Early signs of ageing of the eyelids are a downward shifting of the brow and fullness of the upper eyelid skin. Morning swelling of the eyelids progessively increases in duration and make-up such as eyeshadow becomes smudged at the lid folds. Progressive upper lid fullness may eventually result in overhanging skin folds.

In addition ‘eyebags’ become evident in the lower eyelids and at the inner corners of the upper eyelids. Eyebags result in the protrusion of excess fat in the orbit. In some cases this fatty protrusion is inherited and becomes noticeable at a much younger age.

Nature of the operation
The patient is admitted to the the hospital on the morning of surgery. The procedure is usually performed under sedation and local anesthesia although a general anesthetic is generally preferred in an exceptionally nervous patient.

In the upper lid the incision is made in the lid crease. In the lower lid the incision starts at the outside in the crows foot and extends under the eyelashes.