Upper Eyelids.
About the procedure
What is an Upper Blepharoplasty
Upper blepharoplasty is an operation in which appearance of the eyes are rejuvenated. This is achieved using a variety of techniques that involve removal of excess skin, with or without the underlying muscle, followed by treatment of the deep fat responsible for bulging, asymmetry and the feeling of heaviness that many patients describe. It isn’t a one-size-fits-all operation and care must be taken to treat the various parts correctly to avoid the hollow eyes or the over-corrected startled look that can be occasionally seen on celebrities.
The surgery can be combined with a brow lift or lower blepharoplasty depending on your anatomy and wishes. The brow is an important component and a droopy brow can exacerbate excess skin of the upper eyelid. Failing to treat the brow can result in further descent of the brow following surgery and result in a sub-optimal result. Many people with ageing of the upper eyelids show similar features on the lower eyelids. This is why many opt for surgery to the upper and lower eyelids at the same time.
Who is a Upper Blepharoplasty for.
Procedure Overview.
PROCEDURE TIME
2 hours.
HOSPITAL TIME
Daycare.
WORK OFF TIME
2 weeks.
NO gym FOR
3 weeks.
NO DRIVING
1 week.
GARMENT
24 hours.
FOLLOW UP
1,4,6 weeks.
The Consultation.
You consultation will consists of a full medical history and examination. You will have photos taken. We will then discuss the various techniques available to you and the different scars. I will show you a presentation showing pictures of results and scars that are to be expected. We will discuss your brow position and whether this needs to be addressed at the same time. We can also discuss other procedures that may complement an upper blepharoplasty. Following the consultation you will receive a comprehensive clinic letter complemented supplemented with some information leaflets to help you decide if this surgery is for you.
The Planning.
Once a surgery date has been booked, you will be seen again, free of charge, to go through the operation in detail, answer any questions you may have, and prepare you adequately for surgery. This is a good opportunity for a friend to come for support. Importantly we advise no surgery within 2 months of a holiday abroad to ensure you have recovered fully.
This is a good opportunity for a friend to come for support. We advise no holiday abroad within two months of surgery.
The Procedure.
This surgery can be performed under local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic. Most patients I see prefer general anaesthetic as it can be quite disconcerting to have someone operating near your eye whilst you are awake. Most people are able to go home a few hours following the surgery.
The Aftercare.
You will be seen at one week for your stitches to be removed. Most people are socially presentable at one week with make-up. By 2-3 weeks all bruising should have settled.
Patient reviews
Patient reviews
5.0
from 88 verified reviews
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Patient Reviews
I had considered having eyelid surgery for a while and decided that it was the right time to book a consultation and get some expert advice. Dr Holmes made me feel at ease discussing the area’s that bothered me and suggested a brow plexy along with a blepharoplasty for a better result. From entering Methley Park hospital to leaving after my surgery all the staff were kind and caring and I felt very well cared for. I am very happy with the results of my operation and the care given by Dr Holmes and Rama his fabulous anaesthetist who is amazing if like myself you are a little nervous.
My approach
Procedure risks.
Immediate Risks.
- Infection
- Bleeding – mainly bruising
- Poor scarring – the scars are usually very well hidden
- Blindness – reported in the literature at 1:30,000
- Chemosis: this is swelling to the whites of the eye and is not very common and is treated with medicated eye drops.
- Double vision. This usually settles once the anaesthetic has worn off
Early Risks.
- Asymmetry
- Dry eyes – this settles once the swelling of the eyelids has improved
- Cyst formation due to buried stitch
- Eyelid numbness
- Corneal injury – this is damage to the lens of the eye and can be painful. It is treated with medicated eyedrops.
Late Risks.
- Undercorrection resulting in residual excess skin
- Overcorrecton giving a hollowed eye appearance
- Overcorrection resulting in difficulty fully closing the eye – The Liberace sign!
- Brow droopiness – if undiagnosed at the time of surgery
Interested in a consultation?
If you are interested to learn more, and would like to come for a face-to-face or virtual chat, please send me and my team a message, and we can get in touch to arrange your consultation.
Upper Eyelid Surgery FAQs.
What does upper eyelid surgery involve?.
Upper eyelid surgery (upper blepharoplasty) removes the excess skin of the upper eyelid, sometimes with a strip of the underlying muscle, and treats the deeper fat where needed.
Who is upper eyelid surgery suitable for?.
It suits people whose upper eyelids make them look tired or sad, and those whose excess eyelid skin interferes with their vision or with applying make-up.
Is upper eyelid surgery done under local or general anaesthetic?.
Either is possible. Most of Mr Holmes's patients prefer a general anaesthetic, and the choice is discussed at consultation.
How long does upper eyelid surgery take?.
Surgery takes around 2 hours and is a day case, so you go home a few hours afterwards.
What is the recovery after upper eyelid surgery?.
Stitches are removed at 1 week, by which point most patients are socially presentable with make-up. Bruising has usually settled by 2–3 weeks. Plan for 2 weeks off work, no driving for 1 week and no gym for 3 weeks.
Will upper eyelid surgery leave visible scars?.
There is a scar on each upper eyelid, but it is usually very well hidden.
Can upper eyelid surgery be combined with other procedures?.
Yes. It can be combined with a brow lift or with lower eyelid surgery, so that one recovery covers both.
Where does Mr Holmes perform upper eyelid surgery?.
Surgery is performed at Spire Methley Park Hospital, Leeds (LS26 9HG). Mr Holmes also holds consultations at Coppergate Clinic, York (YO1 9NR).
Upper Eyelid Surgery in Leeds, York & Yorkshire.
Mr Will JM Holmes performs upper eyelid (blepharoplasty) surgery at Spire Methley Park Hospital, Leeds (LS26 9HG) and consults at Coppergate Clinic, York (YO1 9NR). Patients travel from across Yorkshire — including Harrogate, Wakefield, Bradford, Hull and Sheffield — to consult with Mr Holmes.
As a full-time NHS Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust and a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS Plast), Mr Holmes brings a level of training and experience rarely found in private-only practice. He is registered with BAPRAS, BAAPS and PHIN, and holds a 5.0★ rating across 88 patient reviews on iWantGreatCare.
- Eyelid surgery Leeds — Spire Methley Park Hospital, LS26 9HG
- Eyelid surgery York — Coppergate Clinic, YO1 9NR
- Patients from Harrogate, Wakefield, Bradford, Hull & Sheffield welcome
To book a consultation, call 01134 601796 or use the contact form below.
Blepharoplasty near you.
Mr Holmes sees patients from across Yorkshire. Choose your area for clinic locations, travel details and local FAQs.
