Aesthetic Surgery

What is this treatment?

Oculoplastic assessment focuses on eyelids and their immediate surroundings. Blepharoplasty may address excess skin or fat. Ptosis surgery targets eyelid position. Selected cases may also involve brow or outer eye-corner surgery.

Blocked tear ducts and repair after trauma have different aims. Therefore, do not consider them solely aesthetic changes. This page concerns the eye area.

The NHS information on eyelid surgery explains decisions, recovery and risks. Your personal plan varies with the selected procedure.

Who may be suitable?

Excess eyelid skin, bags, a low brow or eyelid position may prompt assessment. However, do not decide from a photograph or procedure name alone. True eyelid drooping and excess skin, for example, may need different approaches.

Congenital or traumatic problems also need examination. Discuss dry eye, thyroid disease, diabetes and bleeding problems too. Sudden eyelid drooping, double vision or vision loss should not wait for an aesthetic appointment.

How is it performed?

1. First, identify the cause through an eye examination and eyelid assessment.
2. Then discuss the aim, technique and non-surgical options with your surgeon. Having no procedure is also an option.
3. Anaesthesia and surgical location depend on scope and health. Plan medicine changes with the relevant doctor.
4. The surgeon performs the selected procedure on the eyelid, brow or supporting tissues.
5. Finally, clarify discharge, support at home and follow-up. Going home the same day may not suit everyone.

Recovery

Swelling, bruising and tenderness may occur during the first days. Some eyelid operations require around two weeks away from work. However, your job and procedure scope affect this. Scars and remaining swelling may take longer to settle.

Follow the care and medicine advice provided. Also ask about driving, contact lenses, makeup and exercise. Attend suture checks. Do not judge final symmetry while swelling remains.

Risks and side effects

Aesthetic surgery can cause bleeding, infection, noticeable scars or asymmetry. Dryness, difficulty closing the eyelids and outward turning of the lower lid are also possible. Rarely, bleeding behind the eye can threaten vision. Further corrective surgery may be needed.

Sudden reduced vision, severe eye pain or rapidly increasing swelling require emergency care. Contact the surgical team promptly for fever, discharge or increasing redness.