What is blepharoplasty surgery?

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid reduction surgery is to remove excess skin or fat from the upper or lower eyelids, to improve hooded or droopy eyelids or eye bags.

Why consider blepharoplasty surgery?

As we age, the skin around our eyes starts to lose its elasticity causing gradual fine lines and wrinkles and over time, under eye bags will start to develop as the muscles relax and lower eyelids sag down. In addition, our upper eyelids can also start to droop and wrinkle with age. Eyelid reduction surgery is common and is one of the most successful surgeries performed in the UK.

Heavy upper eyelids, dark circles or bags around the eyes, often leads to a tired and aged look. Surgery around the eyes requires precision, as even the most subtle changes can be detected.

My approach to eyelid surgery is based on the patient’s facial balance, taking both lifestyle and genetic factors into account. This means I assess the face as a whole to ensure that harmony is kept with both the brow and mid-face areas to ensure patients leave with a natural looking result.

MR OLIVIER AMAR

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What happens during blepharoplasty surgery?

During the operation, the loose skin and excess fatty tissue around the eye area will be removed, tightening the relaxed muscles and giving the skin a firmer, more youthful appearance.

CAN ANY OTHER PROCEDURES BE DONE AT THE SAME TIME?

Blepharoplasty surgery can often be combined with fat transfer to restore volume in the face and fill out areas that may need it, such as the hollows of the cheeks, temples and eyebrows, giving a result that is subtle and rejuvenating with a much more youthful result.

How long does the surgery take?

A blepharoplasty is a short operation, taking between 1-2 hours.

DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING BEFORE THE PROCEDURE?

Prior to any blepharoplasty procedure, you are required to provide the results of a recent eye test or schedule one in advance of any surgery. Recent results must be within the last 6 months. This is to detect and eliminate any anomalies which could complicate the procedure or indicate that it is not recommended for you.

Where will the incisions be positioned?

For the upper eyelids, they are concealed in the fold situated at the mid-point of the eyelid, between the mobile and fixed parts.

For lower eyelids, in the case of isolated “bags” (without excess skin to be removed), a blepharoplasty can be carried out by the transconjunctival approach, that is by using incisions placed inside the eyelids, thus leaving no visible scar.

Will I have obvious scars following blepharoplasty surgery?

The scars may remain as pinkish lines for the first few weeks, but can be hidden by makeup from the 7th day onward.

What form of anaesthetic will be used?

All blepharoplasty procedures are performed by Mr Olivier Amar as day surgery. Blepharoplasty surgery is performed under total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA), a technique of anaesthesia which uses a combination of agents given exclusively via the intravenous route without the use of gas anaesthesia. This means you will sleep comfortably throughout the procedure and wake immediately afterwards with a significantly reduced likelihood of feeling groggy or nauseous. The anaesthesia will be explained to you by your anaesthetist during the preoperative consultation.  Having surgery under TIVA allows you to go home the same day to rest and recuperate in comfort.

WILL IT BE POSSIBLE FOR ME TO STAY IN HOSPITAL FOLLOWING MY PROCEDURE?

We are happy to arrange the procedure at a hospital with an overnight stay facility if you wish or assist with a nurse to stay with you overnight as well as helping you find local accommodation after your surgery if necessary.

When will I see the results of blepharoplasty surgery?

This can be truly seen from three to six months after surgery.

How can I compliment my overall result? 

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What can I expect after blepharoplasty surgery?

You may experience bruising and swelling 1-2 few weeks after the operation, this should settle between 7 and 10 days. Initially you can expect to experience mild pain and discomfort, which can be managed by a pain killer prescription and eye ointments provided.

You will be asked to come in for a post-operative nurse appointment one week after your surgery. At this point your incision sites will be reviewed, stitches removed and your preliminary healing will be assessed. You will come back at six week after surgery to be reviewed by Mr Amar.

Your eyes may feel dry and gritty initially, but this usually resolves after a short time. Therefore lubricating drops and ointment is always prescribed to keep the eye moist. Some people find they need to use this for over 1-month following surgery.

How long do I have to wait to return to normal activities following the surgery?

Depending on your type of daily activity, you will usually be able to resume your normal activities after one to two weeks. Strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks. Mr Amar will discuss this with you in further detail at your consultation.