Surgical Procedures for Women

Face: Brow lift | Eyelids | Ears | Nose | Chin | Facelift | Neck lift

Eyelid reduction (blepharoplasty)

As you age the skin around your eyes loses its elasticity. You may develop loose folds of skin on the upper eyelids and deepening creases on the lower lids. As well as loose skin, the muscles in this area slacken so that any fat bulges forward, giving the appearance of bagginess.

Eyelid reduction, also known as blepharoplasty, is an operation to remove the excess skin and/or fat from around your eyes so that you have a more alert and youthful appearance. Eyelid reduction can be carried out on the upper, lower or both eyelids.

During the blepharoplasty operation Mr Nduka will make cuts around the natural lines of your eyelids and remove the excess skin and fat.

Eyelid surgery is usually performed under a general anaesthetic and you will normally need to stay in hospital for one or two nights.

If you have eyelid reduction only the wrinkles on the area within the bony margins of your eye sockets will be removed. Crow's feet and other wrinkles around the area will not be improved by the procedure. Dark colouring beneath the eyes is also not lightened by eyelid reduction.

You will be advised to keep your head elevated for a few days after eyelid surgery to minimise any swelling. Your eyes may be watery and appear bruised for a few weeks after your operation. Any scarring will be pink and visible for a few months, although eventually this tends to fade and becomes almost invisible and Mr Nduka will discuss this with you prior to your operation.

All operations carry risks as well as benefits. The chance of complications following blepharoplasty depends on the type of operation and other factors such as your general health. Mr Nduka will explain how the risks apply to you.