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Eyelid Hooding and Eye Bag Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
This is a popular operation with men and women in their thirties. Designed to banish a permanent tired look and give you a fresher appearance, it delivers long-lasting results.
Eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes, which may be so severe that they affect vision. Ageing around the eyes is associated with the formation of excess folds and eye bags. Lost skin elasticity mainly affects the upper eyelids. With age, the brow shifts downwards and your eyebrows come to lie below their usual bony ridge, exaggerating the effect. This surgery removes excess skin and flattens your eye bags.
NB This procedure doesn't deal with dark circles under the eye - that's a circulatory problem. There are Vitamin K creams which can improve this condition.
Who is it suitable for?
People who have either droopy eyelids that are hereditary or have been caused by general ageing, or for those with excessive skin on the lower lids or deposits of fat, creating puffy pads. Lower eyelid surgery is particularly popular with men, who enjoy the procedure's dramatic youthful results.
What Can You Expect?
The incision line is made in the crease of your eye for the upper eyelids, where it is inconspicuous. If you have surgery to your lower eye bags, you might not have any external scarring at all, a procedure that is usually most suitable for younger patients with thicker and more elastic skin, called a transconjunctival blepharoplasty. If you need to have skin removed from the lower lids as well, there's a small incision as close to the lower lids' eyelashes which extends out to the natural crinkles at the corner of your eye.
This procedure can be undertaken under local or general anaesthetic and is usually a day case, so there's normally no need for an overnight stay in hospital.
Eyelid surgery can be performed alone or combined with other facial surgery procedures like face and brow lifts. Surgery normally takes between 1 and 2 hours depending on whether you're having your upper and lower lids corrected.
Possible Risks and Side-effects
Bruising and swelling
Swelling and bruising around the eyes is inevitable and varies from person to person. It tends to be worse on lower lids than on upper lids. Most of the bruising subsides within 7-10 days and can be alleviated with Arnica tablets and cream. It an also help to apply cold ice packs. After your first check-up, which usually takes place 4 to 7 days after the operation, you'll be able to apply mineral make-up.
Infection
Infection can occur on the outer coating of the eye or along the incision lines so it is important to use a prescribed eye ointment to protect your eye throughout the healing stage. It is also a good idea to wear tinted glasses to protect your eyes from bright sunlight, the elements or particles of dirt or dust.
Bleeding
Occasionally a small collection of blood can accumulate under the skin. You might have to have this removed on an outpatient basis. We'll arrange everything for you if so.
Recovery
You should be able to read and watch television after 2 or 3 days. However, you must not use contact lenses for at least the first fortnight after surgery. You should be able to return to work after 5 to 7 days, depending on how fast you heal. You can cover up any residual bruising at this stage with mineral make-up. The eye ointment which you are given can make your eyes a little blurred, but this will correct itself. It is best to avoid computers and excessive reading at least for the first few days after your treatment. It is also important to sit propped up during your first week to reduce swelling and bruising. Your stitches are usually removed within the first week. Remember that healing is a gradual process. Your scars could remain slightly pink for 6 months, then fade to an almost invisible white line.
You could be sensitive to sunlight and wind for a couple of weeks but wearing sunglasses, sunblock and eye treatment cream will aid your recovery. Avoid alcohol, which causes fluid retention. Also avoid rigorous exercise and sport for a month.
Success Rate
This is a highly successful procedure for those aged 30 onwards. The results of this procedure can last for as long as ten years, resulting in a more alert and youthful look. This procedure is often the first cosmetic surgery which people consider.
Impartial and informative cosmetic surgery consultation
As every person has individual requirements, it is vitally important to discuss your goals and expectations before making a decision. We want you to be fully and properly prepared and we'll answer all your questions and concerns.
Our cosmetic surgery consultations are held at our Brighton clinic. They're totally confidential and there's absolutely no obligation. Contact us today for friendly, helpful advice or to book a consultation: Call on 01273 604444, email us or fill in our contact form.
Our commitment to you
Everyone has individual needs. You're unique and we'll treat you that way. At A New You, we know it's vital to discuss your goals and expectations carefully with experts before making a decision. We understand this could be the most important decision you've ever made, and can be life-changing. We're respectful and discreet at all times, and we provide top-quality advice and service in our conveniently located Brighton clinic, for both cosmetic surgery and our extensive range of cosmetic treatments.
Whatever you want, we promise you'll be fully prepared and properly informed. We'll answer all your questions and concerns so that you can make an informed decision, and after your treatment you will receive excellent after-care. You can trust us to be your local, first-choice cosmetic surgery and treatment partner.
