Private eyelid and tear duct treatment
If you're considering private eyelid and tear duct surgery, you can learn more about whether it's right for you below.
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Bracknell
Venture House, 2 Arlington Square, Downshire Way, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1WA
Bradford and Huddersfield
Park House, Woodland Park, Bradford Road, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, BD19 6BW
Bristol - Aztec West
Building 720, Waterside Drive, Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4UD
Bristol - Litfield House
Litfield House Medical Centre, 1 Litfield Place, Clifton Down, Bristol, BS8 3LS
Slough
Buckland House, Langley Business Park, 10 Waterside Drive, Langley, Slough, Berkshire, SL3 6EZ
Welwyn Garden City
3 Falcon Gate, Shire Park, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL7 1TW
What is private eyelid and tear duct surgery?
Eyelid and tear duct issues range from mildly irritating to serious and painful. Not all require surgery, but for those that do, private treatment offers several advantages, including more choice around your surgery, shorter waiting times and personalised aftercare.
Common eyelid and tear duct conditions
Eyelid conditions
Private corrective surgery is available for most common eyelid conditions, including:
Ptosis: The inability of the upper eyelid to fully open
Ectropion: The eyelid turns outward and fails to properly cover the eye
Entropion: Turning inwards of the eyelid, so that eyelashes and skin touch the eye
Tear duct blockage or tearing
Tear duct blockage doesn't mean you can't cry. Instead, it means your eye cannot drain liquid properly, and the backed-up tears can lead to watery eyes, infections and swelling.
Types of private eyelid surgery
Upper and lower eyelid lifts
Eyelid lifts cut away excess skin from the eyelids, which stops them from drooping.
Ptosis repair
Eyelids can also droop because the levator muscles that hold them open loosen and weaken. During ptosis repair, these muscles are tightened so that they can hold the eyelids fully open again.
Ectropion and entropion correction
Ectropion and entropion are corrected by unrolling the inward or outward-facing eyelid and tightening the surrounding muscles so that it stays in place.
Types of private tear duct surgery
Balloon dilation and stenting
Balloon dilation treats a narrowed or blocked tear duct by inflating a tiny balloon inside it. This gently opens the duct, allowing a stent to be inserted to hold it open so tears can drain properly.
Dacryocystorhinostomy
Dacryocystorhinostomy, or DCR, creates a new passage to help drain tears from the eye instead of fixing the existing tear duct. It's more complex than balloon dilation, which is often tried first.
How private eyelid and tear duct surgery works
Pre-surgery evaluation
No two patients are exactly the same, so first a consultant will need to assess your needs. They'll do this through visual and physical tests as well as talking with you, and they’ll use the results to plan your surgery.
Surgery
The surgery itself typically takes 30–120 minutes, and will be done by a specialist oculoplastic surgeon. Private eyelid and tear duct surgery patients are able to choose which surgeon they want to carry out their procedure.
Post-operative care
Following the surgery, you'll be informed of any aftercare advice you need to follow. This may be as simple as resting and avoiding strenuous activity, or you may be prescribed eyedrops or medication. After 24 hours, we'll call to see how you're doing, and there will be some follow-up appointments over the next few months to monitor the healing process.
Benefits of private eyelid and tear duct surgery
Improved vision and eyelid function
Private eyelid surgery ensures your eyelids will only cover the areas they're supposed to when they're open, restoring any vision that they were previously blocking. Any blurriness caused by excess tearing will also be helped by private tear duct surgery.
Enhanced eye comfort
Severe entropion or ectropion can cause the eye a lot of irritation, and blocked tear ducts can lead to soreness. Surgery returns your eyes to their natural, comfortable state.
Reduced tearing and infection risk
When tears back up because of a blocked duct, they become a breeding ground for bacteria. Getting surgery to ensure your tears can drain properly is essential if you want to avoid infection.
Personalised aftercare and monitoring
The first few weeks after surgery can be difficult, as side effects are common. You'll have a lot of help available to get you through this, including a 24-hour aftercare helpline and freedom to choose when follow-ups take place.
Common side effects after private eyelid and tear duct surgery
Side effects after eyelid and tear duct surgery are normal and tend to last around 2-3 weeks, although a little longer is not uncommon. They include:
Swelling and bruising
Watery or dry eyes
Blurred vision
Sensitivity to light
Redness and irritation
Scarring
How much does private eyelid and tear duct surgery cost?
Private patients are able to choose many aspects of their surgery, such as who performs it, when it takes place and the type of anaesthetic that's used. As such, prices vary between patients. Please contact us to discuss your options and learn more about our prices.
0% finance on treatments over £1,000
What our patients say about us
Expert private eyelid and tear duct surgery with us
Newmedica has been putting patients first for over 18 years. With our private eyelid and tear duct surgery, you know you'll be treated by a top specialist in one of our state-of-the-art clinics, with a supportive team on hand to ensure you're comfortable all the way through. Book an appointment today to get started.