BLEPHAROPLASTY

Over time, the muscles of the eyelids weaken as they start to stretch. This, in turn, allows excess fat to build up above or below the lids, causing bags, sagging brows and droopy upper eyelids.

Am I a suitable candidate for an eyelid lift?

A blepharoplasty or eyelid lift is a cosmetic procedure commonly used to eliminate hooding on the upper lid and ‘eye bags’ beneath the eye and provide an overall more youthful look to the eyes.

It involves minor surgery on the upper or lower eyelid and can be used in conjunction with a brow lift for maximum results.

Before having the procedure, you’ll need to undergo an initial assessment with Mr Paul Tulley. This helps to determine whether there has been any drooping of the brow and whether a brow lift would be a more suitable procedure. In some cases, an endoscopic brow lift would resolve the problem on its own, while in others it could be used alongside upper lid blepharoplasty.

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What should I expect during an eyelid lift?

The technique used during surgery will depend upon whether you’re having the upper or the lower lid treated.

With upper lid blepharoplasty, any excess skin, muscle and fat is removed in order to achieve a more youthful look around the upper lid area. With lower lid blepharoplasty, various techniques can be used. It depends upon what you want to achieve. The lids and cheeks can be smoothed out to better contour the face, or excess fat and skin may be removed. In some cases, part of the cheek’s tissue can also be repositioned to contour the cheek and lid.

Incisions can be made either from above or through the back of the eyelid. However, even if the incision is made through the surface of the eyelid, scarring is typically less of a problem with a blepharoplasty than with other facial surgical procedures as the skin is very thin so tends to heal very well. Mr Tulley can also position the scars so they are usually unnoticeable when fully healed. With upper lid blepharoplasty, the scars are left within the natural crease of the upper eyelid. With lower lid blepharoplasty they are hidden slightly below the eyelashes.

What anaesthetic is used during a blepharoplasty?

In the majority of cases, upper lid blepharoplasty is carried out using local anaesthetic. You will also be sedated and general anaesthetic can be used as an alternative if you’re worried about being awake for the surgery. Lower lid blepharoplasty is more commonly carried out under general anaesthetic. Both procedures can be carried out as a day treatment.

What downtime can I expect after eyelid surgery?

After the surgery, bruising and slight swelling is normal. After five to seven days, the stitches will be removed and you’ll be able to get back to work within ten to 14 days.

Can eyelid surgery be combined with other procedures?

As well as being able to be used in conjunction with an Endoscopic brow lift, the procedure can also be used alongside a facelift to achieve a complete facial rejuvenation.