Hello, I’m Mr Henry Lin, a specialist in eyelid surgery. If you’re struggling with droopy eyelids — known as ptosis — you’re not alone. This condition can make you look tired, affect your appearance, and even impair your vision. The good news? I can help. I perform a scarless technique with faster recovery.
Dr Lin and team, Thank you for your kind and skillful treatment of my eyelids yesterday.
Mrs SG
Mr Lin, good morning, thank you for much for your call yesterday. It’s fantastic news with the results I’m so thrilled and so grateful to you for your very positive and excellent work, it’s healing really very well. Many thanks. Kindest regards.
Mrs JG
Good evening Mr Lin, I just wanted to let you know know eyelid has healed lovely with no problems whatsoever. It is also a definite improvement. I cannot thank you enough, to you and all your team and the lovely little nurse that held my hand! Thank you all so much. Kindest regards
Mrs JH
What is Ptosis?
Ptosis occurs when one or both upper eyelids droop over the eye. This can happen for various reasons:
Congenital: Some people are born with ptosis due to underdeveloped eyelid muscles.
Aging: The muscles that lift your eyelids weaken over time.
Eye Surgery: Previous procedures like cataract surgery can cause ptosis.
Health Conditions: Diseases like myasthenia gravis or nerve damage can lead to drooping.
How Ptosis Affects You
Droopy eyelids can:
- Blur Your Vision: The eyelid may block part of your field of view.
- Cause Headaches: You might strain your forehead muscles to lift the lid.
- Affect Your Appearance: You may look more tired or older than you feel.
How I Can Help
I offer a safe, effective surgery to lift your eyelids and restore your vision and appearance. The procedure is done under local anaesthetic, so you’re awake but comfortable. Patients go home the same day.
In the NHS setting, if the eyelid is seriously affecting vision (typically to the point where you are no longer eligible to drive), surgery is permitted, but obviously not for cosmetic reasons. I will normally be supervising another surgeon.
There are a couple of fun ways I fix droopy eyelids, sometimes with an added procedure remove extra skin (blepharoplasty) if needed:
Aponeurosis Advancement (For Bigger Droops)
I make a tiny cut in the natural fold of your eyelid or from the inside. Then, I tighten the tendon with stitches, like pulling up a shade. We do this with you awake (local numb medicine) so you can open your eyes and help me get the height right. It’s quick – 30-45 minutes per eye – and you go home the same day!
Muller’s Muscle Resection (For Smaller Droops)
This is even simpler: A small tweak inside the eyelid to shorten a muscle. It’s fast to heal and great for mild cases.
If both eyes need help, I fix them together for the best match. We might pause blood-thinning meds like aspirin beforehand if it’s safe – I’ll guide you.
✅ Benefits of Surgery
Improved Vision: Clearer sight without obstruction.
Enhanced Appearance: A more youthful and alert look.
Reduced Headaches: Less strain on your forehead muscles.
Quick Recovery: Most people return to normal activities within a week.
What Happens After Your Eyelid Surgery?
I’ll give you easy instructions to follow at home. The goal? Keep things clean and comfy to avoid any yucky stuff like infection or extra swelling.
- You’ll get eye drops and ointment to keep your eyes happy.
- No driving home – get a ride!
- Clean gently with cool, boiled water.
- If it hurts a bit, paracetamol helps (skip aspirin to avoid bleeding).
- Use ice packs (like frozen peas in a towel) and sleep with extra pillows to reduce puffiness.
- Back to driving and work soon, once any bandage is off and you see clearly.
- Light exercise is okay quick, but skip heavy stuff for 4 weeks.
- Keep eyelids dry until scabs fall off, then makeup is fine.
- No contacts for 2 weeks – your eyes might be a tad dry.
If pain gets bad, call me anytime on my mobile. Eyelids heal well, and scars hide in the natural crease.
⚠️ Risks to Consider
All surgery carries some risks, but I perform many hundreds of eyelid operations a year and take every step to keep them to a minimum.
Common and temporary:
- Bruising and swelling is normal (usually settle within 4 weeks)
- Dry eyes can worsen until the blinking muscles recover
- Mild blurred vision for a few days
Less common:
- Temporary numbness in the eyelid skin
- Small areas of skin looseness or asymmetry (can be corrected later). No surgeon is able to promise symmetry as healing is individual.
A National Study of ptosis surgery showed the following results across all UK eyelid surgeons:
| Lid at desired level | 57.4% |
| Lid better than before surgery but not perfect | 39.0% |
| Further surgery required | 3.6% |
Rare:
- Obvious scarring
- Infection (higher risk in smokers/diabetics)
- Difficulty fully closing the eyes if too much muscle is removed (very rare in my practice). As a specialist in eye and eyelid surgery, I take extra care to ensure both are looked after
- Severe bleeding behind the eye causing vision loss (extremely rare and has never happened to date — risk reduced by avoiding aspirin and heavy activity after surgery)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before I see the final result?
Most swelling and bruising fades within 2–3 weeks, but fine-line healing continues for a few months. It can be up to 6 months before the final result.
Will I look natural?
Yes. My aim is a refreshed, natural appearance.
Is this permanent?
Results last many years, but natural ageing will continue.
Ready to Fix Your Droopy Eyelids?
If droopy or asymmetrical eyelids are affecting your vision, comfort, or confidence, I’d be happy to discuss your options.
You can book a private consultation with me or see my team through the NHS if it’s affecting your sight significantly.
📞 Call my clinic or 📩 send an enquiry to arrange your appointment.