I will discuss the underlying problem, the surgery available to correct it, the benefits and risks of doing so and any other options for treatment.
During surgery
I undertake most eyelid surgery with a local anaesthetic involving eye drops and an anaesthetic injection into the skin which stings for a few seconds. For longer procedures sedation can be useful and occasionally I use general anaesthesia. You will feel some touch and pressure but not pain, and will probably hear intermittent buzzing noises or occasionally smell smoke. At the end of surgery the eye is usually padded.
Following surgery
Most eyelid surgery is carried out as a day-case. You will need someone with you overnight if both eyes are padded or if you have had sedation or a general anaesthetic. Eye-pads come off the following morning, when you should expect the eye to be bruised and swollen. It’s best to try to stay upright during the day to prevent increasing swelling. Ice-packs are also useful.
I usually prescribe antibiotic eye drops for day use and an antibiotic ointment at night. The eyelids are usually sore and you will probably want to take some paracetamol or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkiller such as ibuprofen. Bruising and swelling generally lasts 7-10 days and I will usually see you again in clinic 1-2 weeks after the surgery. Where possible I use fine dissolving sutures but non-dissolving sutures are needed for some procedures and will need removal in clinic.
The eyelids have a good blood supply and tend to heal well. Infections are uncommon but are noted by increasing pain, redness, swelling or discharge. Normal wounds are initially red, fading over a few months to white..
