What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is the surgical removal of excess skin, muscle, or fat in the upper or lower eyelids.
Sometimes, doctors recommend eyelid surgery to treat an underlying medical condition, or to improve clarity and quality of vision.
However, many people are drawn to eyelid surgery for cosmetic reasons. Blepharoplasty is an effective intervention aimed at reducing excess skin and puffiness in the eyelids, leading to a rested, relaxed and rejuvenated facial appearance.
Am I a good candidate for blepharoplasty?
Most patients seek blepharoplasty for one or more of the following reasons:
- Physical symptoms including irritated eyes, watering eyes, a feeling of heaviness in the eyelids and/or visual obstruction
- Excess puffiness caused by fatty deposits in the upper eyelids
- Loose or sagging skin that causes folds or creases in the natural contour of the upper eyelid
- Excess skin and fine wrinkles on the lower eyelid
- Excessive bags under the eyes
- Excessive droopiness of the lower eyelids
Most candidates for blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) are over the age of 35, and — before proceeding with surgery — your doctor will check to ensure you have healthy underlying facial tissues and are free of any serious eye conditions.
The procedure may be performed under local anaesthetic, though most patients and surgeons prefer general anaesthetic. Therefore, a standard medical screening process will take place before proceeding with blepharoplasty.
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid surgery) is an effective intervention for those looking to immediately reinvigorate their facial appearance and boost their self-confidence. However, as blepharoplasty does not dramatically alter your facial structure, it is important to understand the risks and rewards associated with the surgery. Before you decide to proceed, think clearly about your appearance goals and discuss what you are trying to achieve with your surgeon.
What is the blepharoplasty process?
During an eyelid lift, excess skin and fat are removed from the eyelids. Especially for lower eyelids, some form of tightening and lifting procedure will also typically be performed.
For upper eyelid surgery, the surgeon will make an incision along the crease in the natural fold of the eyelid. Any excess skin or fat will be removed, and then the incision will be closed. As the incision follows the natural fold of the eyelid, surgical scars are usually very well-hidden. This procedure usually takes between one hour and 90 minutes to complete.
For lower eyelid surgery, the incision is made either beneath the lower eyelashes, or else near the inside of the lower eyelid. From here, the surgeon can remove or reposition excess tissue in order to create a tightened, more youthful appearance. Additional support can also be provided to the tendons and muscles of the eyelid, if required. The incision will be then be sutured closed, with any scarring, again, being hidden beneath the lower eyelashes. This procedure may take up to two hours to complete.
The majority of patients are able to return home the same day of their blepharoplasty, though bear in mind that the recovery time for eyelid surgery is between one to two weeks. You will be need to take time off work and refrain from everyday tasks like driving, in the period immediately after your eyelid surgery. It also may take up to three weeks for swelling and bruising to disappear completely.
How can we help?
Dr Mark Hanikeri is a highly skilled surgeon with a wealth of experience in performing successful blepharoplasty procedures. Are your eyelids causing you physical discomfort, or impairing your vision? Are you, simply, tired of looking tired all the time? For more details about the rejuvenating effects of eyelid surgery, please read more here.
Dr Hanikeri is a fully qualified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, who specialises in producing natural, aesthetically pleasing results. To arrange an appointment to meet Mark and his team, please get in touch here. No matter what your personal appearance goals may be, Dr Hanikeri is committed to helping you achieve your desired outcomes. To find out more about his areas of specialisation, please have a look here.
