Eyelid reshaping surgery (blepharoplasty) in Brighton

Why choose Nuffield Health Brighton Hospital for your eyelid reshaping surgery?

We believe that Nuffield Health Brighton is more than just a private hospital. Our committed matron-led care, nationally recognised cosmetic surgeons and beautiful bedroom views of the Southdowns account for a truly unique hospital experience.

We know that making such a personal and potentially life-enhancing decision isn’t easy, undertaking cosmetic surgery is a big step and we insist all patients engage fully with a consultant, ensuring they are well informed before making a decision.

If you are unsure about blepharoplasty and wish to find out more information, you can always come along to one of our free cosmetic open events. Here you will get the chance to meet our cosmetic surgeons and ask any questions you may have.

What happens during blepharoplasty?

• A blepharoplasty can be done under a local anaesthetic injected into the eyelids or under general anaesthetic
• The operation take up to 1.5 hour
• Your surgeon in Brighton will make a cut in the natural skin crease of your upper eyelid or below your eyelashes in your lower lid
• They will remove any excess skin and fat and close the wound using very fine stitches.

Going home after your blepharoplasty surgery in Brighton

• If you have local anaesthetic you should be able to go home a few hours after the operation
• If you have general anaesthetic you will need to wait until all the affects have worn off
• You may need pain relief when the anaesthetic wears off
• You may experience swelling and bruising following this procedure
• To control this your surgeon may recommend using cold compresses
• Other symptoms you might experience are dry or itchy eyes, temporary sensitivity to light or wind, watery eyes and blurred vision
• After 3-5 days you will need to come back to have any stitches removed.

Your surgeon may recommend:

• Keeping your head upright for a few days (including sleeping upright)
• Do not use eye makeup until you are released to do so
• Use any medications you are given
• Avoid bending down
• Clean your eyes with plain water only

Key post-surgery points:

• Some patients experience blurred vision. This should improve after a few days
• Do not drive until your vision is totally clear
• The bruising and swelling can get worse during the first and second day after eye surgery
• The black eyes may make you look pretty bad at first. However, the bruising and swelling begin to disappear rapidly after this time, with bruising turning yellowish after 10 to 14 days
• Make up can be applied from about 5 days after surgery and most people feel confident enough to return to normal activities after 10 to 20 days
• Impact exercise is best avoided in the first month
• Contact lenses should not be worn for 2 weeks after surgery
• Avoid applying eye make up on the day you have your stitches removed.

The below is a guide as to the stages of recovery following blepharoplasty. Please note all patients heal at different rates.

1-3 days

• Bruising and swelling get worse a day or two after surgery - you will have black eyes

3-7 days

• Fine stitches are removed
• Bruising and swelling on the decline
• You can wear your make up from about day 5.

7-14 days

• Bruising turning yellowish now
• No contact lenses for two weeks
• Back to work from 10 days onwards.

6 Months

• You can begin to judge the final result.

Every surgical procedure has a risk of complications. Be sure and discuss any concerns you might have about these risks with your surgeon.

Specific complications of eye lift surgery

Although very unlikely, possible complications after blepharoplasty include:

• Too much skin is removed
• Bleeding into your eye socket
• Corneal abrasion
• Double vision
• Cosmetic problems.