Treatment options range from self-medication with eye-drops for mild cases. If this doesn’t work, your GP can refer you to our Consultant Ophthalmologists for further assessment or treatment and to our Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons or Consultant Plastic Surgeons for blepharoplasty.

Blepharon means eyelid and -plasty means to mould. Blepharoplasty is surgery to correct eyelid problems, including ectropion and entropion (drooping eyelids) and baggy eyelids.

It may be performed for medical reasons where the condition is causing discomfort or pain, or if it affects vision or poses a risk to the health of the eyes. Surgery may also be carried out for cosmetic reasons where a patient is not happy with the appearance of their eyelids.

Upper and lower blepharoplasty surgery is the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure in the UK. At Benenden Hospital, it’s performed regularly by our expert Oculoplastic Surgeons.

You may have eyelid problems, including ectropion and entropion or baggy eyelids which may be causing discomfort or pain, or if it affects vision or poses a risk to the health of the eyes.

Surgery may also be carried out for cosmetic reasons where a patient is not happy with the appearance of their eyelids.

A blepharoplasty can treat excess upper eyelid skin – known as hooded eyes - particularly if it starts to affect your peripheral vision. And in the lower lids, blepharoplasty can reduce the appearance of eye bags.

Surgery to correct eyelid conditions is usually a minor procedure that is quick and simple to perform. Surgery is usually carried out as day surgery so you’ll be able to go home on the same day, but you may not be able to drive yourself. You’ll be given a local anaesthetic, so you'll be awake but you won’t be able to feel any pain in the area of the operation.

The exact nature of your surgery will depend on what condition you have, its underlying cause and its severity.

You may have some pain or discomfort after the operation which we’ll help you manage with painkillers. After surgery you may have padding over your eye to protect it. We’ll tell you how to care for your wound and, if you’ve had non-dissolvable stitches, we’ll make an appointment for you to have them removed. You may need to take some time off work.

Aging around the eyelid area is very complex as the skin is so delicate. Age-related changes can be easily addressed with an operation but here are our top tips for keeping your eyelid skin healthy and preventing eyelid conditions:

• Sleep on your back where possible
• Don’t smoke
• Wear a high factor sun cream, even in the winter and apply right up to the eye and on the upper and lower lid as these are high-risk areas for skin cancers
• Wear sunglasses
• Follow a healthy diet rich in foods that are good for eye health, such as leafy greens, carrots, kale, Omega-3 and zinc
• Keep up with eyelid hygiene