What is the recovery time following Eyelid Lift Surgery?

It generally takes one week to recover from the initial Eyelid Lift Surgery. During that time, you cannot exercise or put your body under extraneous strain, though you can go about your normal activities. The wound takes 2-4 weeks to heal significantly, and the stitches will be removed between 7-10 days. If you’re curious about the results, you can find many pictures of the upper eyelid blepharoplasty before and after here. Read the whole treatment journey from one of Dr. Sabrina’s patients here.

Will Eyelid Lift Surgery feminise male eyelids?

Eyelid Lift Surgery should not make male eyes appear more feminine if correctly performed. Most men have naturally low brows, which are T-shaped (versus a woman’s high, arched brows), and these can cause the eyes to appear “hooded” early on. Due to sagging upper lids and brows, hooded eyelids can affect the upper field of vision like a horse wearing blinkers. When lifting the brow and eyes in men, it is important not to feminise their appearance and to retain their natural T-shape. If you’re looking for eyelid lift surgery in London, Dr. Shah-Desai’s deep knowledge of anatomy allows you to achieve the desired results while ensuring safety.

What are the common risks of Eyelid Lift Surgery?

Patient Questions About Upper Eyelid Lifts And Brow Lifts Frequently Asked Questions What is the recovery time following Eyelid Lift Surgery? It generally takes one week to recover from the initial Eyelid Lift Surgery. During that time, you cannot exercise or put your body under extraneous strain, though you can go about your normal activities. The wound takes 2-4 weeks to heal significantly, and the stitches will be removed between 7-10 days. If you’re curious about the results, you can find many pictures of the upper eyelid blepharoplasty before and after here. Read the whole treatment journey from one of Dr. Sabrina’s patients here. Will Eyelid Lift Surgery feminise male eyelids? Eyelid Lift Surgery should not make male eyes appear more feminine if correctly performed. Most men have naturally low brows, which are T-shaped (versus a woman’s high, arched brows), and these can cause the eyes to appear “hooded” early on. Due to sagging upper lids and brows, hooded eyelids can affect the upper field of vision like a horse wearing blinkers. When lifting the brow and eyes in men, it is important not to feminise their appearance and to retain their natural T-shape. If you’re looking for eyelid lift surgery in London, Dr. Shah-Desai’s deep knowledge of anatomy allows you to achieve the desired results while ensuring safety. What are the common risks of Eyelid Lift Surgery? The potential risks associated with Eyelid Lift Surgery include: – Bruising, which can last from 1–3 weeks. – Swelling can be severe in the lower eyelids for 2-3 weeks, even if only the upper lids are operated on. – Blurring of vision for the first week after the surgery. – Feelings of irritation, dryness, or excessive tearing may persist for 6 weeks or more. – Temporary or permanent reduction in blink. – Swelling and tightness in the eyelids after surgery may cause minor discomfort or pain. – Temporary dry eye, which can occasionally worsen pre-existing dry eye or blepharitis and may present as eyelid lumps or chalazion that may require further treatment. – VVisibility of the upper eyelid scar can take 3–6 months to fade. Although 99% of scars hidden in the crease are barely visible, 1% may be pale, thickened, or depressed and may have a different colour.

Will my surgical scars be visible afterwards?

The cuts are not apparent as they are concealed within the eyelids’ natural creases, beneath the lower lash line, or inside the lower eyelid. Following the healing process, these cuts become unnoticeable.

Can I start reading right away after surgery?

After the surgery, your vision may be impaired due to eyelid swelling and the use of eye lubricants that we provide. But in a few days, your vision will totally return, and you’ll be able to read without any issues.

Thyroid Lid Lowering Surgery in London, UK

What is Thyroid Lid Lowering Surgery?

Thyroid lid lowering surgery is a specialised treatment for patients with thyroid eye disease (TED) who experience eyelid retraction, often causing a “staring” appearance. This condition results from the inflammation and swelling around the eyes commonly associated with TED. When the upper eyelid is retracted, it can leave the eyes feeling dry and irritated, impairing blinking function and exposing the eye surface.
This surgery works by carefully repositioning the eyelid to reduce its elevation, improving comfort, and protecting the eye. Often recommended for patients with stable TED, thyroid lid lowering surgery helps to restore a natural look and ease some of the discomfort and functional issues caused by eyelid retraction.

Thyroid Lid Lowering Surgery at a Glance

Duration

2 to 3.5 Hours

Driving

Anaesthesia

General and local

Hospital Stay

Outpatient

Excercise

Final Results

Pre Admission tests

Addresses

Thyroid eye disease

Down time

2 Weeks

Advantages of Thyroid Lid Lowering Surgery

Improved Vision and Eye Comfort

By creating more space around the eye, the surgery reduces pressure, leading to better vision and increased comfort.

Enhanced Appearance

Repositioning the eyelid restores a more natural, relaxed appearance, often boosting self-confidence.

Relief from TED Symptoms

The procedure can help alleviate TED-related issues, including light sensitivity, double vision, and difficulty closing the eyelids.

Boosted Self-Esteem and Confidence

With improved eye appearance, thyroid lid lowering surgery can significantly boost your self-esteem & confidence.

Tailored treatments – options available for mild, moderate, and severe cases.
Negligible downtime – may be a bit swollen and bruised for a few days.
Unrivalled expertise – performed by a leading oculoplastic surgeon.

How Does Thyroid Lid Lowering Surgery Work?

Thyroid Eye Disease symptoms are assessed based on their activity level and severity. Activity is rated from 0 to 10, reflecting the degree of inflammation, while severity is categorised as mild, moderate, severe, or sight-threatening.

For mild cases without inflammation, treatments typically include lubricating eye drops and a daily dose of oral selenium (200 mcg for 6 months). If inflammation is present, additional treatments such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or steroids might be needed. Double vision can be managed with Fresnel prisms, which stick onto eyeglass lenses to help realign the eyes.

For moderate to severe cases, especially those threatening sight, more aggressive treatments are used. This might include steroids, radiotherapy, or surgery during the active phase of the disease. Pulsed intravenous methylprednisolone works in about 85% of cases, while oral prednisolone is effective in around 60% of cases. Other drugs like Azathioprine, Cyclosporine, and Rituximab can also be used. Urgent orbital decompression may be necessary for severe cases that threaten vision, and lid surgery is considered if the cornea is at risk.

Radiotherapy can be helpful for progressive, active disease. Once the disease stabilises, restorative surgeries become an option. These can include orbital decompression for bulging eyes, squint surgery to correct double vision, lid-lowering surgery for staring eyes, and blepharoplasty to address eye bags.

Thyroid Lid Lowering Surgery Before and After

See the thyroid lid lowering surgery before and after results below achieved by Dr. Sabrina.

Disclaimer : Your results may vary. Any specific claims or duration of results vary for each patient and are not guaranteed.

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty before and After

Meet the Expert: Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai

With over two decades of surgical and non-surgical experience, Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai is currently considered to be one of the safest, most experienced oculoplastic surgeons in the UK. Her extensive training, in combination with her caring and empathetic nature, makes her a natural choice for patients seeking the very best care. For this reason, Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai appears consistently in Tatler magazine as one of the UK’s “Best Eye Surgeon” and “Top Doctors” since 2019, and is the recipient of multiple awards, including “Best Aesthetic Doctor” Safety in Beauty Diamond Award 2023, “Consultant Surgeon of the Year”, “Best Surgical Result” Aesthetic Awards 2021 & Highly Commended “Consultant Surgeon of the Year” Aesthetic Awards 2022. She was voted by “MyFaceMyBody” as one of the Global 100 most influential aesthetic practitioners in 2019 & 2020.

Dr. Sabrina - Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty Surgeon- Signature

Thyroid Lid Lowering Surgery Cost in London

Prices are a guide; your doctor will calculate the total thyroid lid lowering surgery cost in the UK during the consultation.

Thyroid lid lowering surgery cost starts from __________

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Patient Questions About Thyroid Lid Lowering Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Thyroid Eye Disease?

Thyroid Eye Disease, also called Graves Orbitopathy, is a common orbital condition in the United Kingdom, impacting 1 out of 20 individuals. It is commonly linked to immune disorders of the thyroid, such as Graves’ Disease or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, and predominantly affects women, generally between their second and sixth decades of life.

What are the symptoms of thyroid eye disease?

Here are some common symptoms:

Sore, red, and watery eyes
Dry eyes
Swollen eyelids
Under eye bags
Lid retraction (eyes appearing to “stare”)
Gritty feeling in the eyes.
Bulging eyes (proptosis or exophthalmos)
Double and blurred vision

How can I manage the active stage of Thyroid Eye Disease?

In the active stage, Dr. Sabrina recommends making positive lifestyle changes to help improve thyroid eye disease. Adopting an anti-stress or mindfulness practice, such as yoga, pilates, or counselling, can help improve your experience of thyroid eye disease. Monitoring your thyroid status every 4 to 6 weeks is also recommended. Smoking is known to affect the course of Graves Orbitopathy (GO) adversely and your response to treatment, so smokers are advised to quit and seek professional help if necessary. Aim to achieve and maintain euthyroid status, which needs to be overseen by an endocrinologist using medications, radioactive iodine, or thyroidectomy.

Note : Radioactive iodine is contraindicated in young children, women during pregnancy, and severe eye disease. Also, ensure the stability of eyelid height after graded anterior-approach lid lowering for Dysthyroid upper lid retraction, as thyroid orbitopathy possibly predisposes to late-onset periocular lymphoma.

How much time does thyroid lid lowering surgery recovery take?

Recovery from thyroid lid lowering surgery typically takes about two weeks. During the first week, it’s important to take it easy—avoid bending over too much or blowing your nose. Once you’ve healed, your symptoms, like distorted eye appearance, discomfort, and vision issues, should improve.

Is thyroid lid lowering surgery safe?

Yes, thyroid lid lowering surgery is considered a safe procedure, and the risk of serious complications is low. Make sure to communicate any concerns that you may have with your doctor.

Is thyroid lid lowering surgery painful?

Thyroid lid lowering surgery is usually done under regional or general anaesthesia, meaning you’ll be asleep or won’t feel pain during the procedure. A local anaesthetic is also injected into the eyelid area.

What are the side effects of thyroid lid lowering surgery?

Possible side effects after orbital surgery can include:

Swelling and bruising
Scarring
Disrupted sensation
Blurred vision
Eyelid problems
Blindness
Persistent double vision (diplopia)

Patient Reviews

“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.”

Read more on Realself

“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.”

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“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.”

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“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.”

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“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!”

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“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.”

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