Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Blepharoplasty is the medical name for surgery of the eyelids. It involves the removal of baggy skin from the upper and lower lids, along with any excess fat and muscle. It can be performed on either the upper lids or the lower or both together. The eyes are the focal point of the face and they give away ones expression and mood often better than speaking, which is why so many of us put so much effort into keeping them wide open, fresh and young.

The skin around the eyes can be quite thin and delicate. Often the first signs of ageing begin in this area such as skin stretching, muscle weakening and extra fat accumulating under the eyes and on the browbone. This may lead to sagging eyebrows, drooping upper lids and under eye bags. Blepharoplasty can revitalise the eyes and in doing so create a more youthful expression.

Blepharoplasty can be performed under local anaesthetic but is more commonly performed under a general anaesthetic, requiring an overnight stay at the Hospital. Incisions are carefully placed so that within several months they will hardly be visible. On the upper lids the incision is about an inch long and lies in the fold of the eyelid. On the lower eyelids the incision is made just under the lashes in the natural crease. The excess skin and muscle fibres are then removed along with the puffy, fatty tissue. The incisions are closed using very fine suture material.