Blepharoplasty: Upper Eyelid

Blepharoplasty, also known as an eyelid lift procedure, is a surgical operation designed for excess skin removal from the upper eyelids. 

This excess skin often results from aging, sun damage, allergies, or swelling that has stretched the skin. 

The upper eyelid surgery to remove this excess skin is typically performed under local anesthesia, although it can also be conducted under general anesthesia if preferred.

Vision Impairment: Excess skin on the upper eyelid can hang down, blocking upper or side vision, making excess skin removal a relevant consideration for many. 

Fatigue/Headaches: The muscles in the forehead and eyelids are overworked from constantly lifting saggy skin, leading to strain that can result in headaches. An eyelid lift procedure may help alleviate this strain. 

Irritation: Sagging skin can rub against the lashes, potentially causing irritation or excessive watering and dryness. 

Cosmetic: The presence of sagging skin disrupts the natural contour of the upper lid, prompting some individuals to consider upper eyelid surgery for a more youthful appearance.

The upper eyelid surgery takes approximately 30-40 minutes for each eye. 

You will lie on an operating couch, where anaesthetic drops will be instilled in your eyes, and your face will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. 

Mr. Spiteri will use a pen to mark the skin that needs excess skin removal. 

After this, anaesthetic is injected under the eyelid skin, which causes your eyelid to go numb, allowing for the removal of any excess skin. 

Finally, the wounds are then closed with sutures.

If dissolvable sutures are used during your upper eyelid surgery for excess skin removal, they will naturally fall out in 4-8 weeks. Otherwise, an appointment will be arranged to remove the sutures 10 days after the eyelid lift procedure. 

Ointment will be applied to the wounds, and an eye pad will be placed on the lids. 

Cold ice packs will be administered to the eye for an hour, along with additional ice packs to use at home to help reduce swelling. 

You will be provided with an ointment to apply for a week, ensuring that the lids heal safely after the procedure. 

Please arrange for a driver or taxi for your transport home.

If possible, keep the eye pads on overnight after your upper eyelid surgery to help reduce bruising. 

Do not panic if you notice some small signs of bleeding. 

Gently clean the eyelids with cotton wool pads soaked in sterile saline solution. 

It's important to keep your eyelids out of direct sunshine; wearing sunglasses can help prevent scarring post-eyelid lift procedure. 

Your eyes may feel sore due to the recovery process, so over-the-counter pain killers can provide relief. However, it’s crucial to AVOID aspirin and ibuprofen. 

It's normal for eyelids to appear bruised and swollen after excess skin removal, but these symptoms usually settle within 10 to 14 days. You can wear make-up only after 4 weeks from surgery.

Benefits:  

Improved cosmetic appearance of upper lids with an eyelid lift procedure, resulting in a wider aperture on blink.  

Increased upper field of vision.  

Risks:  

Temporary blurred vision for a few days.  

Excess skin removal may lead to too much skin being taken off, causing issues with lid closure.  

Some loose skin may persist at the outer corner of the eyelid after upper eyelid surgery, necessitating further procedures.  

Severe bleeding around the eyelid wound can occur.  

Infection may develop in the lid wounds, complicating recovery.

An appointment will be scheduled for 10 days after the upper eyelid surgery to review the results and remove sutures if they are not dissolvable. 

Days 1–3: Expect peak swelling and bruising following the eyelid lift procedure, which can be managed with cold packs and elevated sleeping. 

Days 5–7: Stitches are typically removed during this time, allowing most patients to return to light work post excess skin removal. 

Days 10–14: Most bruising fades, and patients often feel comfortable going out in public. 

2–6 Weeks: Remaining swelling subsides, enabling you to usually resume full exercise. 

3–6 Months: The final, mature results of your upper eyelid surgery become visible.