyelid. At the end of the procedure the surgeon places fine sutures to close the wounds, which will minimize the scars. An average blepharoplasty procedure can take one or two hours to perform, depending on the extent of your surgery.
Blepharoplasty is a commonly performed and generally safe operation. Our highly qualified oculoplastic surgeons at Exeter Eye are fully trained and experienced in oculoplastic surgery such as blepharoplasty and ptosis surgery. As a dedicated eye surgery clinic, we strive to offer you the safest and most effective eyelid surgery, whether it is corrective or cosmetic.
The very best patient care and comfort
Our experienced ophthalmic surgeons will be with you every step of the way; and for peace of mind will give you their personal mobile numbers so you have professional support 24/7 after your treatment.
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Exeter Eye is a specialist ophthalmic eye clinic treating all eye conditions and offering the very best in patient care and comfort. We always ensure we fully understand your condition and lifestyle before identifying your treatment options and then help you choose the best one for you.