Blepharoplasty – Eyelid Lift
(Upper lid and/or Lower lid)Blepharoplasty, often referred to simply as eyelid surgery or eyelid lift, can address purely aesthetic concerns, but it can also address functional issues with the eyelids such as dermatochalasis.
Upper lid Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift)
As we age the skin of the upper lid can become lax. Some patients wish for this to be corrected with upper blepharoplasty. This procedure 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.
Lower lid Blepharoplasty
Often performed together with the upper blepharoplasty procedure, this procedure can remove 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.
Canthopexy
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 excessive laxity that causes 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).
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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. If patients opt to include the blepharoplasty with a facelift procedure, a general anaesthetic will be used.
WILL I NEED A HOSPITAL STAY?
Routine and uncomplicated blepharoplasty procedures are typically day surgeries and performed in-clinic or in a private hospital. 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 by 2 weeks post-op.
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?
Even with a highly skilled surgeon, there is always the risk for complications with any type of surgical procedure. The below risks are rare and are listed to inform you, not scare you. During a consultation Dr Cleland will discuss your medical history, current health status/medications and the surgical risks in general and also specific to you. It is then your decision to weigh up the risk vs benefit of proceeding with surgery.
General risks relating to surgery and anaesthesia are: Infection, bleeding that may require a return to the operating room, lung collapse, heart attack or stroke, blood clot, pain, scarring, prolonged healing, further surgery, death.
Specific risks relating to blepharoplasty are: Asymmetry, skin colour changes, dry eyes and increased tearing, inability to close eyes, abnormal folding-in or folding-out of eyelids, abnormal eyelid folds or creases, abnormal drooping of eyelids, eye injury, swelling, blocked tear ducts, loss of lashes, bloodshot eyes, residual skin laxity or wrinkles.
WHAT KIND OF POST-OP FOLLOW-UP WILL I NEED?
The needs of each patient can vary. Typically speaking, we will see you at approximately 1 week after surgery and again in 6 weeks to make sure that you are healing well from the procedure.