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Can You Improve Hooded Eyelids?

Hooded eyelids are a common facial characteristic experienced by many of us, in which excess skin folds down from the brow bone towards the lash line on one or both eyes. The eyes tend to appear smaller than normal due to this excess skin, and some female patients may find it hard to apply makeup as a result.

 

Hooded eyelids are sometimes caused by a genetic trait, though they are also a common sign of ageing since our skin loses its elasticity and becomes more lax, leading the skin to drop down over the eyelid.

 

A blepharoplasty or “eyelid surgery” can correct hooded or puffy eyelids and under-eye bags, helping your eyes to look brighter, wider, and more youthful.

 

What is blepharoplasty? 

During the treatment, which typically takes between one to three hours, a small incision will be made in the crease of your upper lid and, if you’re having your lower lids treated as well, just below the lashes on your lower lids. 

The incisions may extend to the crow’s feet or laugh lines at the outer corners of your eyes, depending on the extent of treatment required. The skin is then separated from the underlying fatty tissue and muscle and any excess fat and sagging skin is removed before the incisions are carefully closed with fine sutures.

Like most cosmetic treatments, a general anaesthetic will be required for lower lid surgery, while a local anaesthetic is usually appropriate if you’re only having your upper eyelids treated. A local anaesthetic will numb the area around your eyes and you will be given oral or intravenous sedatives to help you relax during the treatment. Though you will remain awake throughout the procedure, you’ll feel no pain.  

 

What are the risks associated with eyelid surgery? 

As with any surgery, cosmetic or medical, there is potential for the occasional complication to arise. Some of the minor complications that can follow blepharoplasty include blurred vision for a few days post-treatment, temporary swelling at the corner of the eyelids, and a slight asymmetry in healing or scarring. 

Immediately post-treatment, some patients may also experience difficulty closing their eyelids when they sleep, though this should typically subside after a couple of weeks.

 

What is the recovery time post-blepharoplasty? 

After your eyelid surgery, your eyelid area will be lubricated with ointment. Your lids may feel tight and sore as the anaesthesia wears off, though we will prescribe you the necessary pain relief to ease any discomfort. 

Our specialist aftercare team will show you how to clean your eyes and take care of the stitches, though your surrounding eye area may feel sticky for a week or so. Your sutures will be carefully removed, four days post-treatment, and from this point onwards, swelling and bruising around the eyes will subside.

 

Is blepharoplasty right for you? 

Before you decide to go ahead with blepharoplasty to correct hooded lids, you will need to attend an initial consultation with Mr Christopher Jones, our expert in all aspects of surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation. During this initial meeting, Mr Jones will assess your eyes and seek to understand what you want to achieve from your surgery.

You must have realistic expectations for your treatment and results since not all signs of ageing around the eyes can be corrected with blepharoplasty. For example, eyelid surgery won’t lift sagging eyebrows, remove crow’s feet or wrinkles, or eliminate dark circles under your eyes. If you’re looking for a more rejuvenated appearance across the entire face, we may recommend you couple your eyelid surgery with other treatments such as a facelift or brow lift.

 

Start looking younger

If you’re concerned about your hooded eyelids and want to look more refreshed and energised, complete the form below to book your initial consultation with Mr Jones. At this appointment, you’ll be able to ask any questions you may have about the treatment and results to prepare yourself for a brighter and more youthful you.

If you would like to learn more about this procedure or are interested in a consultation, fill out the form below or call us on 0161 523 8261