Blepharoplasty

Initially, you will need to schedule a consultation with one of our oculoplastic surgeons. During this appointment, they will provide a comprehensive explanation of the surgical procedure. The discussion will include expected results, potential risks and benefits, and essential pre- and post-operative care instructions. Photographs will be taken for post-surgery comparison, and it is helpful to bring any previous facial photos for surgical planning. A detailed medical history will be collected, covering medications, allergies, past surgeries, and smoking habits.

A comprehensive examination of your facial features and eyelids will be performed to assess various factors, including the condition of your eyes, eyelid skin, eyelid laxity, and the presence of conditions like blepharitis or dry eyes, which could influence the surgery. Addressing any underlying conditions may be necessary before proceeding with the surgery to ensure the best results. If you have issues such as a droopy eyelid (ptosis) or droopy eyebrow (brow ptosis), discussions regarding correcting these concerns during the same procedure will occur.

During the consultation, you will have the opportunity to ask questions, and the possibility of non-surgical treatments, such as chemical skin peels or tear trough hyaluronic acid filler, will be explored as options to achieve your desired outcome.

Both upper blepharoplasty and lower eyelid blepharoplasty can be performed using local anaesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anaesthesia, depending on your preference and safety considerations. It is important to be aware of the risk of blood clots, especially after procedures requiring general anaesthesia, and to understand any pre-existing conditions and medications that may influence this risk.

Carefully crafted incisions are made along the natural contours of your eyelids—following the skin creases of the upper eyelids and just below the lashes in the lower eyelids. Through these incisions, excess skin and protruding fat are meticulously removed. This procedure removes excess skin to achieve a more youthful appearance.

In situations where there are bags under the lower eyelids without additional skin, fat removal can be accomplished through a minor incision on the inside of the lower eyelid (transconjunctival blepharoplasty), which avoids any external scarring.

After the surgery, the incisions are closed with fine stitches that will be removed within 6-10 days. To support the healing process, antibiotic cream is applied over the treated area, and you’ll be instructed to continue applying a similar ointment three times a day for five to seven days following the surgery.

Bandages or padding are rarely required, and if used, they are typically applied briefly immediately after the procedure and removed before you leave the facility.

After your blepharoplasty, you’ll be taken to the recovery area.

If you haven’t undergone general anaesthesia, you should be able to return home within a few hours. However, it’s essential to have a friend or family member drive you. The surgery helps address sagging skin and improves the overall appearance of the eyes.

Like any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty may have some post-operative effects, which include:

• The requirement for pain management
• Some swelling after the surgery
• Dryness in the eyes
• Sensitivity to sunlight
• Blurred vision

In the unlikely event of experiencing pain, allergic reactions, or symptoms of an eye condition, contact the medical team immediately.

Most post-surgery symptoms should subside within a few days.

Some patients report bruising and swelling for the first 10 days following the surgery. We recommend using ice packs during this period. A practical ice pack can be made by placing frozen peas in a small plastic bag and covering it with a thin cloth. This can be gently applied to the area up to six times a day, ensuring no rubbing or pressure is applied to the wound. While ice packs won’t eliminate bruising, they can help reduce swelling.

For the first week after the procedure, it’s advisable to sleep in a semi-upright position with multiple pillows supporting your head to help minimise swelling.

Within two weeks, you should notice a significant reduction in bruising around the upper eyelids and lower lids.

As the eyelid surgery wounds heal, you might experience some itching. It’s crucial to avoid rubbing your eyes or eyelids after blepharoplasty.

By the two-week mark, you should be able to wear contact lenses and makeup again. However, it’s advisable to confirm this with your doctor during the post-surgery check-up. At this follow-up appointment, the medical team will assess any skin resurfacing, improvements in your visual field, the healing of the skin incision, and prescribe additional medication if you’re still experiencing dry eyes.

Risks and complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with eyelid surgery. It’s important to be aware of these potential issues and discuss them with your surgeon before deciding to undergo the procedure.

Some of the general complications and risks associated with eyelid surgery include:

• Bleeding or haematoma
• Infection
• Scarring
• Dry eyes
• Double vision
• Droopy eyelids
• Asymmetry
• Vision problems

It’s essential to discuss these risks and complications with your surgeon before undergoing eyelid surgery. Your surgeon can help you understand the risks and complications and determine if eyelid surgery is right for you.