Blepharoplasty

Definition, aims and principles

Surgery may involve the two upper eyelids only, the two lower eyelids, or all four at once. It removes features that are either inherited or the result of ageing.

Before the operation

The surgeon takes a history and examines the eyes and eyelids, looking for anything that could complicate surgery or rule it out. After assessing the shape and movement of the area around the eyes, the surgeon guides the patient in choosing a technique.

Anaesthetic and hospital arrangements

Several options exist: pure local anaesthetic, where the anaesthetic is injected locally to numb the eyelids; deep local anaesthetic; or general anaesthetic. The choice follows a discussion between the patient, the surgeon and the anaesthetist.

The operation

Each surgeon has their own technique and adapts it to the case. Skin incisions are placed in the natural folds of the eyelids, which makes the scars hard to see once they have faded.

After the operation: recovery

There is no real pain, but there may be some discomfort — a feeling of tightness in the eyelids, mild irritation of the eyes, or some disturbance of vision. For the first few days, rest as much as possible and avoid any strenuous effort.

The result

One to six months are needed before the result can properly be judged: that is how long the tissues take to regain their suppleness and the scars to fade. The operation will usually have corrected the loose skin and removed the fatty pockets.

Source: patient information leaflet of the Société Française de Chirurgie Plastique, Reconstructrice et Esthétique (SoFCPRE), as published by the practice in 2016. An extract, for the practice to review and complete.