Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)  Eyelid surgery is often performed for eyes that look tired. The common complaints are of a hooded upper lid and a baggy lower lid; the desire is often to look more refreshed. The eyebrows also form an integral part of the eyelid appearance, as do the position of the eyelids in relation to the eyes (including the iris) and the bones around the eyes. All these are considered as part of a blepharoplasty, and with so many different types of treatments to the eyelids, the consultation forms an integral part of the planning process for what will be best for you.  Eyelid surgery on the upper lids only without any need for brow surgery can be performed as a local anaesthetic procedure and takes around 30 minutes without the need for any further stay in hospital. All other eyelid procedures are best performed under sedation or general anaesthesia and we will offer you an overnight stay.  Risks and recovery time Successful eyelid surgery can make a big difference to the appearance of the eyes and surgery is usually very successful. It does, however, require a recovery period of around 1-4 weeks, depending on the exact procedure. Most surgery causes bruising and swelling of the eyelids which settles after a few weeks.  Other risks of the procedure, which are rare but important to be aware of include:

  • blood clots
  • pain in the eye (usually short lived if it does occur)
  • dry eyes (occasionally temporary for a few weeks but more common in people who already have dry eyes to begin with)
  • bloodshot eyes (usually short lived if it does occur)
  • gritty eyes (usually short lived if it does occur)
  • blurred vision (usually short lived if it does occur)
  • asymmetry
  • overcorrection
  • undercorrection
  • infection
  • abnormal scarring
  • scleral show
  • ectropion, where the lid no longer meets the conjunctiva
  • entropion, where the lashes turn in to meet the eye
  • abnormal curvature of the eyelid, particularly when ptosis surgery is performed to lift the position of the lid in relation to the position of the iris (the coloured part of the eye itself)
  • blindness as a result of not treating a complication appropriately