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Blepharoplasty is an operation that removes excess skin, or fat or muscle or a combination of this, from around the eyes to correct droopy eyelids and bagginess under the eyes. It can be carried out on the upper and lower lid.
Depending on the operation it can be done either under a local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic. A local anaesthetic means the patient is awake during the procedure. The area is made numb by injecting a local anaesthetic under the skin or the lids. When a general anaesthetic is given the patient will be asleep throughout the procedure.
The incisions are made into the natural lines or creases of the lid, extending for a very short distance into the laughter lines (crow’s feet) at the corner of the eye. The excess tissue is removed. If there is no excess skin, the excess fat can be removed through an incision on the inside of the lower eyelid (transconjuctival approach). The wound is usually closed with very fine stitches. The eyes are then covered with pads.
upper blepharoplasty - usually about an hour
lower blepharoplasty - usually about an hour
These operations can be performed as a day case with no need for an overnight stay in hospital.
However, if a general anaesthetic is used you may need to spend one night in hospital.