Eyelid surgery

Need to know

• What happens during eyelid surgery? icon plus

  Eyelid surgery can be carried out under local or general anaesthetic as a day procedure. Your consultant will talk you through your options. Once you're anaesthetised, your surgeon will make small cuts in the natural creases of your upper eyelid and under your lower eyelashes. They'll then remove and/or reposition the excess skin, fat and muscle, before gently stretching your skin so it looks smooth. Your cuts will be closed with fine stitches or surgical glue. The procedure usually takes two to three hours.

• How to prepare icon plus

  Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you and answer any questions you may have. If you're having a general anaesthetic, your consultant will tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking beforehand. Your vision might be blurry after the operation, so you should arrange for someone to drive you home.

• After surgery icon plus

  You should be able to go home on the day of your procedure. If you've had a general anaesthetic, you'll need to wait a few hours until the effects have worn off. Your vision might be blurred for a few days so you won't be able to drive until your eyesight is back to normal.
  
  Your eyes might also feel itchy and more sensitive than usual. Swelling and bruising tends to get worse for a couple of days after the procedure. This usually leads to black eyes that last for about a week.
  
  To help the swelling and bruising, try to keep your head upright and avoid bending down. Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine.