Blepharoplasty (Eyelid reduction)

Upper blepharoplasty can be performed under either general (with you asleep) or local (with you awake) anaesthetic. It involves making an incision along the eyelid and carefully removing excess skin and fat in order to tighten the eyelid and give a more refreshed appearance.

After surgery, you are given cool compresses to limit the immediate swelling and alleviate bruising and discomfort. There will be small sutures that will need to be removed after 6-7 days. It is important to sleep on a few pillows to elevate your head at night for the first few weeks. You will be given an antibiotic ointment to use for the first week.

The bruising and swelling usually settles with a week or two. It is important to use eyedrops for the first couple of months after surgery to prevent dryness of the eye. It may take a couple of months before your eyelids stop being swollen in the morning but this swelling dissipates quickly. Avoid activities which turn your face red for the first few weeks after surgery to minimise swelling.

When undertaken carefully and ensuring conservative skin excision, blepharoplasty is a safe and predictable procedure with long lasting results. As with all surgery, there are risks involved and it is essential to research the procedure thoroughly to understand what it involves. More information can be found here: https://baaps.org.uk/_userfiles/pages/files/procedures/eyelid_reduction_patient_leaflet_1.pdf