Cosmetic eyelid tightening surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a highly individualised procedure that can address sagging skin, smooth wrinkles, reduce puffiness, and correct other signs of ageing around the upper and lower eyelids. Often the aim is for a patient to feel more confident in his or her appearance.

Eyelid surgery encompasses a number of different surgical techniques. The chosen technique will depend on a patient’s anatomy and the particular changes that need to be made to achieve a patient’s goals. For any given patient, an eyelid lift may include upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both.

• Upper eyelid surgery - This typically involves an incision made in the natural crease above the eye, through which your surgeon will remove a precise amount of excess skin and fat and/or adjust the surrounding muscles to make the desired improvements.
• Lower eyelid surgery - This involves removing herniated fat that collects beneath the eyes which can become more pronounced over time as skin loses elasticity. Depending on the case, excess, sagging skin may be removed or the lower eyelid muscle may be tightened to provide the most natural, effective results.

You might consider blepharoplasty if droopy or sagging eyelids keep your eyes from opening completely or pull down your lower eyelids. Removing excess tissue from your upper eyelids can improve your vision. Upper and lower lid blepharoplasty can make your eyes appear younger and more alert.

Blepharoplasty may be an option if you have:

• Baggy or droopy upper eyelids
• Excess skin of the upper eyelids that interferes with your peripheral vision
• Excess skin on the lower eyelids
• Bags under your eyes

You may undergo blepharoplasty at the same time as another procedure, such as a brow lift, face-lift.

It can be combined with fat grafting as well.

After surgery you spend time in a recovery room, where you are monitored for complications. You can leave later that day to recuperate at home.

After surgery you may temporarily experience:

• Blurred vision from the lubricating ointment applied to your eyes
• Watering eyes
• Light sensitivity
• Double vision
• Puffy, numb eyelids
• Swelling and bruising similar to having black eyes
• Pain or discomfort

Your doctor will likely suggest you take the following steps after surgery:

• Use ice packs on your eyes for 10 minutes every hour the night after surgery. The following day, use ice packs on your eyes four to five times throughout the day.
• Gently clean your eyelids and use prescribed eyedrops or ointments.
• Avoid straining, heavy lifting and swimming for a week.
• Avoid strenuous activities, such as aerobics and jogging, for a week.
• Avoid smoking.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes.
• If you use contact lenses, don't put them in for about two weeks after surgery.
• Wear darkly tinted sunglasses to protect the skin of your eyelids from sun and wind.
• Sleep with your head raised higher than your chest for a few days.
• Apply cool compresses to reduce swelling.
• After a few days, return to the doctor's office to have stitches removed, if needed.
• For about a week, avoid aspirin, ibuprofen , naproxen sodium, and other medications or herbal supplements that may increase bleeding. If needed, use Paracetamol to control pain.

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• An unusual heart rate
• Severe new eye pain
• Bleeding
• Vision problems