The operation is usually performed under twilight anesthesia. General anesthesia. can be used if preferred and/or if necessary. The procedure itself takes an hour or more for either upper or lower eyes depending on the individual case. If a general anesthetic is used, a one-night stay in hospital will be required. If it is undertaken with local anesthesia., a day stay in the clinic will be sufficient. Between four to seven days post-operatively the stitches will be removed. There may be some discomfort, and some swelling, tenderness and bruising of the eye area must be expected, but this is only temporary. Patients usually return to work after one week, as make-up is allowed after the stitches have been removed and most of the swelling has subsided.

Dark glasses are allowed immediately so one can proceed with one’s normal routine as soon as possible. Post-operative care instructions are given by the surgeon and these must be carefully followed to ensure best results. The position of the incisions for this procedure vary, and this point should be discussed with the surgeon, but they are inconspicuous in location, usually in a natural crease line of the upper eyelid, or just below the lash line for the lower lid, and sometimes in mild cases from inside the eyelid (transconjunctival). Extremely fine sutures are used, so usually post-operative incision marks become virtually undetectable after a short period of time. Occasionally prolonged post-operative pigmentation might occur.

Vision is not affected by this operation, as it is only the tissues that surround the eyes that are involved. There is a slight risk, although rare, of downward displacement of the lower eyelid (ectropian) as a result of skin tension, but this can usually be corrected by ‘squeeze’ exercises, involving repeated tight closure of the eyelids.

Occasionally, this displacement may be significant enough to require a second operation despite the best possible surgical techniques, particularly in advanced cases with poor muscle tone. Other problems that may arise are those associated with any surgical procedure - infection, scarring, prolonged swelling, etc., which you should always enquire about during a consultation with your surgeon, together with other questions or concerns you might have. These, however, are unlikely to occur, are not hazardous, and are easily treated by routine methods. The ultimate result would unlikely be effected.

Finally, both the upper and lower lids can be corrected at the same time or treated separately, and if required combined with a full-face lift. This treatment is suitable for both men and women.
Women are particularly prone to the problem. In either case, results can be extremely effective and dramatically reduce the impression of ageing.