Eyelid surgery

Eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure involving the upper or lower eyelid. The procedure is carried out by an ophthalmologist (often specialising in oculoplastic surgery) or a plastic surgeon with experience in eyelid surgery.

There are various reasons why eyelid surgery is performed. Functional indications refer to situations where the eyelid restricts the field of vision or where eyelid function is impaired. In the case of cosmetic indications, the aim is to improve the appearance of the eyelids.

Types of eyelid surgery

The most common types are:

• Blepharoplasty: the removal or repositioning of excess skin, muscle or fat around the eyelids, for both functional and cosmetic reasons.
• Ptosis correction: correcting a drooping upper eyelid that can restrict the field of vision. This may be congenital or caused by ageing, muscle weakness or nerve damage.
• Entropion or ectropion correction: correcting an eyelid that turns inwards or outwards, which can cause irritation or problems with watering eyes.
• Chalazion or cyst removal: the surgical removal of a persistent lump or cyst in the eyelid.

How is the procedure carried out?

The procedure is usually carried out on an outpatient basis under local anaesthetic, sometimes with light sedation. For more extensive corrections, general anaesthesia may be used. The ophthalmologist makes small incisions in the natural creases of the eyelid or on the inside, removes or repositioning tissue, and sutures the incisions. Recovery time varies, but swelling and bruising usually subside within a few weeks.

After the procedure, you will be given instructions on aftercare, such as cooling your eyelids, avoiding strenuous activity and using any prescribed eye drops or ointment.

When is eyelid surgery considered?

Eyelid surgery is considered in various situations:

• A drooping upper eyelid that restricts the field of vision, particularly when reading or driving.
• Excess skin tissue that rests on the eyelashes or gives a tired appearance.
• An eyelid that turns inwards or outwards, causing irritation, watering or inflammation.
• A persistent thickening or cyst in the eyelid that does not respond to other treatments.
• Cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of the eyelids.

Risks and complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with eyelid surgery. Possible complications include infection, bleeding, scarring, asymmetry, dry eyes or temporary difficulties closing the eyelids. Serious complications, such as loss of vision, are rare but possible. Always discuss the risks with your ophthalmologist beforehand.

Recovery and aftercare

In the first few days after the procedure, you may experience swelling, bruising and mild pain. Applying cold compresses helps to reduce the swelling. Most people can resume their normal activities within one to two weeks, although strenuous exercise and contact lenses should be avoided temporarily. Your ophthalmologist will provide specific aftercare instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery.

Contact lenses following eyelid surgery

After eyelid surgery, you must temporarily stop wearing contact lenses. The duration depends on the type of procedure and how your recovery progresses, but it is usually advised to wait a few weeks until the swelling has subsided and the incisions have healed. Always follow your optician’s advice on when you can start wearing contact lenses again.

If you have any questions about eyelid surgery or are unsure whether the procedure is suitable for you, please discuss this with your optician, optometrist or ophthalmologist.