Patient Resources ‍ ‍

I know that having eyelid surgery, even a minor procedure, can feel daunting if you are not sure what to expect. This page brings together practical information to help you prepare for your appointment and recover comfortably afterwards.

If you have any questions that are not answered here, please do not hesitate to raise them at your consultation. I am always happy to talk things through.

Before your surgery

Blood thinning medications

Some medications thin the blood and can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding during and after eyelid surgery. If it is safe to do so, I usually recommend the following:

  • Aspirin and clopidogrel — stop taking these 5 days before surgery where possible

  • Anticoagulants such as rivaroxaban — stop taking these 2 days before surgery where possible

These are general guidelines. If you are taking blood thinning medication and are not certain why it was prescribed, or if you have any concerns about stopping it, please discuss this with your GP before your appointment. Never stop a medication without being confident it is safe to do so. This would be discussed in greater detail at your appointment.

On the day of surgery

  • Do not wear eye make-up on the day of your procedure

  • Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the clinic — you will not be able to drive yourself on the day of surgery

  • Allow between one and three hours at the clinic in total, depending on the procedure being performed

  • Wear comfortable clothing and bring any regular medications with you

During your procedure

All procedures are performed under local anaesthetic, meaning you will be awake throughout but the area around the eyelid will be fully numbed.

I use a careful technique to make this as comfortable as possible, beginning with a very dilute anaesthetic to start the numbing process gently, before using a stronger anaesthetic once the area is already partially numb. Most patients are surprised by how manageable this is.

Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, you should not feel any pain during the procedure. Some patients are aware of mild pressure or movement, but discomfort is not expected.

After your surgery

Going home

After most procedures a temporary dressing will be applied to the treated eyelid. You will need someone to drive you home — please make sure this is arranged in advance.

Recovering at home

Most patients are able to return to normal daily activities the following day. To support healing and reduce the risk of complications, I ask patients to follow a few simple guidelines:

  • Keep the wound area dry for 5 days after surgery

  • Avoid strenuous exercise, swimming, and heavy lifting for 10 to 14 days

  • Do not rub or pick at the wound — the less you disturb the area, the better

  • For some procedures, particularly ptosis repair and upper eyelid blepharoplasty, I will provide a lubricating or antibiotic ointment to apply for a few days — please use this as directed

As I often say to patients — let mother nature do the work of healing. The eyelids have an excellent blood supply and heal remarkably well when left undisturbed.

Further reading

The following links provide reliable patient information from respected ophthalmology organisations:

Ptosis (droopy eyelid) Moorfields Eye Hospital — Ptosis BOPSS — Ptosis

Entropion (inward turning eyelid) Moorfields Eye Hospital — Entropion BOPSS — Entropion

Ectropion and watery eyes BOPSS — Ectropion Moorfields Eye Hospital — Watery eyes

Blepharoplasty (upper eyelid skin removal) Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS — Upper lid blepharoplasty

Eyelid lumps and cysts Moorfields Eye Hospital — Chalazion BOPSS — Eyelid cysts BOPSS — Eyelid tumours

Frequently asked questions

  • No — you do not need a GP referral to book a private consultation. You are welcome to contact me directly to arrange an appointment. Many patients do come with a referral letter, which can be helpful, but it is not a requirement.

  • I aim to offer appointments promptly (1-2 weeks). Please get in touch via the arrange appointment page and I will do my best to find a convenient time for you.

  • The procedure itself should not be painful. I use a careful local anaesthetic technique, starting with a dilute anaesthetic to begin the numbing process gently before administering the full dose. Most patients tell me they are surprised by how comfortable the procedure is. There may be some mild discomfort and tightness in the days following surgery, which is usually well managed with paracetamol.

  • This depends on the type of surgery. Most procedures take between 20 and 45 minutes per side. You should allow between one and three hours at the clinic in total, to include preparation and recovery time before you go home.

  • No — you will not be able to drive on the day of surgery. Please arrange for someone to bring you to the clinic and take you home afterwards.

  • Most patients are comfortable returning to normal daily activities the day after surgery. You should keep the wound dry for 5 days and avoid strenuous exercise and swimming for 10 to 14 days. I will give you specific guidance based on the procedure you have had.

  • All incisions are placed as discreetly as possible, usually within the natural crease of the eyelid or at the outer corner of the eye. Eyelid skin heals very well and scars generally become difficult to see once fully settled, usually within a few months of surgery.

  • Please do not hesitate to seek advice if you have any concerns after surgery. You should contact the clinic promptly if you notice the wound coming apart, significant worsening of swelling, pus discharge, or pain that is not improving. Mild bruising, swelling and crusting in the first few days are normal and expected.