Frequently Asked Questions About Upper Lid Blepharoplasty

In my experience, patients generally want a ‘less tired’ look to their eyelids. They ask for a definite difference, but one that is relatively subtle and natural-looking. Blepharoplasty surgery will achieve this. Eyelid skin normally heals very well and the scar is hidden in the natural skin crease of the lid.

However, there are limitations; it will not improve wrinkles outside of the area of skin which is removed and some surplus skin will remain so that the eyelid can still close.

• Activities such as gentle walking and watching television can be resumed the following day.
• Avoid dusty environments for a week.
• If no fat has been removed, most forms of light exercise and a normal work pattern may be resumed within a few days of surgery. If fat has been removed, you should avoid bending, heavy lifting, straining and exercise for 10 days.
• Avoid swimming for 4 weeks
• Eyelid make-up can be worn from about three weeks after surgery.

Complications in the hands of a trained and experienced oculoplastic surgeon are very rare.

However, no procedure is without risk, and you must be aware of the following:

• Scarring. Scars generally heal so well as to be nearly invisible and are hidden in the natural skin folds. In very rare cases, abnormal scars may result and be unattractive and of different colour to the surrounding skin.
• More than one operation is very occasionally required to achieve the desired result in the event of under or over-correction. Overcorrection in lower lid surgery can lead to ectropion, in which the lower eyelid is displaced away from the eyeball. This can require surgical correction if it fails to settle spontaneously.
• Infection of the wound. After operations around the eye, infections are a rare event and require treatment with antibiotics.
• Numbness of the upper eyelid (upper lid blepharoplasty only) sometimes occurs, but resolves with time.
• Cysts may form along the stitches. This sometimes requires a small procedure to remove them. I use a special suture that is rarely associated with this problem.
• High eyelid crease. The upper eyelid crease may be slightly higher or lower than normal following upper lid blepharoplasty. This may need correction, depending upon the cosmetic result.
• Chemosis - swelling of the membrane that covers the white of the eye. This is very unusual and settles with time.
• Double vision. One of the muscles which controls eye movements can rarely be damaged. Double vision is extremely rare, but may be permanent. The advantage of being treated by a dedicated eye plastic surgeon is that we operate in these areas routinely and should more easily recognize and prevent such problems.
• Dry eyes can occur for 2-3 weeks following surgery due to reduced blinking. Lubricant drops or gel will be prescribed to alleviate any discomfort.
• Orbital haemorrhage. This is extremely rare and can cause temporary or permanent loss of vision. It requires urgent treatment and you must contact me immediately.
• Incomplete eyelid closure. This is normal for a few days and nearly always settles spontaneously without the need for secondary surgery. Lubricant drops/gel will reduce any associated discomfort.