Cosmetic Plastic Surgery > Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

EYELID SURGERY - BLEPHAROPLASTY

About Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

BLEPHAROPLASTY ("Eyelid Surgery") is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed today. Eyelid surgery can remove lax and droopy, excess skin and puffy bags from around your eyes.

This simple and delicate procedure can have a dramatic impact on your appearance by removing fat and excess skin from the upper and/or lower eyelids. An eyelid lift will open up the eyes by correcting both sagging upper lids and those puffy bags under your eyes. Blepharoplasty can significantly change the appearance of the eyes by opening them up to appear brighter and larger.

Blepharoplasty eyelid surgery is very popular among both men and women who must compete in today's fierce job market, and seek to maintain a more alert, refreshed appearance.

Eyelid surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. The patient is put under local anesthesia along with intraveneous sedation. Postoperatively there is very little discomfort. Downtime ranges from three days to one week, depending on the patient's work environment and general lifestyle.

Who is a candidate for an blepharoplasty?

Both men and women can have an eyelift. The best candidates are those whose eyes are droopy and baggy. Most people who chose to have this type of cosmetic surgery are usuallly over the age of 35, but there have been many cases of both older and younger clients.

There are a few health history conditions that you must inform your surgeon about before undergoing this treatment, such as thyroid problems, hypothyroidism and Graves' disease, dry eye or lack of sufficient tears, even a detached retina or glaucoma.

Preparing for a blepharoplasty

Your plastic surgeon will consult with you prior to your scheduled blepharoplasty surgery so that they may fullly understand your requests. During this consultation your plastic surgeon will also detail the procedure, risks and benefits, as well as answer any questions you might have. They may require additional information from you before booking the procedure. This may include a photo, and/or a doctor's medical report.

This conversation with the surgeon will give you a detailed understanding of the treatment, the extent of surgery and to clarify whether surgery will be performed on the upper or lower eyelids or both. When you are satisfied with what has been discussed, and have signed a booking form for the operation, your eyelid lift will be booked at a date agreed to.

You will then have another consultation with the surgeon when you arrive at the place your plastic surgery will take place. Here the plastic surgeon will evaluate your face, your vision and your tear production. At this appointment you and your surgeon will discuss your goals, and any last questions you may have and finalise the plan for your eyelid surgery.

Blepharoplasty Surgical Procedure

The procedure is usually done on the upper lids first and is performed under local anesthesia, unless you have a preference for general anesthesia. Your surgeon also may suggest a general anesthesia.. After your plastic surgeon has finished with the upper eyelids, the surgeon can remove the fat out of your lower eyelids, if needed, without leaving a visible scar.

After Blepharoplasty - Recovering from eyelid surgery

Generally you will be required to stay at least one night in hospital. You may feel tight and sore around the eyes for a few days after the surgery, with some bruising and swelling, but this will gradually subside. There may also be some excess tears, and your eyes may itch and be irritated, which is helped with eyedrops. Stitches will be removed after a few days. Any discomfort you may feel after surgery will be lessened with medication prescribed by you plastic surgeon.

Most plastic surgeon's recommend at least ten days, and you should have regular check-ups throughout this period. During your recovery time some plastic surgeons offer pampering programs, or gentle exercise and yoga classes.

Recommended Procedures that go well with a blepharoplasty

Many people who choose to have a blepharoplasty have more than one cosmetic procedure done at the same time for a more balanced look. Most cosmetic plastic surgeons even offer a discount when having other complementary procedures done while you have your eyelid lift.

Other complementary cosmetic surgeries that go well with and eyelid lift are:

The removal of crow's feet or other wrinkles
Elimination of dark circles under your eyes
An eyebrow lift
A facelift or a browlift/forehead lift

Non-surgical treatments that go well with a eyelid lift:

Dermabrasion and Micro-Dermabrasion
Chemical peels
Botox

Blepharoplasty Risks

Like all surgeries you can minimize the risks and complications by selecting the most skilled surgeon available to carry out the cosmetic procedures you choose. However, despite the highest standards, complications can occur. They are rare, and most patients will not have complications, but if you have concerns about possible complications, please discuss these with your doctor.

Like all surgeries preformed risks during and after a Blepharoplasty can include: