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The wounds are sewn with sutures under the skin which don’t require removal and dissolve within four months.
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Scars
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Upper eyelid crease
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Below lower lashes (=subciliary transcutaneous) with short sidewards extensions or inside lower eyelid (=transconjunctival)
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Operation time
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1 – 2.5 hours
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Anaesthesia
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General or Sedation with Local for lower eyelids +/- upper lids. Local for upper eyelids only
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Hospital Stay
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Day Surgery
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Benefits
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Cosmetic, Psychological, Functional
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Risks
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Bleeding, Infection, Scar problems (stretched, thick, abnormal pigmentation, red, retracted etc.), Skin discoloration, Skin cones, Wound separation, Slough, Necrosis, Pain, Irritation, Nerve injury (Numbness, weakness), Bruising, Swelling, Hollowness, Cysts, Overcorrection, Undercorrection, Asymmetry, Recurrent redundancy, Cosmetic imperfections, Eye injury / irritation / dryness, Cornea abrasion, Double / blurred vision, Sympathetic ophthalmia, Blindness, Contour irregularities, Need for further surgery (+/- skin grafts), Ectropion, Lagophthalmos (Inability to close eyes), Brow ptosis (=droopiness), Scleral show, Allergic reaction, (General anaesthetic: Chest infection, Heart attack, Stroke, Blood clots in legs & lungs)
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N.B. Most complications are unlikely and serious risks are rare
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Risk factors
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Smoking / contraception / flights within 6 weeks of surgery, overweight, high blood pressure, bleeding tendency, diabetes, pre-existing eye problems
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Optimising factors
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Diet rich in Vitamin C and protein, plenty of fluids, fresh air, scar massage, sun protection
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Discomfort
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1 week
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Bruising
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2 – 3 weeks
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Recovery
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Driving and light activities 1 week, Physical work & sports 4 weeks
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Acceptable appearance
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2 - 4 weeks for most patients (This is subjective)
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Final result
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6 -18 months
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Alternatives
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No Surgery, Make-up, Fillers, Fat transfer, Laser, Botulinum toxin, Brow lift
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