Eye Area Treatments

Can you tell me something about the eyelid treatments?
Blepharoplasty means the removal of excess skin and fat (if necessary) from the eyelids (upper or lower or both)
Ptosis surgery is used to lift drooping eyelids
Brow ptosis surgery elevates the eyebrows if they are too low
Entropion surgery corrects an in turning eyelid
and ectropion surgery corrects an eyelid which is turned out

How is the Surgery carried out?
Almost all eyelid surgery can be performed under local anaesthetic.
That means the eyelids are numbed with anaesthetic so that there is no discomfort during the surgery. In certain situations general anaesthetic may be used (patient preference or simultaneous upper and lower lid surgery)

Is it Safe?
All surgery is performed by a consultant eye surgeon with specialist training in eyelid surgery. There are risks associated with all surgery although these are small and specific to the procedure performed. Your surgeon will provide you with full information with regard to the surgery and any risks and complications at the time of your consultation.

Will it hurt?
Anaesthetic is used to completely numb the eyelids so that you don’t feel anything during the procedure. The anaesthetic itself causes a little discomfort initially for a few seconds.

How long does the treatment take?
Most of the procedures take about 20 minutes per eye lid (ptosis ~ 30 mins per eye)

Is there a guaranteed success?
No, it is not possible for any surgical result to be fully guaranteed, however, during your consultation your surgeon will fully explain what he expects the result to be. If the result is significantly less than expected, additional “touch up” surgery may be required. (included in fee within first year)

Is there an age limit?
No. As long as you are able to lie comfortably for the duration of the procedure there is no age limit. If you are on certain drugs you may have to stop these a week before surgery. (E.g. Aspirin, warfarin , plavix, voltarol, brufen, celebrex)

What happens at the consultation?
Your surgeon will ask you questions and examine you to determine exactly which procedure or other treatment you require. He will explain exactly what can realistically be expected and outline any risks or complications associated with treatment. Following this (if required) he will give you written information for you to take away with you, as well as a consent form for treatment for you to view in advance of proposed treatment.

If I am suitable for surgery what happens next?
A date can be provisionally arranged for surgery. (usually a few weeks later). In the interim period you should read the information given to you and sign the consent form. If there are any questions that you think of after the consultation, you may contact the surgeon through the clinic at anytime prior to the day of surgery, for clarification.

Is there anything else I should know?
Eyelid surgery is generally pain free (apart from the initial discomfort of the local anaesthetic) however, following the surgery when the anaesthetic wears off, there will be moderate discomfort requiring pain killers. Usually pain killers of a strength to cover a common headache or toothache is sufficient e.g. paracetamol, co-codamol. Severe pain is uncommon and the surgeon should be contacted if this occurs.

The eyelid skin is the thinnest in the body and bruising and swelling should be expected following any eyelid surgery. This is commonly obvious for the first week following the procedure. Cool compresses regularly applied in the first few days reduce swelling and bruising considerably. Dark glasses may be needed if going out.
Fine sutures are used which are simply removed 1 or 2 weeks following surgery depending on the type of surgery.

Are there any restrictions following treatment?
In the first few weeks following surgery the wounds will be healing and care should be taken not to rub the eyelids or to strain excessively (e.g. heavy lifting or stooping) as this may worsen bruising or disrupt the wound.
Swimming should be avoided for the first 3 weeks; direct strong sunlight should be avoided for a few months (wearing good sunglasses will protect against this.

Who will carry out my treatment?
Your procedure will be performed by Mr Lacey a fully accredited Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon with specialist training in Oculoplastic Surgery. He is a Consultant Eye Surgeon at the Mater Hospital in Belfast.
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Wrinkle Reduction

Can you tell me something about wrinkle reduction injections?
Botulinum injections are used reduce wrinkles around the eyes and face,
and to rise the eyebrows in certain cases. The wrinkles are caused by the contraction of normal muscles and these become more noticeable with age due to skin changes. The Botox/Dysport injections gently reduce the actions of the muscles for a few months making the wrinkles less obvious.

How is the surgery carried out?
Very fine needles are used to precisely place the botulinum into the muscles over which the wrinkles are noticeable. Within a few days the wrinkle flatten out as the muscle action is reduced.

Is the surgery safe?
Botulinum injections have been used to reduce abnormal muscle contractions (spasms) for many years and the side effects and risks are well known. If there are any side effects they are generally very mild and they are reversible after a few weeks. Your surgeon will discuss these with you during your consultation. Botulinum treatment is not advised if you are or may be pregnant, or if you are breast-feeding.
You must tell the doctor if you are on any medication, particularly antibiotics.

Will it hurt?
Placement of the botulinum in the muscles does require very fine injections and therefore the finest needles possible are used. This means that the discomfort is as little as possible but a tiny nip should be expected.

How long does the treatment take?
Depending on the number of areas to be treated the time of treatment varies, but usually only a few minutes.

Is there a guarenteed success?
No there is never a guaranteed result with any surgery but it is highly effective in most cases. Your surgeon will discuss with you in advance what he/she feels should be expected. Because individuals may vary in their response to Botulinum, a smaller doze may be used at your first visit.

Is there and upper age limit?
No. As long as you are able to lie comfortably for the duration of the procedure there is no age limit. If you are on certain drugs you may have to stop these a week before surgery. (E.g. Aspirin, warfarin , plavix, voltarol, brufen, celebrex)

What happens at a consultation?
During the consultation your doctor will determine if botulinum injections are suitable for you (as there are a range of other treatments for which you may be more suitable) He/she will explain what he/she feels is a realistic expectation and inform you of any risks and contraindications. You will be given a consent form to read and consider prior to scheduling treatment.

If I am suitable for a treatment what happens next?
You will be given a date for the Botulinum injection at your first appointment (usually within a week or two). Subsequent treatments may be performed on the same day as your appointment once your response to treatment is known.

Is there anything else I should know?
Bruising is uncommon but may occur following treatment as with any injections.

Are there any restrictions following the treatment?
You should not lie down or touch the treated areas for a few hours following the injections as this can affect the spread of the botulinum. Otherwise there are no restrictions.
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Skin Treatments

What is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a modern and effective way of exfoliating your skin without the need for chemicals. Imagine a cleansing massage from thousands of tiny crystals, gently exfoliating and resurfacing your skin. It removes the superficial 2-3 layers of skin. This includes dead cells and debris allowing the laser to work directly on the skin. This also helps refine the pores.
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