Blepharoplasty

About blepharoplasty

What is blepharoplasty?

  • Blepharoplasty is the name given to an operation that reshapes the area around the eyes, by removing excess skin, muscle, and/or fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids to restore a more youthful appearance.

  • The upper and lower eyelids are treated differently depending on what’s needed.

  • Upper blepharoplasty surgery can improve hooded or droopy eyelids.

  • Lower blepharoplasty surgery can reduce eye bags and wrinkles.

  • Blepharoplasty can be performed for cosmetic or functional reasons – some people have impaired vision caused by droopy upper eyelids.

About blepharoplasty

    • The eyes are often the first thing people notice when they meet you – and also the first place where signs of aging appear.

    • Blepharoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic procedures in plastic surgery. While it might seem like a simple operation, obtaining a very good surgical result requires a deep understanding of facial anatomy, ageing, and surgical techniques.

    • Older techniques often removed too much tissue, sometimes leaving the eyes looking hollow. The way Dr Law approaches blepharoplasty is to reduce the excess skin around the eyelids, but also to restore the volume that has been lost around the eyes during the ageing process. By combining these steps, a more natural and youthful look can be achieved - without the hollowed or “overdone” appearance.

Surgery

    • Please stop taking aspirin or blood thinning medications two weeks before surgery, if medically cleared to do so.

    • Please stop smoking six weeks before surgery.

    • Tell Dr Law if you have any eye issues like dry eyes, frequent infections, or excessive tearing.

    • Fasting:

      • If you are having a general anaesthesia or sedation, you will need to be fasted for your surgery

    • Avoid wearing makeup or creams on the day of surgery.

    • Bring headphones and smartphone for entertainment afterwards.

    • Bring sunglasses for your trip home and arrange for someone to drive you home and to stay with you for the first night.

    • Surgery is usually done as a day case.

    • You may have a local anaesthetic, with or without sedation, or a general anaesthetic, especially if both upper and lower lids are being treated.

    Lower eyelids:

    • If there’s only fat, a hidden incision is made inside the lower eyelid.

    • If skin also needs removal, a cut is made just under the eyelashes, which may extend into the crow’s feet.

    • In general, fat is removed or moved from the eyebags, excess skin is trimmed, and the area is closed.

    • If there is hollowing under your eyelid, you may be suitable for microfat grafting to restore the contours of the eye area. Please see section on Facial Fat Grafting.

    Stitches are usually removed 5 to 7 days after the operation. Swelling and bruising are common, so allow up to 2 weeks for recovery.

    • Upper eyelids:

      • A small cut is made in the natural eyelid fold and excess skin is removed.

      • In some cases, a more complex method is used to restore the eyelid shape.

      • Upper eyelid surgery may also be combined with a brow lift, which can sometimes be performed through the same cut for the upper eyelid surgery.

    • After surgery, your eyes may be covered with pads and a special cream, which can blur your vision at first.

    • You may have cold compresses applied and Dr Law will check on you before you go home.

    • At home:

      • Rest with your head propped up on pillows.

      • Avoid smoking until wounds have healed.

      • Avoid alcohol for five days.

      • Expect some swelling, bruising, and possibly watery or gritty eyes – this is normal.

      • You may need mild painkillers (like paracetamol)

      • You can wash your hair (with help) on day 2, leaning your head backwards.

    • Makeup can usually be worn again after one week, once stitches are removed.

    • Avoid strong sun or heat for six weeks to reduce swelling risk.

Risks & complications

    • Drug reactions: You can have reactions to anaesthesia. However a fully qualified anaesthetist will speak to you before surgery to ensure your anaesthetic will be as safe and smooth as possible.

    • Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to materials such as sutures, dressings, or antiseptic solutions are possible. We will ask about any known allergies beforehand to help avoid exposure during surgery.

    • Infection: This is a rare complication. You will be given antibiotics at the start of your surgery (as you go to sleep), as well as a course of oral antibiotics afterwards, to help minimise this risk. 

    • Bleeding and haematoma (blood clot): a bit of bleeding onto the dressing is common and usually stops on its own. There is a very small risk of blood clots, requiring drainage.

  • All surgery carries risks. These include:

    • Bruising and swelling are common but usually mild.

    • Watery eyes in cold or windy weather is normal in the first few weeks.

    • Redness, lumpiness, or small cysts along the scar line may appear but often settle.

    • Subconjunctival oedema (a jelly-like swelling on the white of the eye) sometimes happens but resolves on its own.

    • Dry eyes

    • Rare complications such as difficulty closing the eyes or asymmetry

    • Vision loss: it is very rare, but serious bleeding behind the eye could damage your sight. This is why you’ll stay for monitoring after surgery and Dr Law will check your eyes before you go home. 

    Choosing a specialist plastic surgeon with proper anaesthetic support helps minimise these risks.

Book your Appointment

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