The first signs of facial ageing usually involve the eyelids. Blepharoplasty is an operation designed to correct the effects of ageing to the eyes and eyelids. As we get older, the effects of sun damage as well as the natural ageing process leads to the skin of the face losing its elasticity and tightness and gravity effects can cause some degree of sagging, particularly around the eyes and cheeks. Skin wrinkling is a result of these factors. Operative procedures, such as blepharoplasty are designed to correct these effects.
Eyelift surgery to the two upper and two lower eyelids is a very effective form of facial rejuvernation. My patients usually claim they are being told they look tired and grumpy from ageing eyelid changes. The lower eyelids with time usually develop bulging or fat bagging and skin excess.
Lower eyelid lift surgery specifically targets these issues leading to tight, smooth and youthful lower eyelids. The upper eyelids often develop skin excess and laxity with droopy of redundant eyelid skin down onto the eyelashes. This problem is the result of a combination of upper eyelid excess in combination with descent of the eyebrows/ forehead tissues. Often my recommendation for correction of upper eyelid ageing will be a combination of upper eyelift (blepharoplasty) with endoscopic brow and forehead lifting.
Blepharoplasty has a very high patient satisfaction rate.
Through incisions or cuts in the upper and lower eyelids, excess skin of the eyelids is removed as well as adjustment made to the underlying tissue of the upper and lower eyelids. Some excess fat tissue may be removed from the eyelids and the fat of the lower eyelids may be re-draped down onto the cheek. This will smooth the eyelid contours, correcting bulging of the lower lid which often causes a noticeable groove between eyelid and cheek.
How long does the operation take?
The operation takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the extent of each case.
Do I have to stay in hospital?
For eyelid surgery alone, the operation is performed under general anaesthetic on a day surgery basis. If brow-lifting is also done, overnight hospital stay is usually recommended.
When can I return to activities?
Considerable bruising and swelling over the first few days may be encountered. This can be expected to settle rapidly over the first week and will usually have completely resolved by the end of the second week. Generally speaking you will be confident and happy to engage in social contact by about the second week following surgery although this varies with each patient.
Are there any risks?
As with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of complications. Surgery and anaesthesia are very safe and it is most unlikely you will experience any difficulty. However, there is a small chance that a minor complication such as bleeding or infection may occur.
Scars: Incisions used for blepharoplasty are cleverly placed where they blend into the natural lines of the upper and lower lids. For the first few weeks the scars may be pink and slightly thickened. Scarring following surgery may take up to two years to fully mature and can be expected to be minimal and unnoticeable.
Swelling: Swelling of the eyelids can affect contour for some weeks and during this period of settling, improvement in eyelid contour can be expected. It is likely that close scrutiny of your eyelids following the procedure may reveal some small irregularity in contour or symmetry.
Vision: Some blurring of vision is not uncommon in the early post-operative phase due to swelling.
Anaesthetic: You will be receiving a general anaesthetic and your anaesthetist will be discussing with you possible discomforts following anaesthesia. Anaesthesia today is very safe and the chance of any problem is very low. Any questions you have regarding your anaesthetic would be best answered by your anaesthetist at the time of surgery.
General Information
You should avoid smoking for three weeks before and after surgery to assist the healing process. You should also not take aspirin or aspirin containing medications for two weeks prior to surgery.
Should there be any questions regarding blepharoplasty, be sure they are answered in advance by Dr Drielsma. Well meaning friends are not a good source of information. Find out everything before proceeding with the operation - a well informed patient is a happy one.
Remember, the realistic aim of this operation is improvement, not perfection.
Please note: The above information mentions only some of the benefits and complications of a blepharoplasty. This information should not be regarded as a substitute for information and advice provided by Dr Drielsma during consultation.
Dr Robert Drielsma is a fully qualified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon specialising in Cosmetic Surgery and Reconstructive plastic surgery with over 20 years experience.
