Safe Professional Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery & Blepharoplasty in Birmingham, West Midlands, UK
What is the recovery period after blepharoplasty/ Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery?
It is often advisable to have someone accompany you on the day of surgery, if the surgery is performed as a day case procedure. Often the eyes will be covered with pressure dressings, to help reduce the build up of any postoperative swelling. As the anaesthetic wears off, your eyelids may feel tight and sore, but this wears off quickly and is usually easily treated with simple painkillers. If the postoperative pain is severe, this may indicate a serious problem and patients should get in touch with their surgeon immediately.
You will advised to sleep upright and apply regular compresses to the lids to reduce the postoperative swelling. It is especially important to keep your eyes clean. Eye drops and ointments will be provided to help lubricate the eyes since often the eyes do feel slightly dry due to temporary impairment of the normal blink reflex after surgery.
Bruising is normal and peaks about a week after the procedure. The bruises may last 2-4 weeks but may be camouflaged with makeup, which is quite safe to use from the 10th postoperative day. Most patients return back to work 7-10 days after the procedure. In most cases any swelling usually lasts one to two weeks but in some cases can last several months, especially for repeat/revision surgery.
4 weeks after surgery. Only minimal swelling remains.
Before and 6 weeks after bilateral upper lid blepharoplasty
What are the risks of blepharoplasty/ cosmetic eyelid surgery?
As with any cosmetic procedure, the patient's part in expecting a realistic outcome and understanding the potential complications is probably more important than the skill of the surgeon. Any good surgeon will take the time to chat with the patient so that they have a good understanding of what to expect and what is realistically achievable. Patients who have unrealistic expectations are likely to be disappointed no matter how skilled the surgeon and no matter how good the postoperative result.
Complications are uncommon and the vast majority of patients are very satisfied following surgery. However, as with any surgical procedure, a small percentage of patients will be dissatisfied. The more common complaints after blepharoplasty are asymmetry, where one side does not match the other, or undercorrection, where too little skin has been removed. It is important to be realistic about how much skin can safely be removed.
Overcorrection-If too much skin is removed during upper lid blepharoplasty, the eyelid may not be able to close properly (termed lagophthalmos), which can be sight threatening. Lagophthalmos can be temporary from eyelid swelling, or permanent if too much skin from the upper lid was removed. The cornea (clear window on the front of the eye) may start to dry out due to the incomplete closure of the lid. This may be sight threatening since the cornea may become ulcerated. Lubricating ointments are used to treat this temporarily but if it becomes permanent, a skin graft to replace the upper lid skin shortage may be necessary. If too much lower lid is removed, the eyelid may look hollowed out, too concave or may cause the eyelid to turn outwards leading to ectropion formation. Scarring can also occur post-operatively, leading to a poor cosmetic outcome. Scarring following lower eyelid blepharoplasty can result in the lower lid being pulled out and downwards, leading to an unnatural appearance and ectropion. Corrective surgery may be necessary to address this. It is for these reasons and also because overcorrection can tend to look unnatural that Mr Cheung tends to err towards conservative blepharoplasty to reduce the risk complications and also give a more natural balanced appearance to face.
Bleeding into the skin, known as a skin haematoma, after the procedure is an uncommon complication and excessive bruising leading to a collection of blood within the tissue. It is critical to stop all tablets which may increase the risk of bleeding and your surgeon should advise you about this prior to surgery. In the first few days following surgery, you should avoid any vigourous activity such as lifting, bending, since this can worsen any bruising or swelling of the lids.
By far, the worst complication of blepharoplasty and thankfully the rarest, is an orbital haematoma and occurs more commonly in lower lid blepharoplasty. Uncontrolled bleeding usually from a blood vessel after manipulation of some of the pockets of fat results in compression on the optic nerve and its blood supply. If left untreated, permanent blindness can occur. Early diagnosis—recognised by severe eye pain or visual changes—is critical. Urgent reoperation may be necessary to stem the bleeding point and relieve the pressure on the optic nerve. It is for this reason, that blepharoplasties be performed by an experienced surgeon who can deal this with this complication if it arises. Oculoplastic surgeons who are more experienced in treating problems within the orbit and around the eye than any other type of surgeon are therefore best trained and equipped to deal with this rare and fearsome complication.
Click here for the British Oculoplastic Society Blepharoplasty Advice Page
Advice Leaflets for Blepharoplasty Patients
Preoperative Postoperative
Prices
The typical cost of blepharoplasty surgery (all inclusive) by Mr Cheung as a private patient is £2000.
Interest free credit finance options are available at BMI hospitals