Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty

Upper Blepharoplasty is one of the commonest procedures that Mr Banwell performs and it is associated with high patient satisfaction, rapid recovery and excellent results.

The aim of blepharoplasty, or reconstructive eyelid surgery, is to provide a more youthful, fresh (but natural) appearance to the upper and lower eyelids of male and female patients, assist in improving the drooping, sagging tired eye look and to remove redundant upper eyelid skin and fat that may be obscuring vision. In lower eyelid surgery we are able and to tighten any laxity of the lower lid, remove eyebags and remove any excess skin. Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty is another type of lower eye lid surgery that has been described.

Blepharoplasty surgery is usually performed as an inpatient uder a general anaesthetic for those who are not so squeamish, then the operation can be performed under a local anaesthetic. For upper eyelid (blepharoplasty) surgery an ellipse of skin and/or muscle and/or underlying fat is excised on average by external incisional means and the skin is stitched back together. For lower eyelids the skin is lifted from the lower lid by the surgeon and the fat removed.

The skin, following lifting, is then re-draped and the appropriate amount of excess skin removed. Any laxity within the lower lid can also be corrected by a tightening procedure (canthopexy).

The post-operative recovery is fairly straight-forward although swelling can persist for some weeks (more so with lower blepharoplasty). It is recommended to sleep on your back on pillows and avoid bending and lifting. We also recommend using witch-hazel eye pads to help reduce swelling and brusing; as the eyes may be sensitive after such operations, wearing sunglasses indoors and out can help reduce sensitivity.

If you are interested in upper eyelid surgery then please do phone the office on 01342 330302 for further information and to book an appointment.