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EYELID CORRECTION (BLEPHAROPLASTY)

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure used to remove excess skin, fat and muscle from eyelids – correcting drooping upper eyelids or eliminating baggy folds of skin below the eyes.

The eyes are the focal point of the face and are generally the first to show signs of ageing because they contribute significantly to your overall facial appearance. When the eyes become wrinkled, puffy and droopy, the eyebrows sag, and the entire face tends to have a perpetually tired or sad expression. Even when you are feeling well and rested and revitalised, constant comments about your “tired” or “older” appearance can become disturbing.

What is eyelid correction?

Eyelid correction, also known as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to treat drooping or fullness of the upper or lower eyelids.

Who are the best candidates for the procedure?

Both age and heredity can play a role in the shape and proportion of your upper and lower lids. The two main indications for eyelid surgery include excessive skin causing overhang or droops in the upper eyelid and puffiness or "pillows" under the lower lid. Extra skin may also obscure the natural eyelid and cleft between lid and brow creating a hooded appearance. Eyes may turn down and look sad and frown lines may exist between the brows. Secondly the accumulation of fat also contributes to a puffy appearance in the eyelids. This tendency is inherited and may appear very early in life before the ageing process becomes obvious.

How is it done?

Blepharoplasty uses small incisions that are hidden within natural skin folds and follow the natural contour lines of the eyes in the upper eyelids and in the natural creases directly below the eyelash lines in the lower eyelids. Various amounts of excess skin, fat and muscle are removed depending on the patient’s needs.

In certain cases, where the skin excess is not the overriding problem and puffiness is, the incision is made inside the lower lid itself. This technique leaves no visible scaring and is known as transconjuctival incision. It is suitable only for the removal of fat pads.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What happens during a consultation for eyelid correction?

During a consultation for eyelid correction, Dr, Bezic will examine you and discuss recommendations for the best type of procedure and incision placement to yield the best results. You will be able to view a range of before and after pictures featuring this type of surgery.

Where is eyelid correction surgery performed?

Blepharoplasty or eyelid correction may be done as an independent procedure, or it may be done in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation surgery. Often a brow lift is done to compliment this procedure to improve sagging of the eyebrows.

The procedure is usually done as an outpatient, under local anaesthetic as a day case or in certain circumstances it can be done in hospital.

What happens after surgery?

Most patients have very little pain following surgery because the long-acting local anaesthetic is administered as part of the procedure. Most patients return to work about a week or two after surgery.

Will I experience bruising and when can I go back to work?

For seven to ten days after surgery you can expect some swelling and bruising. Ice packs will help considerably with the recovery process. Generally, antibiotic ointment is used for four to five days to prevent conjunctivitis. Most people feel ready to go out in public (and back to work) in a week to 10 days. By then, depending on your rate of healing, you’ll probably be able to wear makeup to hide the bruising that remains.

What else can expect post-surgery?

Light sensitivity and excessive teariness and dryness is not uncommon post this procedure. Artificial tears (i.e. eye drops) and sunglasses to protect the eyes can be beneficial for at least one-week post operatively.

Dr. Bezic will follow your progress closely for the first week or two. Stitches will be removed after four to five days and gently applied makeup can be used from then on.
Once the stitches have been removed the swelling and discolouration around your eyes will gradually subside and you’ll start to look and feel much better.

Healing is a gradual process, and your scars may remain slightly pink for six months or more after surgery. Eventually, though, they'll fade to a thin, nearly invisible white line.

On the other hand, the positive results of your eyelid surgery-the more alert and youthful look-will last for years. For many people, these results are permanent.