Eyelid Surgery – Blepharoplasty

What is blepharoplasty?

Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty or eyelid reduction, is a common facial surgery that can be performed on both men and women. The surgery aims to remove excess skin around the eyes in order to raise or firm the area according to the patient. Although the methods can vary depending on the patient, most blepharoplasty surgeries involve the manipulation of both skin and fat tissue to produce the desired lift. This can have a number of aesthetic and functional benefits. Your surgeon will customise your procedure to your facial features and goals.

What can blepharoplasty surgery achieve?

Signs of ageing commonly appear around the eyes. As we age, the skin begins to loosen, creating wrinkles. In addition to aesthetic concerns, excess skin on the upper eyelid can also cause functional problems for both men and women, such as impaired vision. Some women also may find it difficult to apply eye makeup due to low eyelids that rest on the lashes. The surgery can reduce the amount of excess skin on the upper eyelid, as well as address fat pockets in the lower eyelids.

You may seek blepharoplasty surgery if you are seeking to:

• Remove excess skin from the upper eye area
• Restore definition to the eyelid
• Correct descent of lower eyelids
• Remove fat deposits
• Reduce lines and wrinkles
• Rectify vision problems associated with excess skin

Dr Starr will design a customised procedure that fits your personal goals, skin condition, and health.

Am I a suitable candidate?

Before going ahead with surgery, it is important to consult with your surgeon to determine if you are a suitable candidate. The surgery is often suited to people who are fit and healthy and are experiencing skin laxity around the eyes that impairs eyelid function or causes aesthetic concerns. Good candidates also:

Do not smoke, since smoking can impact your health and make you more prone to healing complications:

• Do not have pre-existing conditions or risk factors that would interfere with the results of your surgery
• Have concerns about excess skin or fat tissue on the upper or lower eyelids due to aesthetic dissatisfaction
• Understand the risks involved in surgery and have realistic goals and expecations

If you are concerned about skin laxity and wrinkling around the eyes, or if your vision is impaired by excess skin, you may be a good candidate for blepharoplasty.

Consultation with Dr Matt Starr

Your initial consultation with Dr Starr will involve a discussion about your personal health and medical history. This means you will need to speak about any medications you are taking or any past surgeries you have had. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to outline your skin concerns, expectations, and reasons for seeking surgery. Once we have discussed your condition and determined that you are a good candidate, we can begin constructing a surgical plan to treat your concerns. Dr Starr will ensure you have all the relevant information so that you can approach your surgery with clear expectations. If you have any further questions, this consultation is a great opportunity to gain clarification.

The procedure

The exact methods used during your procedure will depend on your requirements, as discussed in your consultation. It can address the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both. Your surgeon will apply anaesthesia and make precise markings, indicating the areas of fat and skin to be removed or reshaped. The excess tissue will then be carefully removed using sterile surgical tools. This can take about two hours to complete. Sutures will then be applied to secure the skin in place.

During this process, your surgeon will take care to protect your eyes from damage and hide your incisions inside the natural creases of your eyelids. However, be prepared that all surgeries result in some scarring which may be visible.

Recovery & aftercare

Most patients can go home on the day of their blepharoplasty. You may have some mild symptoms, such as blurred vision, numbness, swelling, and pain in the first few days. Your eyes may also feel more sensitive than usual. We can prescribe pain medication to help you manage these side effects and aid this initial phase of recovery. Your surgeon will give you additional information on how to treat your operated sites, which may include:

• Use cold compresses to reduce swelling
• Engage in light activities such as walking
• Refrain from all strenuous activities
• Take a few days off work to recover
• Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water
• Wear dark sunglasses to protect your eyes
• Do not rub your eyes
• Avoid smoking and alcohol
• Sleep with your head slightly raised

Although the surgery has a fast recovery time compared to other procedures, you will still need to take the appropriate steps to care for your body during the healing process. You should follow your surgeon’s instructions and advise Dr Starr of any serious issues that arise. Most patients can comfortably return to work within two weeks after their procedure.

What are the risks associated with blepharoplasty?

Every surgery is accompanied by some amount of risk. We will discuss the risks of blepharoplasty before your procedure to ensure you are well-informed about the potential complications. This will help you make a fully informed and educated decision about your body. Risks of blepharoplasty can include the following:

• Bruising and swelling
• Temporary numbness
• Damage to underlying tissues
• Poor scarring
• Asymmetry
• Slow healing
• Bleeding and infection

Although many patients experience lasting results, in some cases, laxity around the eyelids may reoccur. Surgery will not stop the ageing process.