The operation is usually performed under local anaesthesia, which involves an injection underneath the eyelid skin. This is mildly uncomfortable rather than painful. If you prefer, local anaestheisa can be combined with sedation.
The area of skin to be removed is marked with ink, before a crescent shaped incision is made and the excess skin is cut away. As shown in the illustration, the incisions follow the natural lines in the skin of your eyelids and extend a little into the laughter lines (‘crow’s feet’). In patients with bulges of fat, particularly in the inner corner of the upper eyelids, some of the fat may also be removed.
The incision is closed with stitches, which are removed one week later.
At the end of the operation ointment is put on the wounds and eye pads are applied to the lids. These pads are removed 30 minutes later.
A “Colorado needle” is used for the incisions rather than a surgical blade and scissors. This greatly reduces bleeding, which results in a faster recovery time.