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.

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 usually 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.

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.

- 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.

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.

- 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.