Oculoplastic Surgery

Every patient responds to surgery in different ways and heals at different speeds. As a rule of thumb, though, you can expect some swelling and bruising in the first week after eyelid surgery, which will be visible to other people. In the second week, this begins to settle and it’s usually not very apparent that surgery has taken place. Any scars from the operation are designed to blend into the normal creases of the skin around your eyelids.

We see all our patients a week after their surgery so that we can review the healing process and remove any sutures. We will see you again for a final check after about two to three months. For patients who work, we usually recommend taking at least one week off to recuperate after surgery. Some people prefer to allow a fortnight, but we can review this when you come in for your post-operative appointment at the end of the first week.

The effects of the local anaesthetic usually begin to wear off after an hour. In practice, most patients rarely experience much discomfort after the operation. But if your eyes do feel painful, it’s fine to take some paracetamol (assuming you don’t have an allergy to this medication). Eyelids have an excellent blood supply. This is good because it means they heal very quickly, but by the same token they can also become bruised and swollen following surgery. The amount of bruising and swelling you experience can be quite variable and difficult to predict. But there are some things you can do to help reduce them.

Ice-packs: Using ice and gentle pressure on the eyelids after surgery can help to reduce the swelling. The simplest way to do this is with a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a clean tea towel. Press this gently onto your closed eyelids for 20 minutes. You can repeat this at regular intervals, ideally five to six times a day for the first three days.

Elevation: Eyelid swelling can be affected by the position of your head relative to your body during the healing process. Keeping your head up and above the rest of your body during the first few days may help to ease some pressure on the lids. Sleeping with a few extra pillows, or putting a few books under the head-end of your bed, can keep your head a little higher when you are asleep and reduce any extra swelling overnight.

Rest: It’s important to give your body time to heal and recover, so we always recommend that you avoid any strenuous activity for at least two weeks following your surgery. Light exercise such as walking is fine, but try to avoid anything that raises the heart rate too much or involves putting your head below your body. You should avoid swimming for the first two weeks as well. You can wash your face and take showers but try to avoid getting the eyelids too wet.

Avoiding smoking: Studies have shown that smoking affects the healing process after eyelid surgery, which is why we ask patients to stop smoking in advance of their procedure. If you do smoke, we recommend you avoid it for at least two weeks before your operation takes place, and for the first few weeks afterwards.

The best candidates for oculoplastic surgery are individuals experiencing functional issues such as vision obstruction, discomfort, or tear drainage problems, as well as those seeking aesthetic improvements for conditions like droopy eyelids or bags under the eyes. A thorough consultation with an oculoplastic surgeon is crucial to assess your specific condition, discuss potential outcomes, and determine the most effective treatment plan tailored to your needs. These assessments can be done relatively quickly through our Sapphire Eye Care clinics.

Yes, oculoplastic surgery can significantly improve vision if eyelid conditions are causing obstruction or discomfort. Procedures like ptosis repair lift drooping eyelids, enhancing the visual field and eye function. Cosmetic benefits include a more rested, youthful appearance, but the primary focus is often on restoring or improving eye health and vision.

The results from oculoplastic surgery can be long-lasting, particularly when addressing functional issues. Cosmetic improvements, such as those from blepharoplasty, can last several years but may be influenced by aging, lifestyle, and genetics. Surgeons at Sapphire Eye Care aim for the most durable outcomes and provide advice on maintaining your results.

Most unilateral (single-eye) procedures usually take about 30 minutes. Bilateral (both eyes) treatments can take 45-60 minutes. After the surgery we will clean and wipe around your eye and face. In some cases we may apply an eye pad, which will stay in place for between 24 and 48 hours. In most cases, however, an eye pad isn’t necessary. Immediately after the operation, we often advise patients to apply an ice-pack to the eye for 20 minutes, to minimise any post-operative bruising. You can do this as soon as you get into the recovery area — the nurses will have a pack ready for you to use when you need it . In the recovery area, the nurses will also explain how you can best manage your eyes in the post-operative period. Once all this has happened, you’ll be free to go home.

Choosing an Ophthalmologist for your oculoplastics surgery is essential due to the specialised nature of this field. Ophthalmologists, particularly those trained in oculoplastic surgery, have a deep understanding of the intricate anatomy, function, and diseases of the eye and its surrounding structures. This specialised knowledge ensures that both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the surgery are addressed, preserving and enhancing vision while also improving appearance.

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who have completed additional years of advanced training in eye surgery, including oculoplastics, which is not typically part of the training for other medical or optical professionals. Their focused expertise enables them to diagnose and manage eye diseases that could impact surgical outcomes, provide comprehensive pre- and post-operative eye care, and handle any complications with the highest level of competence.

Furthermore, Ophthalmologists who specialise in oculoplastic surgery have a nuanced understanding of how surgical alterations can affect eye health and facial balance. They are uniquely equipped to perform surgeries that consider the function of the eye, such as tear production and eyelid closure, which are critical to maintaining long-term ocular health. This is why an Ophthalmologist, and specifically an oculoplastic surgeon, is the most qualified professional to perform your oculoplastics surgery.