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EYELID SURGERY
In an upper and/or lower eyelid lift (known as a
blepharoplasty) skin and any excess fat is removed from your
upper/lower lids. The resulting scars are placed within the skin
creases and usually fade well over subsequent weeks and months.
However, the tightening of the skin does not get rid of any
lines around your eyes.
After the operation, you will be in hospital either for the
day or overnight and you will then come back to see us a week
later when the stitches will be removed. You will have bruising
around your eyes for approximately three weeks.
As with any operation, there is a risk of infection but this
is extremely uncommon around the eyes. The scars may become red,
raised and itchy over a period of six to eight week but then
should settle over the subsequent months. In some people, the
scars may remain red and raised and itchy for up to eighteen
months. If this occurs, the final scar will stretch. It is not
possible to guarantee symmetry of the lids after removal of fat
and skin from both eyes. Very rarely this may leave the eyes
feeling very tight after surgery, perhaps with more white of the
eye showing or even with the lower lid turning outwards
slightly. This usually settles as the scars settle but if it
persists, skin may have to be reintroduced into the eyelids.
There is a theoretical risk of blindness with any operation
or accident around the eye. This risk is in the region of 1 in
12,000. When you are in the recovery area after surgery, your
vision will be checked. If there is a problem you will be
returned to the operating theatre and the stitches removed. The
reasons for the loss of sight are poorly understood and may be
due to either a blood clot behind the eye or reflex spasm within
one of the blood vessels supplying the central nerve of the eye.
If this does occur, the loss of vision may be permanent. It is
essential that you do not smoke the week before or after
surgery.
Some patients find that the eyes are more dry after eyelid
surgery and contact lenses may be more difficult to wear for a
short time. Due to tightening of the lid sometimes your glasses
prescription can change and you may have to have your eyes
checked by your optician after surgery.
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