Upper eyelid surgery is a cosmetic procedure performed to refresh the eyes. With ageing and sun damage the skin in the upper eyelid begins to droop and sag and this overhangs covering the upper eyelid. In more severe cases the eyelids can obscure the vision.

Upper eyelid surgery otherwise known as upper blepharoplasty involves removal of excess eyelid skin and prolapsed orbital fat and formation or reformation of the upper eyelid fold.

Upper eyelid surgery is commonly done for aging changes. Insurance only covers eyelid reduction in Thyroid Eye Disease, post-traumatic scarring, facial palsy or if your eyelid skin obscures your vision. Your optometrist, GP or specialist will advise if this is the case and refer you to an oculoplastic surgeon for further review.

The upper eyelid surgery (upper blepharoplasty) is performed in day surgery under local anaesthetic with intravenous sedation and takes approximately 1 hour. For more prolonged procedures such as upper and lower blepharoplasties a general anaesthetic is required in day surgery, this surgery takes approximately 2 hours.

During the surgery Dr Davies will make incisions in the eyelid crease and carefully remove the excess skin and fat using the most advanced techniques to obtain optimum results and minimal scarring.

Recovery
Post-operatively after upper eyelid surgery patients are asked to use antibiotic drops and ointment for a week and apply ice compresses during the first 24 – 48 hours to reduce swelling and bruising. Sutures are removed 1 week after surgery. Most patients return to work or normal activities without feeling excessively swollen 7-10 days post surgery.