Blepharoplasty (eyelid tuck)

Introduction

Blepharoplasty

(

Eyelid tuck

) is an operation designed to remove excess skin and wrinkles from the upper eyelids and or lower eyelids as appropriate.

Blepharoplasty

for both upper and lower eyelids is a term that encompasses a wide range of surgical procedures, ranging from simple excision of excess skin, to more complex re-draping and re-tensioning of the eyelids and removal/redraping of intra-orbital fat. Our surgeons from the LCPCS are well versed in the full range of

blepharoplasty techniques

, including techniques involving canthopexy surgery to elevate the outside margin of the eyelids to produce a pleasing up-curve.

Blepharoplasty

can be combined effectively with brow lift surgery, which influences the position of the eyebrow, and maybe a required combination procedure to achieve the desired effect. Similarly blepharoplasty can be combined with a variety of face lifting procedures as required.

Procedure

Blepharoplasty

techniques can be performed under both local and general anaesthesia, depending upon the extent of the individual surgical plan. Skin incisions are made in hidden creases, and maybe combined with an incision on the inside of the eyelid through the lining tissue (conjunctiva). Eyelid incisions heal beautifully, and are amongst the most forgiving incisions used in any form of cosmetic surgery. The surgical time can take from one to two hours, depending upon the complexity of surgery required to achieve the desired result.

Recovery period

After the surgery the patient awakes with white steristrip tapes applied across the nose and in the crow’s feet area, to secure sutures comfortably away from the eye. An eye pad is applied on both sides, which is comfortably compressed against the upper lid to prevent the eyelid opening beneath. The eye pad provides both comfort and protection from swelling. Occasionally a suture (Frost suture) is placed in the lower eyelid to suspend it against the upper eyelid. This helps minimise the effect of swelling which can displace the lids from their desired position. The eye pads and Frost stitch are removed either later on the day of surgery or the following day. Regular checks of vision are made post operatively, and a cold compress is applied to reduce swelling and provide comfort.

Blepharoplasty surgery

is relatively easy to recover from, and an overnight stay is the longest that is usually required. Swelling and bruising can be persistent and apparent to the casual observer at a week. To more intimate friends, swelling will still be apparent at six weeks, and will be invisible to most observers by six months. Removal of sutures occurs at any time from 3-5 days, and is painless. Gentle cleaning with saline and cotton buds will remove crusting, and occasionally an eye ointment is used to help reduce swelling. Gentle massage of the lids is appropriate after suture removal. Physical exercise and bending should be avoided for 2 weeks, and makeup can be applied after this time

Patient satisfaction from

blepharoplasty procedures

is extremely high. Relative risks and benefits will be discussed by the surgeon at the time of consultation.Pinnaplasty is a commonly requested procedure by both adults and parents for their children, who are the victims of teasing in the playground. It is a safe procedure with high satisfaction and quality of life for those who undergo it, either under local anaesthesia in adulthood, or a short general anaesthetic in childhood.

The procedure restores the balance of the face, taking unwanted attention away from the prominent ear and back to the central face and eyes where most of us interact.

Contact The London Dermatology Centre
Please contact our team on +44 (0203) 0266 903 who will be happy to discuss your needs.
Alternatively, please email us on reception@the-dermatology-centre.co.uk and we will respond to your request as soon as possible.

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