Hooded eyes can have an incredibly ageing effect, but it is possible to solve the problem with an eyelid plastic surgery procedure called blepharoplasty.
Blepharoplasty on the upper eyelids is a relatively straight-forward procedure when carried out by an experienced plastic surgeon. It can be performed on the upper eyelid to remove hooded eyes, and this procedure can be used to remove under eye bags too.
If you’re having lower eye surgery at the same time you will need to undergo a general anaesthetic However, when carrying out surgery on the upper eyelids only, a local anaesthetic will usually suffice. The procedure takes around one to three hours and involves making incisions on the crease area, extending out to crow’s feet at the outer corners of your eyes. The fat is then removed, along with any sagging skin, before the incisions are closed with very fine sutures.
Most people are keen to have a natural finished look - as you can see from our gallery, we aim to provide a subtle improvement so that it’s not obvious you have had surgery. Once your scars have healed there will be no visible signs of your treatment.
Recovering from surgery for hooded eyes
It’s important to understand what’s involved in recovery so that you can put plans in place before your surgery – rest and relaxation are vital in the immediate aftermath of treatment.
Most patients find their eyelids feel a little tight and sore after surgery though we will provide you with painkillers if required. You’ll need to keep your head in an elevated position for a few days and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. You may also find it helpful to use eye drops to help keep your eye area feeling moist and to reduce irritation.
The stitches are removed after four days and then your body can begin the healing process – not surprisingly, it can take a few weeks for the skin to settle completely. Some patients find that their eyes water more frequently for a short while after surgery, and that they are more sensitive to light, though these symptoms usually disappear after a couple of months.
Risks with surgery for hooded eyes
All surgery carries some element of risk so it’s important to consider carefully whether it’s the right approach for you. We will talk to you in detail about the risks when you attend your initial appointment, or you can read more on the eyelid surgery section of our website. In addition, there are a few medical conditions which make blepharoplasty riskier, including thyroid problems and Graves’ disease, a detached retina or glaucoma, so these need to be taken into consideration before you decide to go ahead.
What to do next
The best way to find out if blepharoplasty is right for you is to attend one of our initial consultations. This will allow us to assess your hooded eyes and give you a good idea of the results we’re likely to be able to achieve for you. It’s also an ideal opportunity for you to find out more about what’s involved in the surgery and the recovery, and to ask any additional questions you may have.
Contact us for an initial consultation.
