Eyelid rejuvenation in Shrewsbury and Cheshire

Options

There are different options depending on whether you want just a bit of a healthy glow, reduction of the appearance of bags and shadows, or the removal of hooded or somewhat saggy eyelids:

Polynucleotides offer longer-term benefits by stimulating collagen production and promoting skin rejuvenation. Polynucleotides do not stay in the skin for as long as fillers and do not cause the same risk of side effects later down the line. Should they migrate, they simply stimulate rejuvenation and revitalisation in the area.

Polynucleotides: gradual onset, natural result, longer term benefit

Tear trough fillers: immediate result, tailored approach, slightly more invasive procedure

Laser: no injections, long lasting effects with gradual onset, 5 day down time, bespoke

Surgery: best for upper eyelids - but sometimes a brow lift is more appropriate, local anaesthetic day case operation, long lasting results

The details - Polynucleotides, tear trough fillers, laser or surgery?

Polynucleotides

- Tissue regeneration: stimulate the body’s natural regenerative processes, promoting collagen production and skin rejuvenation. Helps improve skin texture, elasticity, and overall appearance under the eyes, e.g. fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity.

- Natural results: more subtle and natural results than tear trough fillers, which can sometimes lead to overfilling or an unnatural appearance. Gradual improvements that blend seamlessly with the surrounding skin.

- Long-term benefits: although tear-trough fillers provide immediate results, their effects can be temporary, requiring repeated treatments to maintain the desired outcome. By contrast, PN treatments can give more sustained and longer-term benefits, generating a natural collagen production and with it skin regeneration. They provide a gradual onset.

Blepharoplasty

Upper blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a highly sought-after cosmetic procedure aimed at rejuvenating the upper eyelids. Over time, the skin on the upper eyelids may become lax and develop excess folds, leading to a tired or aged appearance. Upper blepharoplasty effectively addresses these concerns by removing excess skin and fat deposits, resulting in a more youthful and refreshed look.

Comprehensive Procedure Details 

Upper blepharoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia. During the surgery, incisions are carefully made along the natural creases of the upper eyelids, ensuring minimal visible scarring. Excess skin and fat are removed or repositioned, and the incisions are meticulously closed to promote optimal healing. 

Recovery and Aftercare 

After your upper blepharoplasty, our dedicated team will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery. You will experience swelling and bruising, but these effects are temporary and can be managed with proper care. Most patients can resume their regular activities within two weeks, although individual recovery times do vary. We will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, address any concerns, and provide ongoing support throughout your healing journey.

The treated area will usually be a little sore and a simple analgesic such as Paracetamol or Paracetamol with Codeine can be taken. It is best to avoid Aspirin or Ibuprofen.

Keep the area dry whilst showering for the first 3 days.

From the first day, wash the area gently twice daily with cooled boiled water, and then apply the provided eye ointment to eyelids. Applying cooling to the area every few hours will help with pain, bruising and swelling.

A scab will form over the treated area which will separate with cleaning and soaking. A red slightly raised area will remain which is likely to fade to a colour similar to your normal skin over months.

Bruising, swelling and redness is very typical after this operation, and as the bruising settles the natural healing process continues. This can sometimes result in a clear fluid discharging from the wound. It is not usually a problem or cause for concern.

The scars are placed within the eyelids and usually heal well and are not too obvious when the eyes are open. The bruising will take a couple of weeks to settle, with most of the swelling reducing after the first week. Redness within the eyelids at the site of the surgery and the scar will take a few weeks to settle, sometimes a little longer, and can be hidden with make up. Viscoderm cover up is a useful choice as it is sterile.

Complications

While upper blepharoplasty is generally a safe procedure, it is important to be aware of potential complications that can arise. During your personalised consultation, I will discuss these risks with you in detail and address any concerns you may have. Here are some of the known potential complications associated with upper blepharoplasty:

1. Infection: Though rare, there is a small risk of developing an infection after surgery. Our practice adheres to stringent sterilisation protocols to minimize this risk. In the event that an infection occurs, appropriate treatment will be provided to ensure proper healing.
2. Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after the surgery is uncommon. However, I take precautions to minimise the risk of bleeding by carefully cauterising blood vessels and providing you with specific pre- and post-operative instructions to follow. With lower eyelid blepharoplasty it is possible for untreated bleeding to give pressure on the optic nerve which could lead to blindness if left alone.
3. Scarring: Every surgical procedure involves some degree of scarring. In upper blepharoplasty, incisions are made along the natural creases of the eyelids to minimise visible scarring. While scars typically fade over time, individual healing and scar formation can vary.
4. Dry Eyes: Temporary dryness or irritation of the eyes may occur after upper blepharoplasty. This is usually a short-term issue that resolves as your eyes heal. I often recommend simple eye drops such as viscotears or similar to alleviate this. In the short term, the eyes may also feel more watery than usual.
5. Ectropion or Entropion: In rare cases, changes in eyelid position can occur. Ectropion refers to an outward rotation of the eyelid, while entropion refers to an inward rotation. These complications can affect the proper functioning of the eyelids and may require additional treatment or revision surgery, and more often seen in lower lid eyelid surgery. 
6. Lagopthalmos: inability to close the eye completely is quite common after upper eyelid surgery, and is usually temporary due to the swelling that accompanies all operations. Temporary overnight eye drops are often required to help keep the eyes protected and well lubricated.
7. Asymmetry or unsatisfactory results: While we strive for symmetry and satisfactory outcomes, it is possible to experience slight asymmetry or unsatisfactory results. We are all asymmetric to some degree (even well known 'beautiful' actors and actresses!) and I usually try to correct this as much as possible - but small asymmetries are a usual part of life and are to be expected. I will always try to ensure realistic expectations with you and work closely to achieve the best possible outcome for your blepharoplasty. Sometimes this dictates a small revision or tweak to refine the result, which is generally a minor nip and tuck; but will still dictate additional downtime.

It is important to remember that complications are rare, and the majority of patients experience successful outcomes with upper blepharoplasty. My practice prioritises patient safety, employing advanced techniques and adhering to strict protocols to minimize risks and ensure optimal results.

During your consultation, I will provide detailed information about the specific risks and complications that may apply to your unique circumstances. They will answer any questions you may have, address your concerns, and guide you through the decision-making process.

LASER and PLEXR Plus

- Uses a method known as plasma sublimation to vaporise tiny dots of skin. While it may sound complex, it essentially just takes away small spots of skin over a larger area, which leads to a noticeable tightening of the skin, all without the need for invasive surgery.

- Targeted Lifting: Plexr involves creating a series of small sparks that turn the excess skin into vapour. This is done without any cuts or needles, as the device simply hovers over the skin. As these tiny areas are treated, the overall effect is the skin tightening and becoming firmer, similar to what you might expect from more invasive procedures.

- The advantages of Plexr are significant, especially for those looking for a non-surgical option. By vaporising only minute portions of skin, it achieves a natural tightening effect. This method is much less invasive than traditional surgery, involves minimal discomfort, and requires a shorter recovery period. It’s particularly effective for delicate areas, like around the eyes, where traditional surgery might be too risky or invasive.

Tear Trough Fillers

- Immediate results: the immediate volume correction by filling the hollow under the eyes is both quick and highly desirable for those wanting more immediate results.

- Targeted Lifting of Hollowing: by lifting depressions under the eyes the appearance of under-eye hollows is reduced.

- Customisable treatments: precise and customisable treatments tailored to the unique anatomical needs the individual utilising filler can achieve a natural lift to improve the hollow under the eye area.

- Risks: bruising, swelling, redness, or infection at the site of injection. Rarely more severe complications like vascular occlusion can occur. An occlusion can cause skin ulceration and facial tissue damage, with reports of rarely lead to blindness.

- Need for a high level of precision and expertise: they need an excellent understanding of facial anatomy and understand how and where to treat delicate under-eye area. In inexperienced hands, there is an increased risk of improper placement, asymmetry, or overfilling, leading to an unnatural appearance.

- Risk of nodules or lumps: small nodules or lumps at the injection site can follow tear trough filler treatment. You can sometimes massage these away but sometimes they need to be dissolved.

- Filler Migration: all fillers can migrate, causing unwanted swelling and puffiness in the nearby area. This can occur days to years later, and the swelling can last several years unless it is dissolved with hyaluronidase. Even when the treatment is performed in the most experienced hands, filler can easily migrate from the injected area.  No barrier holds the filler in the tear trough area, so it can move outside of the hollow area over time.

- Longevity of the Filler: the effects are temporary, typically lasting anything from six months to a year. That said filler can remain in the treated area for several years.

Schedule Your Consultation Today If you are considering an upper blepharoplasty procedure, contact our practice today to schedule a personalized consultation in Cheshire or Shrewsbury. I will provide you with all the necessary information, including potential complications, to help you make an informed decision. Trust our skilled team to deliver exceptional care and results while prioritising your safety and well-being throughout your upper blepharoplasty journey.

Note: The information provided is for general purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalised guidance regarding your specific condition and treatment options.