Is eyelid reconstruction surgery painful?

The majority of patients do not experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure, although you may experience some post-operative bruising and swelling. It's normal to feel confident enough to go out in public after 10 to 14 days. But it can take several months to fully recover. During your recovery, applying cold compresses and using antibiotic ointments might assist in minimising swelling.

How much time does it take to recover following reconstruction surgery?

If you have tissue-transfer reconstruction, it usually takes about six weeks to recover. If you have surgery with tissue expanders or implants, it can take four to six weeks to recover.

Is reconstructive surgery risky?

Some complications that can happen after eyelid reconstructive surgery include infection, excessive bleeding, and bruising.

How long does eyelid reconstruction surgery take?

Following the procedure, the surgeon will apply special tape to stabilise the eyelids, which is often removed within a week. The actual procedure for eyelids can take 45 minutes to two and a half hours. The majority of patients are allowed to leave the hospital and go home the same day.

What complications can arise from eyelid reconstruction?

Complications of eyelid reconstruction may consist of: Eversion of the eyelid margin. Drooping of the outer tissues. Injury to the cornea. Bleeding in the eye socket. Formation of scar tissue on the conjunctiva. Lack of stability in the upper eyelid.

Eyelid Reconstruction Surgery in London

Restore your eyelids' appearance and functionality with our specialised reconstruction surgery in London. Our meticulous approach ensures a natural look while enhancing overall eye health.

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Reconstructive surgery

At a Glance

Duration: 45 minutes to 2.5 hours
Driving: After 3-10 days
Anaesthesia: Local
Hospital stay: Outpatient
Exercise: After 2-6 weeks
Final Results: 5-7 Years
Down time: 2 Weeks

Why choose this treatment

Advantages of Eyelid Reconstruction Surgery

Improved Vision

Address sagging eyelids for improved peripheral vision and enhanced upper and outer visual fields.

Easier Recovery

The recovery period is short after surgery; you can return to your work and regular activities.

Younger Appearance

Eyelid reconstruction surgery helps you achieve a rejuvenated and awake look by using reshaping techniques.

Long-Lasting Effects

Reconstruction surgery delivers enduring results by targeting and removing excess fat beneath and above the eyelids.

The Procedure

How Does Eyelid Reconstruction Surgery Work?

Immediate relief: noticeable improvement soon after the procedure. Unmatched expertise: performed by a highly skilled oculoplastic surgeon.

Eyelid reconstruction is typically a procedure done on an outpatient basis. It is generally performed using local anaesthesia, so you will be awake but won't feel any pain.

Using the intended reconstructive technique as a guide, the surgeon makes precise incisions. In some cases, the surrounding tissues may be relocated to fill in any gaps or imperfections in the eyelid. This could entail making use of nearby cartilage or skin.

The eyelid tissue can be improved or replaced through tissue grafts or flaps. These grafts can be made of synthetic material or taken from different areas of the body. The structure of the eyelids is reconstructed by carefully placing them and stitching them in place.

The surgeon then uses fine sutures to close the incisions and secure the reconstructed tissue in its new position. The sutures are placed precisely and concealed as much as possible to create a natural contour and ensure proper function. Overall, eyelid reconstruction typically takes between 45 minutes to 2.5 hours, depending on the complexity of your case.

Unmatched Expertise How Does Eyelid Reconstruction Surgery Work?

What is Eyelid Reconstruction Surgery?

The term "eyelid reconstruction" describes the processes used to give the eyelids their original form and functionality. This could be required for a number of causes, such as trauma, cancer, congenital (from birth) disorders, or other disorders that affect the eyelids.

Depending on the patient's condition, particular procedures are used for eyelid reconstruction according to the severity of the issue. Surgeons may employ flaps, tissue grafts, or other advanced reconstructive techniques. The aim is to preserve the integrity and health of the eye while producing a functional and aesthetically appealing result.

Meet the Expert: Dr Sabrina Shah-Desai

Dr Sabrina Shah-Desai is the founder and Medical Director of Perfect Eyes Clinic. With over two decades of surgical and non-surgical experience, she is considered one of the safest, most experienced oculoplastic surgeons in the UK.

Her extensive training, combined with her caring and empathetic nature, makes her a natural choice for patients seeking the very best care. Dr Sabrina appears consistently in Tatlermagazine as one of the UK's “Best Eye Surgeons” and “Top Doctors” since 2019.

Learn About Dr Sabrina

Royal College of Surgeons of England - register of Board-Certified Cosmetic SurgeonsBest Aesthetic Doctor - Safety in Beauty 2023Consultant Surgeon of the YearBest Surgical Result - Aesthetic Awards 2021Tatler Best Eye Surgeon 2019-2026

Transparent pricing

Eyelid Reconstruction Cost in London

Prices are a guide; your doctor will calculate the total eyelid reconstruction cost during the consultation.

Eyelid reconstruction - from £2,500

Important: all cosmetic procedures incur 20% VAT. Fees are estimates and will be confirmed after medical consultation.

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Patient Questions About Reconstructive surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

The questions patients ask most often, answered by the clinic. If yours isn’t here, ask us directly - we would be delighted to help.

The majority of patients do not experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure, although you may experience some post-operative bruising and swelling. It's normal to feel confident enough to go out in public after 10 to 14 days. But it can take several months to fully recover. During your recovery, applying cold compresses and using antibiotic ointments might assist in minimising swelling.
If you have tissue-transfer reconstruction, it usually takes about six weeks to recover. If you have surgery with tissue expanders or implants, it can take four to six weeks to recover.
Some complications that can happen after eyelid reconstructive surgery include infection, excessive bleeding, and bruising.
Following the procedure, the surgeon will apply special tape to stabilise the eyelids, which is often removed within a week. The actual procedure for eyelids can take 45 minutes to two and a half hours. The majority of patients are allowed to leave the hospital and go home the same day.
Complications of eyelid reconstruction may consist of:
- Eversion of the eyelid margin.
- Drooping of the outer tissues.
- Injury to the cornea.
- Bleeding in the eye socket.
- Formation of scar tissue on the conjunctiva.
- Lack of stability in the upper eyelid.

Call or email us today, we would be delighted to answer your questions.

Ask a Question or Book an Appointment

Patient stories

Rated five stars by patients across the globe

4.8out of 5 from 240+ Google reviews

Desi Stevens

“Simply the best dermatologist for skin care and eye surgery. She is a safe and skilled doctor who is highly experienced and will meet your needs, her approach is a soft and natural aesthetic. She listens and communicates clearly, professionally and in a kind and personable manner. I have been looked after by Dr Sabrina for many years have always been extremely happy with her advice, procedures and results. Highly recommend, she is a talented Dr you can trust.”

Kealey Hessey

“Dr Sabrina is the magic eye fairy. Only 10 days after my lower lid bleph and midface lift and nearly all bruising and swelling has gone. After a lot of research, I knew after my initial consultation with Dr Sabrina she was the one I trusted. Such a warm & kind woman. I am so pleased I put my Trust in Dr Shah. Immensely happy with the results and will be back to get my upper eyes done in the future. Thank you to the whole team.”

Jo Kirby

“I had been recommended Dr Sabrina by a medical colleague & am extremely glad I made the journey from Southampton to the Perfect Eye Clinic in London to discuss blepharoplasty. The team were all so friendly & very professional and most importantly, Dr Sabrina informed me that I had a bilateral eye ptosis. This explained a number of issues I was experiencing. I will definitely be booking to have a correction of bilateral eye ptosis and upper blepharoplasty. Can't recommend enough.”

Shirley Ford

“I am so very happy with my experiences at Perfect Eyes. Dr Sabrina is an absolute Star. Extremely talented, very personable I just couldn't be happier with my results and her overall professionalism. But a big part of my review is how lovely the support staff are too. Namely Safiya and Lisa who greet you with such warmness and respect. I highly recommend this clinic as I have done so with many friends.”

Radhika Rajan

“Top notch surgeon. Dr.Sabrina Shah is the best. Very meticulous and focused. Very experienced and very skillful. Supported by a great team, Irvana at the office is efficient and directs empathy as well towards nervous patients like myself . All in all a great experience.”

Tina Stonely

“Dr Sabrina is so so kind and thorough in really assessing and understanding my needs and explaining in detail what works and the pros on cons of each treatment. I trust her implicitly and know she is the best physician in the UK and trainer to physicians for all aesthetic treatments. I cannot recommend her enough. You will not be disappointed choosing Sabrina.”

Tanya Del Federico

“Perfect Eyes provides an exceptional experience from start to finish. The team is warm, professional and highly knowledgeable, and every aspect of the consultation feels thorough and personalised. Sabrina combines outstanding surgical expertise with a genuine commitment to achieving natural, elegant results, taking the time to explain every option and ensure patients feel completely at ease. The care, attention to detail and standard of service are second to none. I would highly recommend Perfect Eyes to anyone looking for expert oculoplastic and aesthetic care.”

Minda Wang

“I am so happy with my experience. The results look natural, and I feel like a fresher version of myself since having my Biostimulation treatment with Doctor Sabrina. The whole experience was comfortable and professional, and I felt supported and well cared for throughout. I would definitely recommend this treatment to anyone looking for a natural-looking boost.”

Samantha Andrews

“Amazing. I’m so happy with the results. Sabrina is a master. She also has a wonderful bedside manner. I can’t recommend Sabrina and her team enough. Worth double the money. 👏🏻”

Hayley Pearson

“I was lucky enough to first meet Sabrina 9 years ago & have never used anyone else since. She has helped transform my appearance; with natural looking aesthetics. I currently live abroad, however remain dedicated to stay a patient of Sabrina. What’s 3,500 miles when you have found the best in the business!”