Blepharoplasty – Eyelid Lift

(Upper lid and/or Lower lid)

Blepharoplasty, often referred to simply as eyelid surgery or eyelid lift, is one of the most frequently performed facial plastic procedures in Australia. Improving the appearance of the eye is an important and striking component of facial rejuvenation surgery. Eyelid surgery can be performed as a procedure all on its own. It can also be a part of a comprehensive facial rejuvenation treatment.

The eyelift procedure can address purely aesthetic concerns, but it can also address functional issues with the eyelids such as dermatochalasis.

Excess eyelid skin or dermatochalasis can have an impact on both the upper or lower eyelids and causes a droopy appearance which makes individuals look tired and washed-out. This drooping is most often the result of excess eyelid skin. Dermatochalasis generally comes as a result of the natural ageing process, which causes a loss of skin elasticity, a weakening of the eyelid’s connective tissue and the degeneration of collagen.

Upper lid Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift)

Blepharoplasty is a minimally invasive facial rejuvenation procedure. As we age, the skin of the upper lid can become lax and sag towards the eyelashes. This can result in a heavy and tired appearance. In severe cases, it can even obscure vision. The fat beneath the eyelid can also change as we age, further exacerbating this problem. The procedure to correct this condition involves an incision along the eyelid crease to remove excess skin. At the same time excess fat beneath the eyelid may be removed or repositioned. The ultimate aim of upper eyelid surgery is to lift the eyelid to create a natural-looking youthful appearance.

Lower lid Blepharoplasty

Often performed together with the upper blepharoplasty procedure, this procedure can remove under eye bags or excess skin of the lower eyelid. Incisions are placed behind the eyelid (subconjunctival) and/or beneath the lower eyelash. If there is excess fat under the eyelid, it will be trimmed. Sometimes fat is repositioned down towards the cheek, as the repositioning of the excess fat will allow for a recontouring of the junction between the eyelid and cheek. Either of these techniques can assist in reversing the signs of ageing in this area.

Canthopexy

The canthopexy can be performed as an independent surgery. It can also be an important adjunct in a lower lid blepharoplasty. This procedure provides a means of supporting the lower lid to prevent sagging, excessive laxity and undesired changes to the shape of the eye. The techniques employed in this procedure are varied. In most cases, however, will include a suture which suspends the lower lid towards the bone just outside the eye (lateral orbital rim).

BLEPHAROPLASTY FAQS

HOW LONG IS THE BLEPHAROPLASTY SURGERY TIME?

The average length of time for the blepharoplasty surgery is 45 minutes if addressing just the upper or the lower eyelid. The majority of patients who undergo treatment on both upper and lower eyelids will spend two hours in surgery.

WHAT ANESTHESIA IS USED FOR BLEPHAROPLASTY SURGERY?

When the blepharoplasty procedure is performed as a stand-alone procedure local anaesthesia +/- mild sedation is often used. Many patients opt to include the blepharoplasty with other facelift procedures, which will mean a general anaesthetic will be used.

WILL I NEED A HOSPITAL STAY?

Routine and uncomplicated blepharoplasty procedures are typically day surgeries, in our Adelaide surgical centre. When combined with other procedures an overnight stay for observation may be required.

WILL I HAVE SCARS?

Scarring from blepharoplasty surgery is typically minimal and once fully healed very difficult to see. In the case of lower blepharoplasty using a transconjunctival approach – no external scarring is visible.

AVERAGE RECOVERY TIME FOR BLEPHAROPLASTY SURGERY

Recovery periods can vary, depending on the extent of the procedure. The majority of patients are back to their routine activities within a week of surgery. Patients will be free to return to work within 1-2 weeks and by 6 to 8 postoperative weeks, you should be feeling back to normal.

WHEN ARE RESULTS NOTICEABLE?

Immediately following your procedure, your eyes will be swollen. Over the next 24-48 hours a variable degree of bruising may also become apparent. This is normal and will settle with time. As the swelling subsides over the first 14 days the results will become apparent. Usually by 4-6 weeks most of the swelling has settled but smaller changes will continue to occur over the first 3 months after surgery.

WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS OF BLEPHAROPLASTY?

The blepharoplasty procedure is fairly routine. That said, even with a highly skilled surgeon, there is always the risk for complications with any type of surgical procedure. The potential risks of the procedure includes, watery eyes, dry eyes, scarring, asymmetry and rarely visual changes.

WHAT KIND OF POST-OP FOLLOW-UP WILL I NEED?

The needs of each patient can vary. Typically speaking, we will see you at 4 days after surgery and again in 6 weeks to make sure that you are healing well from the procedure.