Language: English ENGLISH
Book a Consultation

Hooded Upper Eyelids

Trustpilot
Posted on
by Miss Jane Olver in

Achieving a Youthful Look with Blepharoplasty

Are you bothered by hooded upper eyelids, sagging skin or excess upper eyelid bags? Possibly, you’re interested in rejuvenating your eye area to achieve a more youthful appearance. In such cases, eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, may be the right solution for you to help the appearance of your peri-orbital area. Blepharoplasty is designed to address concerns related to the upper and lower eyelids, helping individuals regain confidence and a refreshed look.

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty benefits also include seeing out better once the hooded skin is removed, and the eyelids will feel less heavy. with reduced weight.

Understanding the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery

In this blog post, we will explore the ins and outs of blepharoplasty eyelid surgery, its benefits, and what to expect during the process.

Blepharoplasty surgery is a surgical procedure performed on the eyelids, most often the upper eyelids, that involves removing excess skin plus muscle and fat from the eyelids to improve their appearance or functionality. There are various reasons why someone might undergo blepharoplasty for hooded eyelids, including cosmetic and medical purposes.

Causes and Conditions for Blepharoplasty

  • Ageing: One of the most common reasons for blepharoplasty is the natural ageing process, which can cause marked hooded eyelids, particularly lateral hooding, eyelid sagging, wrinkles, and excess crinkly skin around the eyes.
  • Excess Skin or Fat: Some individuals have an excess of skin, and others have excess fat deposits around the eyelids, which can impair vision or make the eyes appear droopy, or tired and aged.
  • Genetics: Genetics can play a significant role in the development of drooping upper eyelids, which may prompt individuals to seek upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Others are prone to visible lower eyelid bags.
  • Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as ptosis (drooping eyelids due to weak muscles), may occur with myopathy or neuropathy.
  • Medical Terms:
    • Dermatochalasis is a medical term used to describe excess skin in the upper eyelids, or loose skin and herniated orbital fat in the lower eyelids.
    • Peri-orbital or periorbital is the medical term for the area of the eyelids and the general area around the eyes, which includes the eyebrows, temples, tear troughs and lid cheek junction.

Whatever the cause, many people over the age of 50 to 55 years, both men and women, request blepharoplasty surgery for functional or aesthetic improvement.

white women with hazel eyes, close-up

Treatment – Blepharoplasty Surgery

  1. Consultation and Assessment: The process typically starts with a consultation with the highly skilled and experienced Oculoplastic surgeon, Ms Jane Olver, will take a history to evaluate the patient’s needs, check their medical history and overall health, and specifically examine their eyes and eyelids to determine if they are a suitable candidate for blepharoplasty.
  2. Anaesthesia: Blepharoplasty surgery is performed by Ms Jane Olver at Clinica London under local anaesthesia, where the eyelids are completely numbed by local anaesthesia. Light oral sedation may also be used. If the patient prefers, they can have deeper sedation or even general anaesthesia, though this is rarely required or indicated.
  3. Incisions: The oculoplastic surgeon, Ms Olver, first “preps and drapes” then marks the planned skin incisions with a pern before the local anaesthetic is given. On the upper eyelids, the skin incisions are placed hidden in natural creases of the eyelids, allowing for discreet scarring. For upper eyelid blepharoplasty, the incision is usually made in the upper eyelid skin crease. If lower eyelid blepharoplasty is also being done, the incision is often made just below the lower lash line where there is planned skin removal and via a trans-conjunctival incision for fatty bag removal.
  4. Natural looking: Ms Olver aims for a natural-looking result after upper eyelid blepharoplasty surgery.
  5. Tissue Removal and Tightening: Excess skin, plus muscle and fat, as appropriate, are carefully removed or repositioned to achieve the desired cosmetic or functional outcome. The remaining tissues may be tightened or sculptured.
  6. Checking the result: Because the upper eyelid blepharoplasty surgery is under local anaesthetic, this enables the patient to open or close their eyelids on request, which helps the surgeon decide what is the final result. Although technically oculoplastic surgery is highly skilled, it is also dependent on the artistic “eye” of the oculoplastic surgeon, understanding the patient’s eyelids and expectations.
  7. Closure: The incisions are closed with a combination of fine sutures and skin tissue adhesive.
  8. Recovery and Healing: Patients will have some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort following the procedure. Ice packs, prescribed medications, and keeping the head elevated can help manage these symptoms. Lubricant drops and topical ointment at night are required for the first three weeks. Full recovery typically takes a few weeks.
  9. Results: The results of blepharoplasty become increasingly apparent as the natural post-operative swelling subsides and the incisions heal. Patients often experience improved eyelid appearance, reduced puffiness, a more youthful look and a wider field of vision immediately after blepharoplasty surgery.
  10. Follow-up after surgery: Patients are followed up by Ms Olver for up to three months post-surgery, by which time all healing is completed, and there should be a natural-looking appearance.

It’s essential to have a detailed discussion with an oculoplastic surgeon to understand the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of blepharoplasty before making a decision to undergo the procedure. We recommend the patient get more than one opinion, so they are sure about the surgery and surgeon.

woman examining patient's eyes

Understanding Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic or functional (helps improve vision) procedure aimed at enhancing the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids. It can be recommended for medical reasons to help the patient see out better where the upper eyelid lateral hooding either interferes with vision or makes the eyelids very heavy.  

It involves removing excess skin predominantly, sometimes the removal of fatty tissue muscle to create a smoother contour and restore a natural crease to the eyelids.

This surgical intervention is often sought to address:

  • Excess skin: Hooded or sagging skin on the upper eyelids can make you appear tired or older than you are. It can interfere with your vision.
  • Puffy or fatty tissue: Accumulation of fat on the lower eyelids can cause bags or puffiness which make you look tired and older than you are.
  • Drooping or ptosis: When the upper eyelids droop in addition to excess hooded skin, this is called ptosis, can affect your vision and overall aesthetic.

The Benefits of Eyelid Surgery

  1. Improved Appearance and Confidence

Eyelid surgery can significantly enhance the appearance of the eyes, making them look more youthful and vibrant. By removing excess skin and other tissues, patients achieve a rejuvenated and refreshed look, leading to increased self-confidence.

  1. Correction of Functional (Medical) Issues

For individuals with severely sagging upper eyelids, the excess skin can obstruct vision. Eyelid surgery not only addresses cosmetic concerns but can also improve vision by improving the extent of the visual field and overall eye function.

  1. Natural Results with Minimal Scarring

Experienced oculoplastic surgeons perform the procedure with precision, leaving minimal scarring that often fades over time. The aim is a natural rejuvenated periorbital area. The scars are strategically placed within the natural skin folds to ensure they are discreet and blend seamlessly.

  1. Long-lasting Results

The results of blepharoplasty will usually last for many years, providing a lasting improvement in the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids.

White woman after fixing her drooping upper eyelid

The Surgical Procedure

During upper eyelid blepharoplasty, an oculoplastic surgeon carefully removes excess skin and other tissues such as fat, and, if necessary, muscle from upper eyelids. The incisions are made in inconspicuous areas to minimise visible scarring. The surgery can be performed under local anaesthesia, which helps in a quicker recovery with minimal discomfort.

Recovery and Healing Process

After the surgery, patients may experience some swelling and bruising around the eyes for 5 to 10 days or longer. It’s essential to follow post-operative care instructions and attend follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process. Most patients can return to their regular activities within a week or two, with full recovery typically taking a few weeks.

Considerations and Consultation

Before undergoing eyelid surgery, it’s crucial to have an initial consultation with a qualified oculoplastic ophthalmic surgeon.

At Clinica London, Ms Jane Olver is the Oculoplastic Surgeon.

During this consultation, Ms Olver will discuss your medical history, perform a thorough eyelid and eye examination, recommend the best surgery for you, and explain the potential risks and benefits associated with the blepharoplasty surgery. This is an opportunity to ask any questions and address any concerns you may have. A full bespoke report and quote are prepared and then sent to you for consideration, along with detailed information on blepharoplasty and a specimen consent form.

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help you achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance by addressing concerns related to sagging skin, excess fat, and drooping eyelids. It also improves the extent and quality of your vision.

By consulting with our qualified oculoplastic surgeon, you can learn more about the procedure, its benefits, and how it can enhance your overall facial aesthetic. Regain your confidence and achieve the youthful eye shape you desire through the transformative effects of eyelid surgery.

white woman before and after Blepharoplasty

Here are some facts about blepharoplasty

  1. Historical Origins: The origins of blepharoplasty can be traced back to ancient civilisations like Egypt, where early forms of eyelid surgery were performed for cosmetic and functional reasons. However, modern techniques and safety standards have evolved significantly over time, making it a widely available procedure.
  2. Techniques and Approaches: There are different techniques for blepharoplasty, including upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or a combination of both. Surgeons carefully tailor the approach based on a patient’s unique needs and desired outcomes.
  3. Double Eyelid Surgery: In some Asian cultures, a specific type of blepharoplasty, known as double eyelid surgery, is popular. It creates a crease in the upper eyelid for those without a natural eyelid crease, aiming for a more open and larger eye appearance.
  4. Functional or Medical Benefits: While blepharoplasty is often associated with cosmetic improvements, it can also have functional or medical benefits. Excess skin on the upper eyelids can obstruct vision, and removing it through surgery can improve a person’s field of vision.
  5. Minimal Scarring: Skilled oculoplastic surgeons strive to minimise scarring during blepharoplasty. Incisions are typically made within the natural creases of the eyelids, making scars less visible or concealed altogether.
  6. Anaesthesia and Recovery: Blepharoplasty is usually performed under local anaesthesia with or without sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure. Recovery typically involves some swelling and bruising, which subsides over a few weeks. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities during the initial healing period.
  7. Long-Lasting Results: The results of blepharoplasty can last for many years, providing a rejuvenated and more youthful appearance to the eyes. However, it’s important to note that the natural ageing process continues, and additional maintenance procedures may be desired in the future.
  8. Combination Procedures: Blepharoplasty is often combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as non-surgical facelift with Ultherapy (micro-focused thermocoagulation of the deep dermis), skin IPL and non-ablative laser to improve skin appearance and quality, injectable treatments, and dermal fillers for a comprehensive facial enhancement.
  9. Popularity and Demand: Blepharoplasty is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic and medical surgical procedures globally. The demand for eyelid surgery has increased over the years, particularly as people seek to address signs of aging around the eyes.
  10. Patient Satisfaction: Patients who undergo blepharoplasty often report high levels of satisfaction with the natural-looking results. Many experience improved self-esteem and confidence due to the enhanced natural appearance of their eyes and see better.

If you would like advice on facial and periorbital rejuvenation, especially blepharoplasty for hooded upper eyelids, you may book an appointment to see Ms Jane Olver, Clinica London´s Oculoplastic surgeon.

Miss Jane Olver

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Oculoplastic (Eyelid) & Lacrimal Specialist
Medical Director
A dedicated Oculoplastic Eyelid surgeon, blepharoplasty, ptosis and Adult strabismus (squint) specialist

View Profile

Share

Book a Consultation