The
problem
Too much skin on the upper eyelid that happens with ageing can make the eye feel heavy and look smaller. If the upper lid is droopy and covers too much of the iris, eyes look sleepy. When the eyelids are lax the lower lid can appear droopy allowing too much of the white of the eye to be visible. Fat can bulge out causing puffiness and swelling.
The
procedure
Mr Athanassopoulos routinely performs these procedures for his NHS patients who need eyelid reconstruction procedures. Because every eyelid is different and has individual needs each operation is tailor made to suit your objectives.
The incision for the upper eyelid is hidden in the natural creases of the upper lid and extends er of the eye. This is almost invisible once healed. A small amount of fat and muscle may be removed as required and fat injected to rejuvenate the area. Lower eyelids can be approached from the inside or outside of the eyelid depending on whether skin needs to be removed or just bulging fat.
In the lower eyelid I have found the best results are achieved by conservative removal of lower eyelid fat and skin and with the addition of fat into the cheek to improve the eyelid/cheek contour.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Dark circles may be treated by lower eyelid surgery if it results from shadowing due to bulging fat or bags. If the dark circles are from pigmentation changes of eyelid skin, skin bleaching creams or light chemical peels may improve this condition.
The eyelids will look refreshed and younger but the results are very natural and the overall eye shape is the same. Every patients eyelids are a little bit different.
Upper lid blepharoplasty is performed comfortable under local anaesthesia. Sedation is required for lower lid blepharoplasty and if fat transfer is requested.
There is mild discomfort and swelling of the eyelids. Generally over the counter medications is all patients need (together with ice packs) placed over their eyes for 24 hours.
There is usually some swelling which gradually fades after one to two weeks. Make up can be worn from day 7 to camouflage bruises.
Patients are generally able to return to work about one week after the blepahroplasty procedure.
Many times, patient may have brows that have descended and are low. These patients may need a browlift procedure to elevate the brows. Patients that may have puffy lower eyelids due to allergies will not achieve improvement with the blepharoplasty procedure.