What is Revision Surgery?
Revision Surgery is becoming a popular option with patients who have undergone previous surgical procedures – and with over two decades of surgical experience around the eyes, Dr Sabrina achieves some excellent results. Common reasons for seeking revision surgery are as a result of asymmetric or droopy eyelids (this is often found in those who have undergone ptosis surgery;) as well as those who have previously undergone a lower-lid blepharoplasty, and have since experienced issues such as skin falling away from the eyeball, bulges of fat at the lower corners of the eye, or changes to the angle of eyelid.
How does the procedure work?
Revision Surgery is a highly unique procedure that depends entirely upon the individual patient and their unique condition. For this reason, the initial consultation is of utmost importance. However, Revision Surgery can also be challenging as we often only discover the extent of the internal scarring upon operating – while fat loss in the periorbital area, or prior filler treatment, can also affect the success of a procedure. Finally, the downtime following a Revision Surgery can also be prolonged – this is because the eyelids can take longer to recover, especially if the lymphatic system has been affected. For this reason, managing patient expectations is paramount – after all, this is often a crisis for the patient, as well as their general confidence.
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Patient Questions About Eyelid Lifts And Brow Lifts
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the risks of Revision Surgery?
The risks of Revision Surgery include:
Infection: This is very rare; however, occasionally the stitches may become infected or inflamed. This can be swiftly settled with oral and topical antibiotics.
Scarring: Generally, scars are hidden in the skin fold, or the inner part of the lid. Stitches are normally visible for the first week, then, when they are removed, a faint scar is visible. While the scar may seem thickened and red for 6 to 12 weeks, it will gradually become almost invisible after that period. While not every scar heals equally well, silicone scar remodelling gel can improve the appearance of a thickened or reddened scar – however, the treatment needs to be continued for several months to have a good result.
Large bruise or haematoma: This is minimised by regular use of ice packs, avoiding heavy exercise for 2 weeks after surgery, and stopping aspirin and other anticoagulants (if safe so to do) 2 weeks pre-operatively. If you do experience a haematoma, you may have to go back into theatre to have the blood clot removed, and have your stitches redone. This runs the risk of a worse scar.
Theoretical risk to vision: Any eyelid surgery carries the risk that an undiagnosed infection or bleed could damage the optic nerve. This is so rare that, by comparison, a normal car journey poses a much greater risk to your vision.
“Hollow” appearance: This is rare, but can occur – usually when too much fat has been removed.
Temporary poor blink: Generally, blinking returns to normal within 12 weeks.
What is the recovery time following Revision Surgery?
The downtime with Revision Surgery can vary from patient to patient – this is because no two procedures will be the same. However, as a general rule, most patients usually recover within one week for an Upper-Lid Blepharoplasty; for a Lower-Lid Blepharoplasty, recovery tends to take approximately 2 weeks. Bruising can last for up to 2 weeks, while we advise that full recovery may take anywhere between 4-12 weeks.
About Dr Sabrina Shah-Desai MS, FRCS
Dr Sabrina Shah-Desai is a distinguished oculoplastic surgeon and one of London’s leading eye specialists. She has over two decades of surgical experience and is renowned for her ability to create a natural look.
Dr Sabrina has a deep anatomical knowledge of the periorbital area and an appreciation for the differences in treating both men and women. When raising the brows and eyelids in a male Upper-Lid Blepharoplasty, it is important to preserve the T-shaped brow – in order not to feminise their appearance.
“I had a very positive experience. She provided me with relevant pictures of what to expect post surgery which was very useful. Her post op information was clear and easy to follow. She came across as a very caring and confident practitioner. The outcome she described before surgery was realistic and she skilfully performed this.”
“I would like to express how happy I am with the results of my upper blepharoplasty. My eyes have healed really well and I am already getting compliments on how perfect they look! I would like to thank Mrs Sabrina Shah-Desai for her time, caring attitude and excellent results.”
“I've been wanting to have upper & lower lid surgery for some years. I have hereditary heavy eyelids, tea troughs & also bags under my eyes. I'm constantly told I'm looking tired! I researched a lot of surgeons & finally came across Sabrina Shah-Desai through a recommendation from an aesthetic nurse.”
“I feel that I've found my 'face doctor' and that is as valuable to me as the happiness I feel when I look in the mirror. Thanks too to Abi who was on hand during my recovery. She has a kind and caring nature and was on call the whole time during my recovery to give me the reassurance that I occasionally needed.”
“By far the best experience I have ever had with a doctor! Mrs Shah Desai is so professional, knowledgable and thorough with her approach and at the same time so kind, warm and friendly. I highly recommend her for any kind of surgery in the eye area.... I had a very fast and smooth recovery and I am so pleased with the results!”
“I've had very heavy set eyes for the last 10 years that's aged me and decided that I now wanted to have treatment to help this problem. At consultation with Sabrina I felt confedent about suggested treatment for me. I had Blepharoplasty which was almost pain free and am so happy with my results.”
