Upper Eyelid Reduction
(Upper Blepharoplasty)
Why do patients request this procedure?
Patients request this procedure because they are self conscious about wrinkling and drooping of the upper eyelids. Some patients experience difficulty with upward gaze when the excess skin of the upper eyelid blocks their vision.
Why does this condition occur?
This condition is the natural consequence of ageing. It results from increasing laxity of upper eyelid skin and from downward descent of the brow.
What does the surgery for this condition involve?
Correction of upper eyelid excess and fat pads can be carried out under local anaesthetic or under general anaesthetic as part of another procedure. Most patients can have this done as a day procedure.
What is the normal postoperative care?
Following surgery there is significant bruising and swelling of the upper eyelids, which normally resolves in a fortnight. You will be given an appointment a few days following the operation for removal of sutures and will be reviewed by your surgeon a week after the operation.
Most patients are able to return to work within a week or two of the operation.
How long do I need off work?
Most patients are able to return to work within a week or two of the operation.
How long do I need to be in hospital?
Most patients spend one night in hospital after this operation.
What are the complications of this procedure?
Like any other operation this procedure has complications such as bleeding, haematoma (blood clot underneath the skin), infection, visible scar and asymmetry. These are rare occurrences. Occasionally patients require a small secondary revision procedure but this is uncommon (less than 5% of patients).