Oculoplastic Surgery

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery or “eye lift”, is a surgery to remove excess skin and fat and repair weak muscles around the eyelid area to give it a more youthful appearance.

There are two different types of blepharoplasty: upper eyelid blepharoplasty, which focuses on loose skin or fat above the eye, and lower eyelid blepharoplasty, whereby excess skin, fat (eyebags) or weak muscle below the eye is tightened. It’s possible to undergo either of these types of surgery in isolation or in combination under local anaesthesia, sedation or general anaesthesia. Upper eyelid surgery is generally performed under local anesthesia or sedation, while lower eyelid surgery usually requires general anesthesia due to the longer surgery time.

Click here to read more about blepharoplasty, including information about what a consultation involves, who is suitable, what to expect and what the potential risks are.

Ptosis is the drooping of the upper eyelid. This condition is not only aesthetic, but can also cause a number of undesirable symptoms such as blurred vision, reduced field of vision, headaches, abnormal head posture and watering eyes. Ptosis surgery is one of the most effective and permanent ways to treat this condition.

There are three main ways in which ptosis surgery is performed: the anterior approach, the posterior approach and brow suspension. The best method for each patient will depend on certain factors such as the degree of lift needed and the underlying cause of the condition. This will be discussed during the consultation.

Ptosis surgery is usually carried out under local anaesthesia with sedation, with the exception of the brow suspension method as this is a longer procedure. All ptosis surgery in children requires a general anaesthetic.

Click here to read more about ptosis surgery, including more details about the three options, the consultation, what to expect and results.

Eyelid laxity refers to the looseness of either upper or lower eyelids. This is caused by a loss of volume and elasticity in the muscles and fat around the eyelids.

Eyelid laxity can occur in two different ways. Ectropion is where the lower eyelid turns outwards and sags down. This often results in a watery eye, as well as a front surface of the eye which is often sore and prone to infection. Ectropion surgery corrects the underlying weaknesses causing the eyelid to drop away from the eye.

Entropion is the other form of eyelid laxity, whereby the upper or lower eyelid turns inwards. This results in the eyelashes scratching the surface of the eye and pausing pain, watering, redness and infection. Entropion surgery involves repositioning and tightening the muscles that maintain normal eyelid position. Both types of surgery are usually performed under local anaesthesia.

Read more about eyelid laxity surgery here, covering your consultation, what to expect and what makes our surgery unique.

Cysts on eyelids are relatively common and can be caused by a number of factors. Many are benign, such as chalazion which is caused by blocked oil glands, and xanthelasma which is caused by cholesterol. However, any new eyelid lumps should always be checked in case they are a form of skin cancer.

Chalazion is the most common type of eyelid cyst, which may require surgery if it forms a hard, painful lump on the eyelid. In this instance a hidden incision can be made on the inside of the eyelid to remove the cyst. Most other benign skin lesions are easily removed with a minor surgical procedure.

If a potentially cancerous lump is found, the first step is to perform a biopsy which will confirm what the lump is and how it should be treated.

Read more about eyelid cyst surgery here, including further information on anaesthetic, your consultation, what to expect and the recovery period.