While upper eyelid surgery can be performed under a local anaesthetic, lower eyelid surgery, especially when addressing the mid-face, usually requires general anaesthesia. The procedure involves removing excess skin, leaving scars strategically placed in the lid fold on the upper eyelid and underneath the lashes on the lower eyelid. These scars may extend into the crow’s foot area; the extent depending on the amount of tissue removed.
Modern lower eyelid techniques not only remove excess skin and fat but also lift the muscle envelope below the eye to rejuvenate the central or mid-face area, eliminating the drawn look and restoring a more youthful appearance.

Surgery on upper or lower eyelids alone is typically performed as a day case. When both lids are treated, patients are best managed overnight in the hospital, where they can be nursed upright to minimize swelling. Extra pillows at home are advisable for a few days to aid swelling reduction. Bruising, which usually takes 10-14 days to settle, can be covered with makeup as it fades. Stitches are removed 5 days after surgery.

Watery eyes for a few weeks and numbness of the eyelashes for some months are common. Patients with dry eyes may need to use lubricant drops for some weeks. Problem dry eyes will be discussed at consultation. While surgery is generally not painful and only simple analgesia is required. Most patients can return to normal day-to-day activities within 3 weeks. Scars, while they usually settle well, are initially pink. They can be concealed with makeup. Impact exercises are best avoided for 4-5 weeks.

Wrinkles in the crow’s feet area will remain after treatment, and some laxity of the upper eyelids when open is expected due to age-related changes in skin elasticity. For patients with brow area laxity, a brow lift may be recommended to address this.

Complications from surgery are rare, with infection being uncommon. Bruising and black eyes are expected, while larger hematomas are rare. Temporary stiffness of the eyelids usually resolves without further treatment. Scars in the crow’s feet area are kept as short as possible, and adjustments may be made to aid the shrinking process. Artificial tears may be needed for the first few weeks if eyes feel dry. Whilst blindness has been described from eyelid surgery, this is extremely rare. Patients are not exposed to the known risks.

At APS we prioritize safety and exceptional results, using sophisticated techniques. Schedule a consultation today to explore the transformative benefits of our advanced eyelid surgery procedures, performed by experts in the field.