Blepharoplasty / Eyelid Lift Surgery

Who Needs Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is suited for individuals who are experiencing signs of ageing around the eyes or those who have hereditary conditions that cause them to have baggy or droopy eyelids. While the procedure is commonly performed on people in their 30s to 60s, there is no definitive age limit for who can undergo eyelid surgery; suitability is more significantly determined by overall health and specific eye conditions.

Signs You Might Need Blepharoplasty:

• Excessive Skin on the Upper Eyelids: This can create a hooded appearance and sometimes impair your vision. Eyelid surgery can remove this excess skin and restore a more open, awake eye profile.
• Puffy Eyes: Caused by herniated fat pads under the eyes, puffiness can be corrected by removing or repositioning fat to smooth out the under-eye area.
• Under Eye Bags and Dark Circles: Often a result of ageing or genetics, these can be alleviated through blepharoplasty if they are caused by bulging fat that is visible as under eye bags.
• Wrinkles and Fine Lines: While not a replacement for treatments specifically targeting fine lines (such as anti-wrinkle injections or fillers), blepharoplasty can tighten loose skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes.
• Functional Problems: For some, droopy eyelids can be more than just a cosmetic issue; they can also impair vision by physically obstructing it. Blepharoplasty can help by lifting the eyelid and reducing the obstruction.

Anca also recommends a consultation for individuals who feel that their eyelids interfere with their peripheral vision or for those who simply wish to rejuvenate their overall appearance. During the consultation, Anca evaluates your facial anatomy, discusses your aesthetic goals and explains what results you can realistically expect from the procedure. She also assesses your medical history to ensure you are a good candidate for surgery, which includes being in good general health, not smoking, and having realistic expectations about the outcomes.

By choosing a skilled surgeon like Anca, you can enhance not only their physical appearance but also potentially improve the visual function.

Benefits of Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty offers numerous aesthetic and functional benefits that contribute significantly to an individual’s quality of life and self-confidence. Anca carefully outlines these benefits to her patients, helping them understand how eyelid surgery can rejuvenate their appearance and, in some cases, improve eye function.

Aesthetic Improvements:

• Refreshed Appearance: One of the most noticeable benefits of blepharoplasty is the refreshed and rejuvenated appearance that it provides. By removing excess skin and fat from around the eyes, Anca helps patients achieve a more youthful and alert look. This surgery can dramatically reduce the look of tiredness and age, which are often exacerbated by droopy or baggy eyelids.
• Reduction of Wrinkles: While primarily focused on the eyelids, the procedure also contributes to a reduction in crow’s feet and other fine wrinkles around the eyes by tightening the surrounding skin.
• Improved Facial Balance: By reshaping the eyelids, blepharoplasty can help restore balance to facial features, enhancing the overall symmetry and attractiveness of the face.

Functional Benefits:

• Improved Vision: For many patients, blepharoplasty goes beyond cosmetic enhancement. Excess skin on the upper eyelids can sag and hinder peripheral vision, particularly the upper and outer parts of the field of view. By removing this skin, Anca can help improve the vision, making daily activities such as driving or reading easier and safer.
• Long-Lasting Results: Unlike non-surgical treatments that need to be repeated to maintain results, the outcomes of blepharoplasty are enduring. Many patients will not require additional surgery in the future, as the effects of this procedure can last for many years.

Emotional and Psychological Benefits:

• Increased Self-Esteem: Improving the most visible aspects of ageing can significantly boost self-confidence. Patients often report feeling more vibrant and vigorous post-surgery, which can translate into a more positive self-image and outlook on life.
• Reduced Anxiety about Appearance: Knowing that they look refreshed and more alert helps many patients feel less self-conscious in social or professional situations where they might previously have felt uneasy about their appearance.

How is the Procedure Performed

Blepharoplasty is meticulously performed by Anca who utilises a combination of advanced surgical techniques tailored to meet the individual needs and aesthetic goals of her patients. The procedure usually takes place under local anaesthesia with sedation, ensuring that you are comfortable and pain-free throughout the surgery.

• Upper Eyelid Surgery: This procedure is designed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids. Anca begins by making precise incisions along the natural lines of the eyelids, which helps to minimise visible scarring post-surgery. Through these incisions, she can remove or reposition fat deposits, tighten muscles, and excise surplus skin to create a more alert and rejuvenated eye appearance.
• Lower Eyelid Surgery: Lower eyelid surgery is often sought by patients looking to eliminate under-eye bags and reduce wrinkling. Anca’s technique involves an incision just below the lash line or inside the eyelid (a transconjunctival approach), depending on the extent of the correction and the patient’s structure. Excess skin and fat are removed or redistributed from the lower eyelids, which effectively diminishes puffiness and shadows, offering a fresher and more youthful look.

For patients requiring both upper and lower eyelid surgeries, Anca performs these procedures simultaneously to reduce overall recovery time and to enhance the facial harmony.

Depending on the specific needs of the patient, Anca might employ additional techniques such as fat redistribution to fill in depressions, laser resurfacing to improve skin texture, or canthoplasty to elevate the corners of the eyes. Each technique is chosen based on its ability to achieve the best outcome for the patient, ensuring results that are not only effective but also natural-looking.

Post-surgery, the incisions are carefully sutured and usually heal very well. The duration of the procedure can vary but generally lasts between one to three hours, depending on the extent of the surgery.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from blepharoplasty is relatively quick compared to other cosmetic procedures, but it is important that you follow Anca’s aftercare instructions to ensure the best results and the smoothest healing process.

Immediate Post-Op Care:

• Rest and Protection: You are advised to rest with your head elevated for the first few days to reduce swelling. Ice packs can be applied periodically to help diminish bruising and inflammation.
• Eye Care: Anca recommends using lubricating eye drops and ointment to keep the eye area moist, which helps in healing. You must avoid rubbing the eyes, which could disrupt the healing process.
• Follow-Up Visits: Anca schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process, remove stitches if necessary, and address any concerns that may arise. These check-ups are crucial for assessing the progress of recovery and ensuring that the eyelids are healing correctly.

Long-Term Care and Results:

• Sun Protection: To protect the delicate skin of the eyelids and to prevent premature ageing, you are advised to wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen when outdoors. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to skin damage and may affect the long-term outcomes of the surgery.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and proper hydration, can enhance and prolong the results of blepharoplasty. Smoking, in particular, can impede the healing process and is strongly discouraged.
• Final Results: While the initial recovery period may last a few weeks, the final results of the surgery typically become fully apparent after several months as the swelling completely subsides and the tissues settle into their new contours.

Patients who carefully follow these aftercare instructions are usually able to return to normal activities within a week or two, although they may be advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a bit longer. By adhering to Anca’s guidance, you can enjoy the effects of blepharoplasty with minimal discomfort and optimal healing.

How Much Is Blepharoplasty in the UK?

The cost of blepharoplasty in the UK can vary widely depending on several factors including the complexity of the surgery, the type of procedure required, the surgeon’s expertise, and the location of the clinic. Anca provides a detailed consultation to discuss the individual needs and goals of each patient, which allows her to offer a personalised estimate for the procedure.

Cost Breakdown:

• Surgeon’s Fees: One of the most significant components of the cost is the surgeon’s fee, which reflects their experience and expertise in performing blepharoplasty. Anca’s reputation and skills as a leading plastic surgeon mean that her fees are a direct reflection of her high standards and extensive experience.
• Clinic Location: The geographical location of the clinic plays a crucial role in determining the overall cost. Clinics located in major cities like London usually charge more due to higher overhead costs compared to those in less populous areas.
• Type of Anaesthesia: The choice between local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia can also affect the cost. Procedures done under local anaesthesia tend to be less expensive than those requiring general anaesthesia.
• Additional Treatments: Some patients may opt for additional procedures such as laser resurfacing or a brow lift, which would increase the total cost of surgery.

On average, the cost for upper eyelid surgery in the UK ranges from £2,500 to £4,000, while lower eyelid surgery may cost between £3,000 and £5,000. Combined procedures, where both the upper and lower eyelids are addressed, can range from £4,500 to £7,000.

It’s important for potential patients to consider that whilst cost is an important factor, the quality of care, the surgeon’s expertise, and the safety of the clinic should also play important roles in their decision-making process. Anca ensures that all patients receive complete pre-operative and post-operative care, which is included in the cost, providing value and reassurance throughout their aesthetic journey.

Cost of Surgery Guide

Cost of Surgery Guide

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Further Reading

• Read Anca’s Blog on Recovery after Eyelid Surgery
• Read Anca’s Blog on How to Reduce Swelling and Bruising after Blepharoplasty Surgery