AESTHETIC MEDICAL CLINIC
Drooping Eyelid
Drooping upper eyelids are one of the most common age-related changes affecting the face. As the skin of the upper eyelid becomes loose and heavy, it creates a hooded, tired appearance. In more pronounced cases, the upper lid can begin to encroach on the visual field. At our Clifton, Bristol clinic, Mr Simon Lee, a Consultant Plastic Surgeon, assesses and treats drooping eyelids surgically and non-surgically, depending on what's right for you.
Drooping Eyelid Treatment
Drooping upper eyelids, whether due to excess skin (dermatochalasis) or a weakness of the muscle that lifts the lid (ptosis), are one of the most common age-related changes affecting the face. As the decades pass, the skin of the upper eyelid becomes heavy and loose, and fat compartments beneath it may herniate forward, creating a hooded, tired appearance. In more pronounced cases, the upper lid encroaches on the visual field.
At our Clifton, Bristol clinic, Mr Simon Lee, a Consultant Plastic Surgeon, assesses and treats drooping eyelids surgically. We also offer non-surgical options for patients whose concerns are mild, or who are not yet ready for surgery.
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Upper lid blepharoplasty removes excess skin and, where necessary, redundant fat from the upper eyelid, restoring a refreshed and more open appearance. The incision is placed in the natural eyelid crease and is virtually invisible once healed. Recovery is typically 7–14 days. Mr Lee performs this procedure at the clinic in Bristol, under local anaesthetic as a day case.
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Lower lid concerns, primarily eye bags and hollowness below the eye, can be addressed surgically by transconjunctival blepharoplasty (no external scar) or an external approach depending on the anatomy. In some patients, a combination of surgical fat repositioning and tear-trough filler produces the best result.
Non-Surgical Options
For mild hooding without significant excess skin, anti-wrinkle injections to the brow can open the eye area by a few millimetres, providing a temporary improvement. Useful for patients who want to preview the effect of surgery without committing to a procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions, Drooping Eyelids
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Do I need surgery or is there a non-surgical option?
A consultation is the best way to answer this. We will assess the degree of skin excess, brow position and overall anatomy to give you an honest view of what each approach can achieve.
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Is upper lid blepharoplasty permanent?
The result is long-lasting, typically 10–15 years before any further skin excess develops.
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Is the procedure painful?
Upper lid blepharoplasty under local anaesthetic is very well tolerated. The injections of local anaesthetic are the most uncomfortable part. Most patients are surprised by how straightforward the experience is.
