As we age, our skin and the underlying tissues may lose their elasticity.

One of the ways we see this is in stretching of the delicate skin of the upper eyelids. In the early stages, this is of cosmetic interest only.

If the process continues, the skin can stretch so much that it hangs down over the edge of the upper eyelid, interfering with vision and causing tension in the muscles of the forehead and head, as they strain to lift the eyelids out of the line of the vision.

The redundant skin is then causing functional problems with vision and muscle tension. Surgical removal can provide considerable benefits.

Blepharoplasty surgery

The operation is performed under local anaesthetic as a day case procedure in Hospital.

Doctor Malatt operates on Friday afternoons.

Doctor will see you again just before the surgery to draw the lines where the skin incisions will be made. The eyelid skin is then injected with local anaesthetic.

When the area is numb, you are wheeled into theatre. The redundant lid skin is cut away, the bleeding is cauterised and the skin edges are sewn together with tiny stitches. Antibiotic ointment is placed on the cuts and icepacks put on your closed eyelids to reduce swelling and bruising.

After the operation, it is advisable to take at least a week, and preferably two, off work, particularly if your work is strenuous or dirty.

There is not much pain, but the appearance may be quite unsightly for the first week or two, with swelling and bruising which can spread down the face. You are to use icepacks as much as possible during the first 48 hours to keep this to a minimum.

Antibiotic ointment is to be used on the cuts three times a day for a week. Doctor will see you one week after the surgery to remove the stitches.

Please ask if you have any further questions.