Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery is a procedure performed usually to correct problems that have been inherited or arise simplay out of old age, it is therefore normally only carried out on adults.

Eyes are central to appearance, and so problems with the eyes can affect the overall look. This can have an adverse effect on the way we feel about ourselves and in the long term affect our self confidence. If your eyelids or the areas around the eyes look old, you will look old.

The skin around your eye lids through wrinkling can become excessive and redundant. This skin can grow and will ultimately ang from the eye lid obscurring yur vision. The heaviness upon the eyelids makes it more difficult to open and can create a feeling of tiredness.

To improve the appearance the fat found behind the muscles can be removed which will revert what is a natural ageing process.

Aesthetic eyelid surgery can usually correct these problems, though other treatments can be used.

If the upper eyelid condition is accompanied by sagging of the eyebrows, then a forehead lift may be the preferred treatment. Crow's feet can be smoothed by chemical peeling or laser resurfacing procedures. Dark bags or circles beneath the eye can be cleared with a bleaching solution.

Preparation

Consider all aspects of your eyes, carefully consider what it is that you require an improvement to. By clearly defining what your requirements are, this will help us to understand what your true expectation is of any treatment we recommend.

List all the benefits of your propsed surgery and the risks you feel are involved and then take this list with you when you come to visit the McLean Academy.

Make sure you have full knowledge of your medical history,high blood pressure, thyroid problems and diabetes are some of the conditions which may increase the risks associated with eyelid surgery. Other conditions such as dry eye can affect the treatment proposed by our surgeon so it is important to cover all aspects of your eyes during the intitial consultation phase.

The McLean Academy will help guide you through this process, assessing all options available to you and providing you with the correct advice on which to base your decision.

If you smoke, you will be asked to stop in advance of surgery. Should you be taking Aspirins and other anti-inflammatory drugs, because they thin the blood there is a risk of increased bleeding. You must avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery.

Aesthetic eyelid surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Ensure someone is present wiht you for support during your stay and to ensure you can get home safely.

The Procedure

Upper eyelid surgery:

an incision is made within the natural fold of the upper eyelid and extends slightly beyond the outside corner into the laugh lines or other existing creases. This has the effect of hiding the incision. Excess skin and tissue is removed. Because the incision follows the natural lines and creases of the upper eyelid, it will be well hidden once it has healed.

Lower eyelid surgery:

an incision again is made and is usally is hidden below the lower eyelashes. As with upper eye lid surgery, excess skin, muscle and fat are removed. The incision is well hidden within the eyes natural creases.

After the operation

Your surgeon will not be able to say what results will be achived, individual factors affect the results of the surgery and in turn wll affect the nature of the surgery.

There is little pain and discomfort after the surgery although your visison may be blurred slightly from the ointment applied to your eye during surgery and the swelling that naturally follows.

It is normal to feel a tight sensation around the eye, mild discomfort may accompany this but it can usually be controlled with oral medication.

During the early days following surgery,varying degrees of swelling and bruising can be experienced. The bruising disappears usually within seven to ten days. Stitches are usually taken out within a week of your surgery. vision can continue to be blurry for a few days, your eyes may be temporarily sensitive to light, and you may experience excess dryness.

Eyedrops can help to relieve any burning or itching.

Dark sunglasses can be worn for a few weeks to help protect the eyes from wind and sun irritation.

General Complications

Significant complications from aesthetic eyelid surgery are infrequent.

Potential complications that may be experienced as a result of eyelid surgery include hematoma, infections, reaction to anesthesia, dryness or irritation in the eye that requires treatment. A temporary lack of sensation to the eyelid skin or impaired eyelid function that sometimes may need to be corrected by additional surgery.

By nature, all medical procedures carry an element of risk. While the majority of patients do not experience any complication with our Eyelid procedures, before embarking on any medical procedure, it is advisable to consult fully with the Mclean Academy so that our qualified staff can suitably discuss any risk or concerns that your procedure may pose.