The eyes can indicate age more than any other part of the face. They also show our emotion, and we use them to communicate with others. Eyelid surgery can have amazing effects on your overall appearance. The process of blepharoplasty (more commonly known as eyebag removal surgery or eye lid surgery) removes some of the excess skin and tissue area around the eye to create a fresher, more youthful look.

Any one or combination of the following conditions could indicate that you may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery:

• Excess skin obscuring the natural fold of the upper eyelids
• Loose skin hanging down from the upper eyelids, perhaps impairing vision
• A puffy appearance to the upper eyelids, making the eyes look tired
• Excess skin and fine, ‘crepe paper type’ wrinkles of the lower eyelids
• Bags and dark circles under the eyes
• Lower eyelid droopiness

During the upper lid blepharoplasty the surgeon will create small incisions in the natural folds of the upper eyelid, and for lower lid surgery, incisions are made just below the lashes on the lower eyelid. Excess skin and tissue can then be removed and the area will be closed with very fine stitching. The fine stitches aim to minimise scarring, but fine lines can be expected at first, though they will fade significantly with time.

Blepharoplasty can be performed under local anaesthetic, though a general anaesthetic can sometimes be more suitable. You will usually stay in hospital overnight, but you should arrange to be off work for a week to allow the area to heal after eye lid surgery. London clinic Nip N Tuck’s surgeons recommend that strenuous activity or sport should be avoided for at least six weeks. Some tenderness and minor swelling can be expected but will reduce rapidly and can be eased with painkillers.

Eyelid surgery cannot remove dark circles under the eyes caused by dark pigmentation or by thin, translucent skin. Nor can it lift sagging eyebrows or get rid of crow’s feet. Your surgeon and an eye specialist will advise if this operation is appropriate for you.

Pre-operative preparation
If you are a smoker, it is highly recommended to stop smoking well in advance of eyelid surgery. London clinic Nip N Tuck’s surgeons note that smoking can impair your ability to heal. Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery.

• Your vision may be temporarily blurred, but this should improve after a few days
• Difficulty closing your eyes when sleeping, but this is rare
• Sensitivity to light – this will improve after a few weeks
• Your lower eyelids may sag
• Some pain is common with most operations, but you will be prescribed painkillers for a few days following your operation
• Minor swelling, bruising and tenderness, which should fade quickly, but may last up to a month. This can be eased with painkillers
• It is difficult to predict how your eyes will look after surgery. They may end up looking asymmetrical.

This is not a definitive list, and symptoms will vary with each patient undergoing eyelid surgery. London clinic Nip N Tuck’s surgeons note that if you have glaucoma or dry eyes that don’t produce enough tears, there is a higher risk of complications following treatment. Please ask your consultant or eye specialist for more information.

Post-operative Recovery for the eyebag removal procedure
Rest is recommended for the first few days following the operation. It is also preferable to sleep in a semi-reclining position. This prevents fluid from accumulating in the face, thus reducing the tendency to swelling. Secretions around the eyes can be cleaned with warm water.

The swelling and the bruising vary from person to person. Generally, they will disappear within two weeks after eyelid surgery. London clinic Nip n Tuck’s surgeon’s advise that there is usually less bruising and swelling if you avoid strenuous physical activity, bending your head down, stressful situations and the consumption of alcohol.

You should contact your surgeon if you are experiencing severe pain that is not relieved by your medication; excessive swelling of the eyelids; or a change in your vision. Your face may look and feel tender and bruised and it may take up to two weeks for this swelling to settle. You should be able to go home the same day or the day after the operation.

You’ll need to go back to have your stitches removed four to seven days after the operation. You should be able to return to work a week after the operation. For the first six weeks after the operation, do not lift anything heavy or do anything strenuous. Most people resume normal activities within two to three weeks.

After the eye bag removal operation your surgeon will arrange for you to have follow-up visits to check on your progress. Complete healing will normally take four to six months. The scars on the eyelids usually heal very well and are almost invisible. However, the part of the ear which is situated beyond the eyelids, in the crows feet area, may take longer to become soft and pale. Gentle massaging of the lower eyelid and the corners of the eye may be suggested in order to reduce the swelling and speed up softening of the skin. Do not hesitate to ask your surgeon about any concerns you may have regarding the healing process.

The results of eyelid surgery last for a long time. The effects are sometimes permanent, but the effect may be reduced as you get older or if you put on weight.

If you require eyebag removal, London based surgeon Mr Mohammad Jawad of the Nip n Tuck Surgery is able to discuss your particular needs and goals in a private, one-to-one consultation.