How eyelid cosmetic surgery is done (Eye Lift)

The cosmetic eyelid surgery, Eye Lift, blepharoplasty, is generally performed as a day patient in hospital. It may be combined with other cosmetic surgical procedures, such as brow lift and/or a facelift. Before anaesthesia is given, a detailed "map" of the skin and/or fat to be removed is drawn on your skin using a special marking pen.

The cosmetic surgery is planned and marked when you are awake to preserve your natural expression and eye shape as well as the mechanical function of your eyelids. Upper blepharoplasty means trimming excessive tissues in the upper eyelid fold. An incision is placed in the crease above the eyelid margin.

This is very carefully marked on both sides to obtain the best possible symmetry. After the skin is removed, the very fine muscular layer, which lies under the skin, may also be removed. Some people also need reduction of fatty tissue, which lies deep to this layer. The amount of skin, muscle and fat to be removed is a matter of careful judgement by the surgeon. Often patients have asymmetric eyes before surgery and a surgeon will try to allow for this to create symmetry where possible.

The lower blepharoplasty incision can be placed inside or outside the eyelid. It is often done on the inside of the eyelid and fat is removed (this is known as the transconjunctival approach). This leaves no external cuts visible under the eye. Placing the incision on the inside of the eyelid has many benefits. These include having no visible scars and more importantly not interfering with the lower eyelid support mechanism. This reduces the risk of the eyelid being pulled down during healing. However this approach does not permit removal of the loose skin. In such cases other techniques such as laser skin resurfacing or chemical peeling must be done to tighten the lower eyelid skin if it is loose.

The external lower blepharoplasty incision provides access to remove the deeper fatty layer, as well as permitting removal of the skin. As indicated above this approach leaves a scar and may weaken the lower lid.

Mr Golchin will discuss these options with you to determine which approach is most suited to your eyes. At the conclusion of the operation the upper eyelid incision is stitched closed and a special dressing is applied when needed.

RISKS of eyelid / Eye Lift cosmetic surgery

As with any operation, the eyelid cosmetic surgery has minimal risks and potential complications. However, with highly trained doctors and nurses making up the surgical team, complications are extremely rare and usually minor. Like all surgeries, the risk of bleeding, infection, scarring or an anaesthetic problem is present.

After some months, the wound can be hard to see. Often the eyelid wound looks a little irregular or lumpy due to the pulling of the stitch in the very fine skin. This area usually settles down in time but rarely will need an adjustment as a very minor procedure under local anaesthetic.

Rarely, a patient experiences corneal irritation due to drying of the eye during surgery. This can be treated easily and usually resolves completely overnight. Excessive removal of skin can result in a pulling down of the lower lid or in the inability to completely close the eyes, which can result in dryness or irritation. This is avoided by careful measurements and execution of the surgical plan. A surgical revision can correct this problem. Visual disturbance is exceedingly rare.

You can reduce your risks by closely following our detailed postoperative instructions.