Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

DROOPY, SAGGING AND DOUBLE EYELIDS

As a person ages, the skin surrounding the eyes tends to lose elasticity while the area under the eyes accumulates excess fat cells. This sometimes causes the face to appear bloated, giving it an older appearance. In severe cases, sagging skin can hinder normal eyesight.

WHAT IS BLEPHAROPLASTY?

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is a surgical procedure that can remove excess skin and fat in the eye area resulting in a smoother appearance. The upper and lower eyelids are lifted and excess fat cells or loose skin is removed from the eye area. The procedure is limited to the eyelids and does not attempt to change other areas of the face.

HOW IS BLEPHAROPLASTY PERFORMED?

There are several approaches to blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery):

1. Removes excess skin from either the upper or lower eyelid as well as the underlying fat pad when indicated. The dermatologist makes an incision along the crease in the eyelid, peels back the skin and punctures the underlying tissue to remove the fat pad. The pad is then cauterised (heat sealed). Loose skin is removed from the exterior, if necessary, and the incision is sutured. The procedure takes about one hour and can be performed with local anaesthesia or under general anaesthesia. In some cases a short hospital stay may be required.
2. The second type of blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) procedure may benefit patients with protruding fat under the eye and not too much extra skin. This surgery is performed by entering just inside the lining of the lower eyelids. This approach eliminates the scar.
3. The third type of blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) may be performed with a laser instrument. The intense energy produced by the laser causes blood to coagulate, which may diminish bleeding and swelling during and after the operation.

WHAT ARE THE POST-OPERATIVE EFFECTS OF EYELID SURGERY?

The post-operative effects of eyelid surgery are minimal and temporary. Stitches are usually removed after five or six days. Minor swelling, bruising and discomfort of the eyelid area should disappear within two weeks. Temporary blurred vision and excessive tear production may also occur. Cold compresses will help alleviate these side effects. Most patients will be able to return to work within 7-10 days.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS OF EYELID SURGERY?

A “too tight” or uneven appearance can be caused by the removal of too much skin or uneven amounts of fat. Additional surgeries can usually reverse this problem. On rare occasions, bleeding behind the eye can cause blindness and may impose pressure on the eye, pushing it forward in the socket. Any surgery will produce scarring, although your surgeon will place incisions in natural skin creases and folds which will make any scarring as inconspicuous as possible.

BLEPHAROPLASTY RESULTS

A more smoothed appearance will be achieved by removal of excess skin and bulging fat pads. Additional procedures may be required to achieve change in surrounding areas. These include laser resurfacing or chemical peeling for wrinkling. (It is important to remember that a perfect result is not achievable as people are naturally asymmetrical and that the desired result is improvement not perfection.)

BEFORE EYELID SURGERY

• Have required blood tests at least three (3) weeks prior to surgery
• Any prescriptions given by Doctor should be filled and commenced as per instructions from Doctor
• If your day surgery procedure is scheduled for the afternoon, arrange for someone to be with you at home for the first 24 hours.
• Please advise Dr Hills if you are taking Aspirin or products containing Aspirin, Coumadin, Pradaxa or Vitamin E. They can cause excessive bleeding and poor healing. Do not take any medication without our knowledge as it may conflict with your surgery
• No smoking four (4) weeks prior to surgery
• No alcohol for one (1) week prior to your surgery. Alcohol can cause excess bleeding.

READY TO DISCUSS EYELID SURGERY?

To discuss eyelid surgery in more detail or to arrange an appointment, please contact us on 07 3720 8788 or make an enquiry online. We look forward to speaking with you.