How does revision eyelid surgery work?

The initial procedure of blepharoplasty surgery is done by removing excess skin and fat that can develop above the eyelids in some people as part of their natural ageing process. The goal of eyelid surgery is usually to alleviate sagging or droopy upper eyelids, or baggy eyes.

Like any surgery, eyelid surgery has the potential to leave scars or disfigurement, shortly after the procedure or as the patient ages further.

In many cases, someone unhappy with their initial procedure will seek a revision procedure which is done to correct any of these issues. Revision blepharoplasty surgery can be performed to realign the eyelids into the desired position, or may involve injecting fillers to restore the structure of the skin on or around the lids. Both the initial and revision procedures must be performed by an experienced surgeon and a botched surgery can have a significant impact on a patient's comfort and the look of their face.

Can I get corrective eyelid surgery?

If your initial eyelid surgery did not go according to plan and you are unhappy with the results, you may be able to get corrective surgery. Your surgeon will handle this differently depending on their own business model - they may offer you free revision surgery or charge you. You should find out this information before undergoing the initial eyelid surgery.

What are the risks of eyelid surgery?

Before you decide to undergo cosmetic eyelid surgery, you should be aware of the following risks:

• Visible scarring
• Infection
• Dry and irritated eyes
• Functional difficulties, such as being unable to fully close the eyes
• Damage to the eye muscles
• Discolouration of the skin
• Temporary or permanent vision loss
• Ectropion - droopy or retracted lower eyelids

While these risks are rare, you should be aware that they may occur and you should do your best to look out for them following your surgery so you can get directions from a medical professional.

Infection is one of the most common risks that you face when undergoing any kind of surgery. Generally, the chance of your wounds becoming infected will depend on how clean you keep them. Following your surgery, your surgeon should explain the healing process to you, giving you instructions on how to facilitate the best healing possible. You should also do your own research to make sure your surgeon did not miss any crucial points. Even if you do follow the proper process, you are still at risk of infection due to factors outside of your control, such as illness that can affect your body’s healing.

To ensure the best chances of healing and avoiding infection, make sure you consider the following:

• Keep any dressings on your wounds until your surgeon says it is okay to remove them
• Do not take baths or submerge your eyelids - instead, allow shower water to gently drain over your wounds and make sure to clear them of any soap. Your surgeon should inform you as to when this is safe to do
• Avoid harsh sunlight as this can dry out your skin
• Protect your face from knocks and bumps
• Do not rub your eyes
• Avoid smoking and vaping

What should I do if my eyelid surgery has gone wrong?

If you feel that your surgery has gone wrong and the results are affecting you, you should consider seeking revision eyelid surgery. If the fault of your botched surgery lies with your surgeon and you have suffered due to pain or financial reasons, you should speak to a different medical professional - such as your GP - as soon as possible.

Once you are sure that you have been treated negligently and are getting the care you require, you should consider making a claim for compensation. This will help you to secure funds to cover any support you require following your botched surgery, including mental health support or corrective surgery.

Claims for compensation made against practitioners who have acted with negligence are known as 'medical negligence claims'. Medical professionals are bound to a duty of care that states they must follow standards set by the UK authorities when providing any kind of medical service, and that they must not cause harm while doing so.