UPPER AND LOWER EYELID COSMETIC SURGERY (BLEPHAROPLASTY)

Eyelid Cosmetic Surgery to improve 'eyebags' can be very successful in restoring a more 'open' and youthful appearance around the eyes. However, the perception that it is a simple, quick and straightforward procedure for bilateral blepharoplasty lid lift and tuck should be qualified.

The operation of of lower and upper lid blepharoplasty generally involves removing excess skin, muscle and fat from the eyelid. Scars are placed in natural creases and easily concealed.

Upper and lower eyelid surgery can be carried out under local or general anaesthesia as a day procedure.

Although bilateral blepharoplasty lid lift and tuck is a popular procedure, there are limitations as to what can be achieved. Fine wrinkles in the lower eyelid are not removed and removal of too much fat can produce a hollowing effect after a few years.

There are now several alternatives and refinements to the traditional procedure of lower and upper lid blepharoplasty. Removal of fat alone can be performed through an incision on the inside of the eyelid without any scar on the skin. For some patients, the fat can be reshaped rather than removed. Laser can be used to improve the wrinkling of the skin although this can result in a permanent lightening of the skin colour.

CANTHOPEXY

The lower lid can be tightened or elevated as a part of the procedure. This is known as a 'Canthopexy'.

Excess skin folds in the upper lid can commonly occur when the eyebrows become lower and heavier. In these circumstances, a more natural and long lasting improvement can be achieved by elevating the brow. This is known as a browlift (See Facial).

Careful assessment preoperatively is essential to avoid complications. A history of dry eyes or eye allergies may predispose to problems postoperatively. Occasionally, an assessment by an eye surgeon is advisable before proceeding with surgery.

COMPLICATIONS AFTER UPPER AND LOWER EYELID COSMETIC SURGERY (BLEPHAROPLASTY)

Cosmetic upper and lower eyelid surgery can result in a variety of complications. Most of these are minor and temporary.

Excessive removal of skin and / or fat can result in a variety of unwanted effects. These include, 'rounding' of the eye, asymmetry of the lids, a 'hollowing' in the lower lid and a lowering of the position of the lower lid. The result of these problems is to produce an 'operated' look. This is known as post blepharoplasty syndrome. Correction of post blepharoplasty syndrome is difficult and may involve secondary procedures including canthopexy or even 'Mask' lifts (See Facial).

Some patients request upper and lower eyelid surgery as a result of specific problems.

Thyroid disease can cause bulging of the eyes and retraction of the eyelids. The management of thyroid eye disease is complex and may require surgery of the bones of the orbit as well as the soft tissues.

Sometimes, drooping of the upper eyelid (ptosis) may be caused by a problem with a specific muscle. This condition must be recognised preoperatively as it will not be improved by blepharoplasty.

If you want more information on Bilateral Blepharoplasty lid lift and tuck of lower and upper eyelid, call us at 020 7636 4073 in the UK.