Upper Blepharoplasty Referred To As An Eyelid Lift, Is A Standard Procedure Performed In London At The Ultra-modern Moorfield Private Eye Hospital

By Author: Pari Shams
Total Articles: 42
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Blepharoplasty is the most frequently performed functional and aesthetic facial plastic surgical procedure, dealing with the contours of the upper and lower eyelid space.

During this procedure, the removal of excess skin and muscle from the upper or lower eyelid is performed by reducing or repositioning the underlying fat, and by doing so, creating a more youthful appearance for the patient.

Upper eyelid surgery specifically concentrates on the region between the eyebrow and the eyelashes, whereas lower eyelid surgery focuses on the area between the eyelashes and the cheek.

During an upper blepharoplasty, or upper eyelid lift, the surgeon will make meticulous markings, indicating where the excess fat and skin is located, that needs to be removed. An incision is made along the natural eyelid crease, removing any excess skin, fat, or muscle. In the case of patients suffering from dry eyes, surgeons will remove less tissue to avoid increased exposure of the eye to air, which may lead to worsening of the symptoms.

After the procedure, the incision is closed and the scar is completely concealed, lying ...
... within the natural fold of the eye. Sutures (sticky thin strips) or tissue adhesives are applied carefully to assist with smoothing out the area around the eyelids and eyebrows. This will also speed up the healing process.

Upper Blepharoplasty is requested by patients and performed for several reasons. A combination of age and hereditary factors can cause drooping skin and then the tissue under the skin protrudes causing the illusion of a heavy eyelid. This is generally caused by bulging on the inner aspect of the eyelid. With surgery, it can be successfully removed. Blepharoplasty is also performed to correct asymmetrical eyelids, for aesthetic reasons.

Saggy upper eyelid skin can obstruct the patient’s lateral vision. In this case, surgery is performed to remove this obstruction and improve vision.

Surgeons will assess patients for suitability for eyelid surgery during the first consultation, evaluating risk factors, which may increase surgical risk, like diabetes, thyroid eye disease, and dry eyes. Because smoking inhibits the healing process, surgeons advise smokers to quit for a couple of weeks before the surgery.

At the initial appointment, a full medical history is requested by the surgeon, to ensure transparency of any underlying medical conditions that may affect the patient’s ability to undergo surgery. Medication needs to be declared, as it may also increase the risk factor during surgery. This would include medication that reduces your risk of blood clots, known as warfarin or aspirin. A thorough examination of the eye, eyelids, facial skin, and underlying tissues will be performed to ensure that the surgery will not compromise the health and integrity of the patient’s eyes.

Surgeons will have a detailed discussion with the patient regarding the expected outcome of the prospective surgery. A second consultation is scheduled for 14 days later, to ensure that the patient understands the procedure and that all possible concerns have been discussed and resolved.

Upper Blepharoplasty performed by Moorfields Private Surgeons, is a safe and predictable operation, offering practical and aesthetic benefits. This painless procedure is performed under local anesthetic with sedation for shorter procedures or general anesthetic for lengthier procedures.

The surgeon will apply antibiotic ointment to the eye immediately after surgery, which may cause temporary blurred vision. Short-term side effects may be experienced in the form of dry eyes, numbness, and surface irritation. The majority of patients need non-prescription painkillers, such as paracetamol, to relieve the temporary post-op side effects.

The procedure can take anything between 45 minutes and two and a half hours, depending on the intensity of the surgery required. No driving is permitted directly after surgery.

Results are mostly reported as satisfactory, with improved self-confidence because of the improved post-op look. In the hands of expert ophthalmologists at Moorfields, Upper Blepharoplasty is a low-risk procedure, however, all surgery carries the potential of risk, and hence the in-depth consultation before the procedure is performed.

About Us

Miss Pari Shams, BSc, MRCP, FRCOphth graduated with distinction in Medicine, Surgery, Clinical Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, from Guy’s, King’s, and St Thomas’ School of Medicine in London in 1999, and with first-class honors, Bachelor of Science degree in Anatomy and Basic Medical Sciences, being awarded the Roger-Warwick Prize and several other awards for achieving excellence. As a Consultant Ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital London since 2014, she offers a comprehensive oculoplastic service for eyelid, lacrimal and orbital disease. Miss Shams is a full member of the British Oculoplastic Surgery Society (BOPSS), the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS), the European Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ESOPRS) and the International Thyroid Eye Disease Society ITEDS). Being involved in clinical research, teaching and training of physicians and surgeons, and educational courses for GPs, physicians, and ophthalmologists, she is part of the oculoplastic fellowship-training program at Moorfields Eye Hospital. For more information, kindly contact https://www.parishams.com.