Blepharoplasty
What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty surgery is a procedure to reshape the eyelids. This may be to improve the appearance or function of the eyelids, or both. It can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids, or both. The surgery is often used to remove excess skin, fat or muscle.
Why have a blepharoplasty?
With age, our muscles slacken, and the skin loses its elasticity. For the eyelids, this results in folds in the upper lids and deepening creases in the lower lids. Also, the slackening of muscle beneath the skin allows the fat which cushions the eyes in their sockets to bulge forwards to give the appearance of swelling. In some families there is an inherited tendency for bags to develop during early adulthood. The resultant effect is:
· Folds of skin on the upper eyelids that may be unsightly or obstruct vision
· Puffiness or bags under the eyes caused by fat protrusion
· Wrinkling or sagging skin around the eyes
What will happen during our initial consultation?
During our initial meetings we will discuss why you wish to have the surgery and how your eyelids are impacting you, either functionally e.g. loss of visual field, or cosmetically e.g. aged appearance. I will go through your past medical history, including previous eyelid surgery or facial cosmetic procedures. This will include a review of your medications to ensure nothing will impact on the procedure. I will then examine your eyes, face and skin, taking particular care to assess the position and function of your eyelids or brow, to ensure that a blepharoplasty is the right operation for you.
What happens during the procedure?
Blepharoplasty surgery may be performed under local or general anaesthesia. The majority of upper lid blepharoplasty surgery is performed under local anaesthesia, whereas the majority of lower lid blepharoplasty surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. The surgery typically lasts between 45minutes – 90 minutes depending on the extent of the operation.
Once carefully positioned on the table, I begin by taking careful measurements and marking the eyelids to try and achieve your desired outcome.
· For upper eyelid surgery a delicate cut is made along the upper lid. The necessary excess skin is removed along with the possibility of fat or muscle removal. The wound is closed with fine stitches
· The technique for lower eyelid surgery depends on the predominant issue. For patients with excess wrinkling, a fine cut is made beneath the lashes, the skin is lifted, and the eyelid may be tightened. If puffiness is the bigger issue, then an incision on the internal aspect of the lid may be all that is required. From this internal cut, fat may be removed or re-distributed.
What are the benefits of surgery?
· Improved visual field
· Rejuvenated appearance
· Long lasting results (whilst the ageing process continues, results often last many years)
Are there any risks with blepharoplasty surgery?
Blepharoplasty surgery, in experienced hands, is a safe and predictable procedure offering both significant function and aesthetic benefits. As with all surgery however, there are some risks of the procedure and these will be discussed with you during your consultation.