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An upper blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that involves removal of excess upper eyelid skin. This surgery can sometimes commonly be referred to as an ‘upper eyelid lift’ or ‘upper eyelid skin removal’.
With ageing, the upper eyelid skin and the muscles supporting the eyelids weaken and become lax. Folds of skin can gather and lead to the appearance of overhang, ‘droopy’, upper eyelids.
There are many reasons why you may want to have upper blepharoplasty surgery:
1. Heavy feeling to the upper eyelid
2. Tired and aged look to the eyes
3. Eye shadow/make up become difficult to apply
4. Vision can be affected by the overhanging skin
Removal of the excess upper eyelid skin can help to relieve these problems.
Upper eyelid skin removal can be done under either local or general anaesthetic but either way, you will be able to go home the same day. It is up to you to decide what you are more comfortable with. Some prefer a general anaesthetic so they are not aware of what ishappening during the operation. If you decide to stay awake during the surgery, then you will require a local anaesthetic injection into the upper lids to numb the area.
Every surgical procedure has potential risks and you should be aware of these before proceeding. Firstly, there will be a permanent scar across both upper eyelids. The scars are often heal well and so they are hardly visible after surgery. Other potential complications, although uncommon include, bleeding, wound infection, delayed wound healing, over or under removal of the upper eyelid skin and asymmetry. If you are a smoker, it is important that you stop smoking a few weeks ahead of the surgery to minimise any wound healing problems and promote good healing.
After the surgery, you will have a thin dressing over the wound but you should be able to see as normal. Staying slightly upright overnight in bed helps to reduce swelling. You will be seen at 10 to 12 days in the dressing clinic to check on the wounds. After removal ofthe dressing at 10 to 12 days, you will be able to wash the upper eyelid area and we recommend that you moisturise the scars daily till they soften and fade(usually around 3 months).
Although there may be a dressing, you should be able to return to work the next day. You should be able to apply makeup after 3 weeks to the upper eyelids. After 4 weeks, it should be fine to do swimming and rigorous exercise.
The cost of upper blepharoplasty surgery (which includes all your after care) under local anaesthetic starts from £3000.00. The cost of surgery varies depending on the amount of excess tissue(skin +/- fat) to be removed, if you have had previous surgery, if you prefer to have a general anaesthetic and the hospital where you choose to have surgery.
For more detailed information on upper eyelid skin removal surgery, please view our upper blepharoplasty patient leaflet and view our procedure page.
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