(Blepharoplasty) Eyelid and Eyebag Correction
Notes for Guidance
 The eyes are perhaps our most important facial features. They are our source of vision, but not only that - ‘the eyes are the mirror of the soul’ and have the ability to show our feelings, and emotions, and to greatly influence overall facial expressions. One’s eyes and surrounding tissues can also be regarded by the lay person as a barometer of the health of the individual. This is one operation that results in one’s friends and relatives remarking “Don’t you look well - have you had a holiday?”
Unfortunately, the eye area often shows the earliest signs of ageing. The upper and lower eyelids may develop ‘bags’, folds or wrinkles that can add years to one’s appearance. There may be swelling and puffiness especially in the morning that gradually becomes more permanent, and there is often a lowering of the brow line.
However, these problems are not just age-related, they can be hereditary in origin, when they usually appear in the twenty to thirty age group, or can be due to allergy or some systemic disorder that can then lead to early ageing.
Aesthetically, these conditions might be visually unattractive and create an unnecessary or premature impression of ageing. The upper lid can also sag sufficiently to actually impair vision. The treatment is usually for the middle-aged and over but in general the earlier the condition is treated, the better as this slows further deterioration with successful results. Other ageing signs will occur in time, but the ‘bags’ are unlikely to return.
The Operation
Blepharoplasty is a surgical operation designed to remove the excess fatty tissue, muscle and loose skin, and to create a more youthful, wide-eyed look. The upper eyelid lift is performed in cases where the patient requires to lose the excess tissue above the eye that has developed over the years, or merely to lift the eyelid to give the eye a more attractive shape.
The lower eye operation is obviously used in cases of eyebag removal. All types of wrinkles around the eyes will be lessened by blepharoplasty, but not totally eradicated - a chemical peel may help further with wrinkles. In summary, blepharoplasty is primarily a treatment to remove excess skin and fatty tissue.
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Procedure
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Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) |
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Anaesthesia
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Twilight with local or General if preferred |
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Hospital stay
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Day stay or 1 night if necessary |
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Removal of stitches
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4 - 5 days |
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Return to work
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1 week |
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Full recovery
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Up to 12 months for scars to fade |
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After care
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- Massage area
- Cold compression
- Avoid irritating the eyes
- Avoid exposure to sun
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The procedure itself takes an hour or more for either upper or lower eyes depending on the individual case. 4-5 days post-operatively the stitches will be removed. There may be some discomfort and swelling, tenderness and bruising of the eye area must be expected, but this is only temporary. Patients usually return to work after one week make-up is allowed after the stitches have been removed and most of the swelling has subsided.
Dark glasses are allowed immediately so one can proceed with one’s normal routine as soon as possible. Post-operative care instructions are given by the surgeon and these must be carefully followed to ensure best results. The position of the incisions for this procedure vary, and this point should be discussed with the surgeon. They are inconspicuous in location, usually in a natural crease line of the upper eyelid, or just below the lash line for the lower lid. Extremely fine sutures are used, so usually post-operative incision marks become virtually undetectable after a short period of time.
Finally, both the upper and lower lids can be corrected at the same time or treated separately. This treatment is suitable for both men and women. In either case, results can be extremely effective and dramatically reduce the impression of ageing.
This web site has been prepared to give a basic understanding of the procedure before a consultation takes place, and to cover many of the questions frequently asked about this type of cosmetic surgery. Any risks and potential complications, together with any questions you may have, will be discussed fully at consultation with the surgeon. Final decisions should not be made until an individual assessment has taken place with the surgeon.
There is no obligation on the part of the patient to undergo surgery by attending for consultation. If you have any further questions or would like to arrange a consultation please do not hesitate to call us.
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