Katy, 53, from Essex, chose to have private eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) after years of feeling that her appearance didn’t reflect her active lifestyle. When excess eyelid skin began affecting her confidence and causing headaches, she explored private treatment. Here we share Katy’s journey – from consultation to recovery.
Why Katy considered eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Katy lives an active life. She works as a postperson and boxes several times a week, but felt her eyelids made her look constantly tired. The excess skin also contributed to frequent headaches, prompting her to raise her concerns with her GP.
Although her symptoms had an impact, Katy didn’t meet NHS criteria for surgery. Wanting to feel more confident and avoid a long wait, she chose to look at private options instead.
Choosing a private hospital for eyelid surgery
Within two months, Katy had her first consultation with Miss Malik , an oculoplastic consultant at Southend Private Hospital .
Katy says she felt reassured from the moment she stepped into the room.
“Miss Malik was incredibly professional and put me at ease right away.”
The consultation talked about blepharoplasty, what it includes, what results to expect, possible risks, and how recovery works.
With clear information and no pressure, Katy felt confident that going private was the right decision for her.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty – more simply known as eyelid surgery – removes excess skin, muscle and sometimes fat from the eyelids. Many people choose it for a fresher, more alert appearance. Others seek relief from discomfort or vision issues caused by drooping skin.
At Southend Private Hospital, these procedures are performed by specialist consultants, such as Miss Malik. They use techniques designed to create natural, subtle results.
The day of eyelid surgery
On the morning of her procedure, Katy felt a mix of nerves and excitement. The nursing team welcomed her warmly, and chatting with other patients helped to ease her worries.
During the operation, she remained awake but comfortable. Katy remembers the experience fondly:
“Miss Malik made it feel effortless. I felt no pain or discomfort, and before I knew it, it was done.”
Afterwards, she was given refreshments and clear aftercare instructions. This included how to use the antibiotic eye cream prescribed for recovery.
Recovery after Blepharoplasty: Katy’s experience
Katy’s recovery progressed smoothly. She had some swelling for around a week and a half, but very little bruising and no pain. Stitches were removed a few days later, followed by a final check-up with her surgeon.
She was particularly touched to receive a follow-up call from Debbie, Miss Malik’s secretary:
“It made me feel genuinely cared for.”
Seeing the results of eyelid surgery: a natural, refreshed look
Katy is delighted with her outcome. Her eyes look refreshed and more youthful, without looking different or “overdone.”
Friends notice she looks well, though many can’t pinpoint why. For Katy, that subtlety is exactly what she hoped for and she says: “I feel more like ‘me’ again.”
Katy’s message to anyone considering eyelid surgery:
“I wholeheartedly recommend Miss Malik, Debbie, and Southend Private Hospital. The care was professional, compassionate and truly exceptional. I only wish I’d done it sooner.”
Disclaimer
We are grateful to Katy, the team at Southend Private Hospital and Circle Health Group for allowing us to share this story. It is about a patient's personal journey with blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and should not be seen as advice for any particular treatment, doctor, or hospital.
Katy was lucky that she lived so close to a suitable hospital. You may find it is better to travel further to get the consultant you want, or to be seen sooner.
If you are thinking about cosmetic or medical procedures, please look into your options. Compare different providers and talk to qualified healthcare professionals to find what is best for you.
