| Procedure | Aesthetic concerns about the lower eyelid include excess skin, bags and festoons of the lower lids. A lower blepharoplasty can improve eyebags, tighten the muscle (=orbicularis oculi muscle) and remove some skin. If the lower eyelid is lax, a canthopexy can tighten it. Surgery involves a scar below the lower eyelashes (=transcutaneous subciliary incision). Occasionally, scars can be hidden on the inside of the eyelid (=transconjunctival incision) - additional laser or other modalities can then be used to tighten the skin. The wounds are repaired with sutures under the skin which do not require removal and dissolve within four months. |
|---|---|
| Scars | Under lower eyelashes with short sidewards extension or inside eyelid |
| Operation time | 2 hours |
| Anaesthesia | General or Sedation & Local |
| Hospital Stay | Day Surgery |
| Benefits | Aesthetic, Psychological |
| Risks | Bleeding, Infection, Scar problems (stretched, thick, abnormal pigmentation, red, retracted etc.), Skin discoloration (dark circles do not improve with surgery), Skin cones, Wound separation, Slough, Necrosis, Pain, Irritation, Nerve injury (Numbness, weakness), Bruising, Swelling, Hollowness, Cysts, Overcorrection, Undercorrection, Asymmetry, Recurrent redundancy, Aesthetic 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), Scleral show, Lateral bowing, Horizontal buckling, Allergic reaction, Chest infection, Heart attack, Stroke, Blood clots in legs & lungs. N.B. Most complications are unlikely. Serious risks or death are rare |
| Risk factors | Smoking / contraception / flights within 6 weeks of surgery, overweight, high blood pressure, bleeding tendency, diabetes, pre-existing eye problems, wearing contact lenses in the first two weeks following surgery |
| Optimising factors | Diet rich in Vitamin C and protein, plenty of fluids, fresh air, scar massage, sun protection, for dry eyes before surgery use hot flannels and lid massage 10min twice daily for two weeks |
| Discomfort | 1 week |
| Bruising | 2 - 3 weeks |
| Recovery | Driving and light activities 1 week, Physical work / sports 4 weeks |
| Acceptable appearance | 2 - 4 weeks for most patients (This is subjective) |
| Final result | 6 - 18 months |
| Alternatives | No Surgery, Make-up, Fillers, Fat transfer, Laser |
Anstey Hall
Maris Lane
Cambridge
CB2 9LN
