Polly Vernon Reflects on Her Eyelift Experience: A Personal Journey

As I wait in Dr. Elizabeth Hawkes’s consulting suite, a beautifully converted townhouse near Sloane Square in Chelsea, the clock strikes 7 am. My nerves are palpable. Following the clinic’s pre-surgery guidelines, I haven’t consumed any food or water since the day before, preparing for anaesthesia. The thought sends a wave of anxiety through me.

A nurse ushers me downstairs into the basement, where the operating theatres are located. We step into a small anteroom, where she checks my weight and vitals, ensuring, among other things, that I’m not pregnant and haven’t used ketamine recently. Provided with a hospital gown, slippers, compression stockings, and a surgical hair cover, I can’t shake the feeling of apprehension. “I’m a bit anxious,” I admit to the nurse. “That’s completely normal,” she reassures with a warm smile before leaving. I change into the gown.

My anaesthetist soon arrives, confirming that I’ll be receiving sedation instead of general anaesthesia, just as I had discussed with my surgeon. I nearly ask him to repeat my measurements to ensure accuracy but hold back.

Dr. Hawkes enters next. Her calm and capable demeanor helps alleviate my worries as she marks the areas for the procedure and addresses any questions I have. She assures me she’ll see me in surgery.

At 8 am, I am led to the operating theatre—small, shiny, and buzzing with activity. I realize this is the final moment for second thoughts, yet I feel determined. I climb onto the operating bed and a nurse asks about my music preferences. Despite my instinct to defer, I voice my love for Taylor Swift, which prompts another nurse to join in. The opening notes of “Cruel Summer” play, and a sense of comfort washes over me.

As the anaesthetist prepares to administer the sedation, he lifts my hand and says, “Sharp scratch,” as he places the cannula into my wrist. A wave of relaxed bliss overtakes me, and I drift before the song completes. I have no recollection of Dr. Hawkes entering to perform the eyelid surgery, officially termed blepharoplasty, which involves removing 10mm of tissue from each eyelid.

Blepharoplasty has been gaining attention and popularity, with reports indicating a surge in interest among those in their forties. An article from the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery highlights a trend towards more natural aesthetics, marking a shift away from fillers to procedures like this eyelift, often referred to as a ‘quiet facelift.’

In celebrity circles, whispers circulate about who might have undergone the procedure. At a recent gathering, an entertainment editor shared news of a celebrity who returned to Instagram just three weeks post-surgery with barely a hint of change.

Interestingly, surgical options had waned in popularity not long ago, overshadowed by non-invasive treatments such as Botox and microneedling. However, hesitations about traditional surgery have faded, and blepharoplasty is now a hot topic.

This trend wasn’t the primary reason I elected to have the surgery, though—it was something I had contemplated for years. In my late thirties, I began noticing my eyelids sagging, and as time passed, the skin began to change, compelling me to adjust my makeup routines accordingly.

While the imperfections in my eyelids were bothersome in selfies, they weren’t devastating. Resigned to my appearance, I had learned to angle my face to mitigate their prominence. However, I realized I could likely improve my look with careful consideration.

In January, I finally decided to consult with Dr. Hawkes. Known for her expertise in blepharoplasty, she immediately put me at ease. Her experience as an NHS eye surgeon reassured me greatly. During our session, she reviewed potential outcomes and shared before-and-after photos of her patients—transformative results that were striking yet subtle.

“This won’t change your face; it’ll simply enhance it,” Dr. Hawkes explained. Intrigued, I decided to proceed, noting her meticulous approach to the surgery and aftercare.

After an initial hesitation, I committed to the process, scheduling my appointment. I was ready for the change. Dr. Hawkes even recommended I consult with Dr. Kate le Maréchal, a psychologist specializing in the emotional aspects of cosmetic surgery, for guidance—especially given my concerns about how I would reconcile the surgery with my identity.

On the day of my procedure, I remained anxious yet composed. Following the surgery, I awoke to find a nurse gently applying an ice pack to my eyes, assuring me everything went smoothly. Although my eyelids looked swollen and bruised, I was relieved to find I didn’t look disfigured.

In the recovery room, I felt triumphant despite the tightness and blurriness, quickly snapping a selfie to document my early post-surgery state. My instincts were correct; the early signs were promising.

The recovery process involved careful adherence to instructions, including wearing compression stockings and avoiding wetting the stitches. Despite minor discomfort, which included swelling and occasional tiredness, I maintained daily activities and work from home.

As the swelling subsided, I grew increasingly optimistic about the results. The day I returned for stitch removal, Dr. Hawkes celebrated my recovery and confirmed my expectations for a radiant look. My eyelids, although still healing, appeared refreshed and sharp, and the incisions have blended well into the natural crease.

In the weeks following, I have grown more confident and happier with my appearance—a testament to the skillful work of Dr. Hawkes. Friends have commented on how vibrant I look, often attributing my change to new makeup or hair rather than surgery.

Six weeks post-op, I can’t express how thrilled I am with the outcome. It looks exceptionally natural, and my overall facial expression feels lighter and more approachable. With just a bit more healing ahead, my resolve retains its strength, and I’m fully pleased with my decision to undergo blepharoplasty.

Dr. Elizabeth Hawkes offers blepharoplasty starting from £7,250. For more information, visit her website.

Hair by Michela Olivieri at Caren using L’Oréal Professionnel. Makeup by Julia Wren using SkinCeuticals and Lucy Bee.