Blepharoplasty Overview
The skin around the eyes is one of the most visible signs of your ageing. Some may notice the lines or wrinkles creeping in as early as in their 30s; while others may not be concerned until their 40s or 50s when it is common for the delicate skin of the eyelid becomes inelastic, causing a fold of skin which can hang down to the eyelashes, creating a hooded effect to the eyes.
In some cases the sagging loose skin can rest upon the upper eyelashes and obscure or make vision uncomfortable or difficult.
In this case the Blepharoplasty procedure may be classifed as ‘medical’ and not as ‘cosmetic surgery’.
The lower eyelid can also show signs of ageing with the appearance of ‘puffiness’ or ‘bags’, causing a tired look, despite good sleep or rest. In this case a surgical procedure called Blepharoplasty procedure can be used to treat the problem.
Wrinkles and lines are a normal part of the ageing process. However other factors such as sun damage and the repeated facial actions can all contribute to deep facial lines. Expression lines arise when we smile, laugh or frown repeatedly causing the delicate skin to contract producing ‘laugh lines’, ‘crows feet’ or ‘frown lines’ all of which are easily treated with simple, fast and painless, non-surgical antiwrinkle/ wrinkle relaxant injections.
Blepharoplasty Treatment Options
Wrinkle Relaxants
Due to current government restrictions we cannot legally name any specific products, for more information on what each product can offer you please call the clinic and speak to one of our specialist cosmetic nurses.
Wrinkle Relaxants have been used for over ten years in a variety of medical conditions such as facial spasms, focal spasticity in adults and foot deformity in juvenile cerebral palsy patients. It has also been successfully used over the past years as a treatment of glabella (frown), ‘crow’s feet’ lines and for severe hyperhidrosis (sweating) of the armpits. It remains a proven and reliable treatment that can both refresh and relax the appearance of a persons face and give confidence when excessive sweating is a concern for many people.
Wrinkle relaxant injections specifically target the tiny facial muscles that cause the lines or wrinkles. Once the specific muscle is injected it is temporarily weakened, minimizing its ability to ‘scrunch’ or ‘wrinkle’ the skin in that area. The skin becomes smooth and more relaxed, without affecting the facial expression.
Wrinkle relaxant treatments are temporary in their action lasting approximately three to five months. It has been observed that in most people, a benefit of longer lasting affect is produced when treatment is given two to three times per year. See anti-wrinkle solutions in the cosmetic dermatology section for more information.
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty techniques have evolved since the late 80s when it was initially used for those in their 60s and 70s. Today blepharoplasty is being chosen more commonly to rejuvenate an eye area for people in their 40s and 50s. Blepharoplasty is used to surgically rejuvenate excess fullness of the upper or lower eyelids otherwise known as ‘bags’, ‘hooded’ or ‘puffy’ eyes.
In the lower eyelid, the pocket of fat that normally sits behind the eye protrudes forward through a weakened septum (muscle) causing the ‘bags’ under the eyes. This is commonly an inherited tendency and may give an appearance of perpetual tiredness. The upper and lower eyelids may be affected separately or together, however the lower lids are frequently worse. Blepharoplasty is performed under sedation at an Accredited Day Surgery clinic.
The use of lasers in eyelid surgery is now common. A laser is a very powerful light beam that is able to be used as a precise cutting tool, or to remove fine layers of tissue. When used in Blepharoplasty procedures lasers have the following advantages over the scalpel technique.
- There is no visible scar on the lower eyelid.
- Ectropion (dragging down of the eyelid) is less common than with other methods.
- There is virtually no bleeding with the laser, and therefore minimal bruising or swelling.
- A shorter recovery time is needed, allowing an early return to work and social commitments.
The Procedure
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty An incision is made in the natural crease of the upper eyelid. Excess skin and protruding fat are removed and the skin edges are closed with fine dissolving stitches. A very fine scar is initially visible, however this usually fades over time and is normally hidden in the eyelid crease.
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty The technique for the lower lids is different for both scalpel and laser.
The scalpel method involves an incision along the lower eyelid margin, then excess skin and fat are removed and the skin edges are closed with fine stitches. However, this technique sometimes drags down the lower eyelid and can give an unusual appearance.
Laser Blepharoplasty of the lower eyelid has the advantage of having no skin incisions or stitches. Excess fat is removed through the inside surface of the lower eyelid removing any long-term outward signs of the procedure. Loose skin, wrinkles or crow’s feet beneath the eye may also be improved effectively by resurfacing the area with a laser.
As each of us is different, there are many options that can be tailored to suit each person and their individual concerns and needs.
Recovery Process
Your eyes may be swollen and/or bruised for one to four weeks after the procedure. Normal activities are usually resumed after this time; however this is usually dependant on the person, their work and social commitments. Stitches in the upper eyelid are removed five to seven days after the procedure and eye makeup can usually be applied carefully after two to three weeks.
Risks and Complications
Significant complications from Blepharoplasty are infrequent although may occur as with any other medical procedure. Each year, many people undergo successful eyelid surgery and usually experience no major problems.
FAQs
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is the surgical correction of excess fullness of the upper and/or lower eyelids – ‘fat pads’, ‘bags’, ‘hooded’ or ‘puffy’ eyes.
How long until I can return to work after having Blepharoplasty?
Although you may feel well enough to return to work a short time after surgery (from one week after the procedure), your vision may still be slightly blurred which could make reading or driving more difficult.
