Procedure guide · Oculoplastic and cosmetic surgery
Blepharoplasty removes loose skin and extra fat from the eyelids. MedlinePlus says an eyelid lift is needed when drooping reduces vision. Some people have it to change their appearance. It will not remove wrinkles around the eyes, lift sagging brows or clear dark circles. It is usually done as a day procedure.
What is blepharoplasty?
MedlinePlus describes the procedure. You receive medicine to relax and numbing medicine around the eye, and you may stay awake. The surgeon makes cuts in the natural creases of the eyelid and removes loose skin and fat. If the eyelid itself droops (ptosis), the tendon may also be tightened. The cuts are closed with stitches. Scars usually fade to a thin line hidden in the eyelid fold.
Who may be suitable?
MedlinePlus lists conditions that make blepharoplasty riskier. They include diabetes, dry eye or low tear production, heart or blood vessel disease, high blood pressure and thyroid problems such as Graves disease. Tell the surgeon about any of these. The surgeon and your eye doctor decide whether surgery is safe.
MedlinePlus lists risks. They include dry eyes, double or blurred vision, difficulty closing the eyes during sleep, scarring and eyelids that do not match. Damage to the eye or loss of vision is rare.
Which reports does a surgeon usually ask for?
MedlinePlus says you may be asked to have your vision tested by your eye doctor beforehand. Send that report and any recent eye examination. If drooping blocks your sight, say so and send any visual field test you have. Send clear photographs of your eyes open and closed. List medicines, especially blood thinners and eye drops. Mention contact lens use and any previous eye surgery.
Contact lenses and screens
MedlinePlus advises avoiding contact lenses for a period after surgery. Pack glasses for the trip. Light sensitivity, tearing and blurred vision can occur at first. Plan rest rather than sightseeing.
How do you plan the trip?
The stages are a remote review, a consultation, the procedure and a wound check. Stitch removal follows, if needed. MedlinePlus advises keeping your head raised and using cold packs wrapped in a towel to reduce swelling. Most people go home the same day. You will need an adult to accompany you. The NHS warns that facial surgery and flying both carry a risk of blood clots. It advises waiting before flying. Your surgeon decides when that is safe.
What should you ask the surgeon?
- Is my problem excess skin, a drooping lid (ptosis), or both?
- Will you operate on upper lids, lower lids, or both?
- Do my dry eyes or thyroid condition affect the plan?
- Who removes the stitches, and when?
- Which eye drops or ointment will I need?
- What symptoms after surgery need urgent attention?
Questions people ask
Can blepharoplasty remove wrinkles or dark circles?
No. MedlinePlus says eyelid surgery will not remove wrinkles around the eyes, lift sagging eyebrows or remove dark circles. A brow lift or other treatment may be discussed for those concerns.
Will I be awake during eyelid surgery?
Often yes. MedlinePlus says you are given medicine to relax and numbing medicine around the eye, and you may be awake. Your surgeon will explain the anaesthetic plan. Arrange for an adult to take you back afterwards.
Is ptosis repair the same as blepharoplasty?
Not quite. MedlinePlus explains that eyelid lift surgery can include ptosis repair, where the eyelid tendon is tightened, or blepharoplasty, where loose skin and fat are removed. Some people need both. Your surgeon will explain which applies.
Can eyelid surgery be combined with other facial surgery?
MedlinePlus says an eyelid lift may be done alone or together with a brow lift or facelift. Combining procedures changes the anaesthetic, the risks and the recovery. Discuss this with your surgeon before you plan the trip.
Sources
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. Your treating specialist decides on suitability, treatment and length of stay. How we write and check.