Eyelid or Eyebag / Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty known as eyelid or eye bag removal surgery involves removing excess skin and redistributing fat pads under the eye.  Eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes which make you look older and more tired than you feel and can sometimes even affect your vision.  Dark circles under the eye are not improved by this procedure as that is a circulatory problem.  However there are certain Vitamin K creams that can improve this.

Ageing around the eyes is associated with the formation of excess folds and eye bags.  The loss of skin elasticity affects mainly the upper eyelids.  With ageing the brown moves downwards so that the eyebrows come to lie below the bony ridge.  This exaggerates the effects of the excess skin of the eyelid itself.  The aim of this surgery is to reduce the excess skin and flatten the eye bags. 

PROCEDURE
Eyelid surgery can be performed alone or combined with other facial surgery procedures such as a facelift or brow lift.  It can be performed as a local anaesthetic and a day case procedure or as a general overnight stay.  The surgery normally takes between 1 – 2 hours depending on if you are having upper and lower lids corrected.

SCAR
The incision line is made in the crease of the eye for the upper eyelids which is very inconspicuous. In the case of the lower eye bags it can sometimes be performed without any external scar, this is only if no skin needs to be removed and is usually more suitable for younger patients with thicker and more elastic skin.  This is called a transconjunctival blepharoplasty.  However if you need to have skin removed from the lower lids as well then a small incision is made as close to the lower lids eye lashes and extends out to the natural crows feet at the corner of the eye.

SIDE EFFECTS & RISKS

Bruising and swelling
Swelling and bruising around the eyes is inevitable and varies from person to person.  The bruising for upper lids is considerably less than the lower lids.  Most of the bruising subsides within a seven to ten day period.  This can be alleviated by taking arnica tablets and using arnica cream and also applying cold ice packs periodically during the healing stage.  After the first check up which is usually at four to seven days some mineral make up can be applied.

Infection
This can sometimes occur on the outer coating on the eye or on the small incision lines.  Following the operation, it is important that you apply a prescribed eye ointment to prevent this from occurring and to protect the eye through the healing stage.  It is also advisable to wear tinted glasses in this recovery period to protect the eyes from the elements and particles of dirt or dust entering your eye. 

Blurred vision
As a result of using eye ointment you can sometimes experience impaired vision and it is advisable not to undertake too much computer work or excessive reading during this time.  Usually this only persists for a few days after the operation.

Bleeding
Occasionally a small collection of blood may accumulate under the skin and may need to be removed following the procedure as an outpatient.

Recovery
You should be able to read or watch television after two or three days however you should not wear contact lenses for about two weeks.  You can return to work usually after five to seven days depending on your personal rate of healing. Any residual bruising can be easily covered with make up at this stage.  It is important to sit propped up during the first week to reduce swelling and bruising and any stitches that need to be removed are usually removed within the first week.  Healing is a gradual process and scars may remain slightly pink for six months and then they will fade to nearly an invisible white line.

You maybe sensitive to sunlight and wind for a couple of weeks but wearing sunglasses and a special sunblock and eye treatment cream will all aid your recovery.  It is advisable to avoid alcohol as this causes fluid retention.   Rigorous exercise and sport should be avoided for about three to four weeks. 

SUCCESS RATE
This is a very rejuvenating procedure and can be performed on both men and women as early as their thirties.  There is often a strong hereditary link particularly for eye bags in men.  This procedure can last for as long as ten years and can result in a more alert and youthful look.  It is frequently performed before any other surgery is considered.

 

EVERY PERSON HAS INDIVIDUAL REQUIREMENTS AND IT IS VERY IMPORTANT IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING THIS PROCEDURE THAT YOU ATTEND A CONSULTATION SO YOU CAN CAREFULLY DISCUSS YOUR GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS SURGERY, THE TYPE OF ANAESTHETIC TO BE USED, WHERE THE SURGERY IS PERFORMED AND THE RISKS AND COSTS INVOLVED. 

A NEW YOU WANTS YOU TO BE FULLY PREPARED AND HAVE ALL YOUR QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS ANSWERED FULLY WHICH CAN BE DONE BY ATTENDING OUR CLINIC FOR A CONFIDENTIAL, NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.  PLEASE CALL US AND MAKE AN APPOINTMENT SO YOU CAN BE FULLY INFORMED BEFORE UNDERGOING ANY COSMETIC SURGERY PROCEDURE.