16 May What Is Blepharoplasty?
Upper Lid Blepharoplasty
An Upper Lid Blepharoplasty refers to the removal of skin, muscle and fat from the upper eyelids. Upper Lid Blepharoplasty may be enhanced with a Brow Lift and/ or Sub-Brow Fat Sculpting. This is ideally performed using C02 laser, which minimises scarring, post-operative bruising and swelling.
Lower Lid Blepharoplasty
Lower Lid Blepharoplasty refers to removing excess tissue of the lower eyelids. This procedure is common as the delicate, thin under eye skin is prone to becoming lax, causing wrinkling. In addition, excess tissues prolapse underneath the lids and are sometimes referred to as ‘bags’. The cause of under eyelid ‘bags’ is usually a combination of fat and fluid that is often very difficult to treat. Often the fat can be lysed and left to absorb by the body using a procedure called laser liposuction. In addition to Blepharoplasty surgery, adjunctive procedures such as C02 laser resurfacing and radiofrequency resurfacing can be effective in helping to reduce scarring and reduce wrinkling and fine lines around the eyelids.
Recovery from Blepharoplasty Surgery
You will need someone to drive you home after your procedure and you should avoid driving for at least 24 hours.
Some bruising and swelling is normal. It is recommended to use a cold compress and keep the head elevated. Eye drops or ointments are normally prescribed and should be applied as directed.
Recovery time varies from patient to patient and significant cosmetic results should be evident within two weeks.
What are the Risks?
Like all surgical procedures, blepharoplasty surgery carries risks. It’s important to be aware of common risks so you are able to weigh up the benefits, risks and limitations of the surgery.
Below is a list of possible complications and specific risks for blepharoplasty surgery. General risks and complications of surgery will be discussed with you in detail. There may be complications that are not listed here and some lifestyle factors and medical conditions can cause greater risks.
The most serious risk is visual loss due to bleeding behind the eyeball. This is called a Retrobulbar Haemorrhage and is extremely rare. If you are on blood thinners this should be stopped prior to the surgery after discussion with the surgeon and your general practitioner.
Some common risks of Blepharoplasty Surgery are:
- Lagophthalmos and inability to close the eyelids
- Post-operative asymmetry
- Dry Eye Syndrome
- Transient numbness around the eyelashes
- Upper lid ptosis
- Infection
- Post-operative bleeding
- Scarring
- Allergic reactions
- Bleeding
- Swelling and bruising
Blepharoplasty Surgery at Prèface Cosmetic
Blepharoplasties can be performed with sedation and local anaesthesia in a small operating theatre within Dr Hollenbach’s rooms. Patients are discharged the same day. Alternatively, the procedure can be done in a private hospital with an anaesthetist.
Dr. Hollenbach also offers non-surgical alternatives to blepharoplasty using our Fraxel re:pair CO2 laser, which can be used to perform skin resurfacing around the eyelids or the full face as part of the Blepharoplasty procedure.
