Upper Eyelid Reduction- Blepharoplasty
Removal of loose skin and excess fatty tissue in the upper eyelid area.
Aim of surgery;
- Can improve vision if surgery is undertaken for functional reasons
- Restores a youthful and fresher look around the eyes
- Reduces heavy and sagging appearance of upper eyelid
As we age, our eyelids stretch and the muscles supporting them weaken. The effect is heightened in smokers and those who have had excessive sun exposure. Drooping eyelids can give the eyes an older, tired look and a hooded or bulging appearance. They may also interfere with vision.
Upper Blepharoplasty is a type of surgery that removes excess skin, muscle and far from the upper eyelid.
What happens at consultation?
Initially you will meet your surgeon to discuss expectations for the outcome of the procedure, to ensure your goals are realistic and achievable.
Your surgeon will discuss all potential post-operative complications at length at your consultation. We advise our patients to fully research your procedure, so that you can ask any relevant questions at your consultation and have a realistic expectation of the outcome.
The Surgery
The procedure is undertaken under local anaesthetic which involves an injection into the skin to numb the area.
This procedure involves a small incision in the natural crease of your eyelid, where a small crescent-shaped piece of excess skin will be removed, leaving enough slack for the eye to remain comfortable to close following the recovery period. Your surgeon may also feel it is necessary to remove any excess fat or muscle from the area to help improve the overall result.
Recovery
As this procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, you will be discharged from the clinic on the same day.
You will be given post-surgical advice on taking care of your wound and changing dressings. Paracetamol should be adequate for pain relief over the following 24-48 hours and any exercise should be avoided immediately following your procedure.
Swelling and bruising may take several weeks to dissipate. Avoid stooping and sleep propped up.
It may take several months for scars to fully heal and for the final results to be evident.
Take care to protect your delicate eyelid skin from too much sun exposure.
FAQs
Who will carry out of this procedure?
At the Belfast Skin Clinic, our team of highly experienced and GMC accredited Consultant Plastic Surgeons will carry out this upper eyelid (blepharoplasty) surgery.
Will I be a suitable candidate?
Your consultant will meet with you to assess your eyes and try to best understand whether your desire for surgery is functional i.e. loss of peripheral vision, or cosmetic i.e. to improve cosmetic appearance.
The decision for proceeding can only be determined at consultation when a full assessment will help your Consultant determine what is the likely outcome and whether this matches your desired results.
Will I have to stay overnight in the clinic?
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic and you will be discharged on the same day as your procedure with the appropriate aftercare advice.
Appointments for aftercare and follow up will be arranged as required.
Will the scarring be noticeable?
Our team of plastic surgeons are very experienced at carrying out meticulous surgery techniques making them the first choice for any cosmetic surgeries to the head, face and neck area.
Upper blepharoplasty surgery is completed on the natural folds of the skin to minimise the risk of scarring; however, small scars are inevitable with most surgery.
Scarring varies with the individual and their skin type, so be sure to talk to your Consultant if you have any concerns regarding scarring.
What is this surgery likely to cost?
Following your consultation the cost of surgery is £3850.
We would encourage patients to make your decision regarding surgery based on clinical facts and practitioner experience rather than cost as a this is not an indicator of good practice or service quality.
The Belfast Skin Clinic is fully RQIA accredited and we pride ourselves on having top Consultants in their field, excellent patient testimonials and the highest quality facilities and surgical equipment available.