Blepharoplasty - Beautiful You Holidays

The Body Experience

What is Blepharoplasty?
- Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is designed to remove the excess fat, skin and atrophied muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. It is a very popular procedure as hooded eyes seem to lack lustre and seem old or tired by many patients. Many individuals who choose this procedure are very aware that their upper eyelids have seemed to disappear within the herniated fat of the upper eye area. Fat herniation is quite normal and will happen to everyone once we age. However some individuals have herniated fat in the upper area of their eyes even in their early teens. It can be genetic as well. Sometimes a blepharoplasty can improve an individual's vision. This is achieved by removing the excess fat and skin that may block an individual's peripheral field of vision. Whatever the case, the purpose of a blepharoplasty is for the aesthetic appeal that wider, youthful eyes possess.
How is the Procedure Performed?
- Blepharoplasty is usually performed using local anaesthesia and light sleep sedation or General. The incisions are made within the natural creases of the eyelids. Your surgeon removes the herniated fat and excess skin and sutures the incision with very fine hair-like sutures. Aggressive removal of this fat can prove to be quite disastrous in most patients, even further down the line in their lives. Aggressive fat removal often results in hollowness or a dark, sunken appearance. Although minimal removal (or re-suspension) has proven quite beneficial in those who may need it. In those who do not need it, only the excess skin will be removed.
Is there much scarring with Blepharoplasty?
- As with any surgical procedure some scarring should be expected. Although the scarring associated with blepharoplasty is quite minimal and practically non-existent after several months. The scars are placed within the normal creases and folds of the upper and lower eyelids so that when the eyes are open the scars are invisible. With lower blepharoplasty, where the fat is to be removed only with no skin excision, the incision can be made either on the inside of the eyelid or right under the lash line.
At what age is Blepharoplasty performed?
- Although there is no set age when blepharoplasty is performed, the usual ages that patients start making consultation appointments for blepharoplasty is from 35 years of age and up. However, this is highly individual and excess skin and fat around the eye area may be desired to be removed younger than 35 years of age.
Will Blepharoplasty rid me of my eye wrinkles?
- A blepharoplasty is not designed to remove the wrinkles (i.e. sagging brows and Crow's feet) from the eye area. It is designed to remove the excess skin and herniated fat from the lid areas only. There are other procedures available that are area-specific to these complaints Chemical Peels and Laser Treatments can help soften peri-ocular (around the eye) wrinkles significantly.
What should I expect post-operatively?
- Swelling will be apparent at first and there may be some bruising. Although, this factor should be considered individual. Some are prone to bruising more than others. Some doctors suggest Arnica Montana sublingual capsules and a topical ointment as well. Some surgeons suggest Bromelain. These two products are thought to decrease both bruising and swelling in all bodily injuries (accidental and planned traumas) and in most cases have shown a significant decrease in both complaints. Your eyelids may feel tight and sore as the anaesthesia wears off, but your pain medication should be able to control any discomfort. Your vision may be a little blurry for the first few days due to the swelling and your eyes may be watery or they may be dry. You should not be in any extensive pain. Patients have described post-operative pain as associated with blepharoplasty as mild discomfort, as if the skin was sunburned, wind burned or the eyeballs having been irritated or scratched.
When will my stitches be taken out?
- Your stitches are normally removed within 3 to 5 days of the operation. The removal process may sting a little bit as the tight, fine sutures are very small and require very fine tweezers and scissors for removal.
When will I be able to see the results?
- After the swelling goes down you will be able to see a definite difference with the amount of over hang in the upper eye area if you had an upper blepharoplasty. You must realize that when you wake up no matter what time of day there will be increased swelling. This is due to fluids pooling, especially if you are not elevated properly. There is even increased swelling in the upper or lower eye area in individuals who have not had blepharoplasty. The tissues swell with fluid retention when you are at rest. If you sleep with your head well elevated (with two pillows) this will be less apparent.
What are the risks of Blepharoplasty?
- The minor complications that are associated with blepharoplasty include double or blurry vision for a few days, temporary swelling at the corners of the eyelids, and milia (or tiny whiteheads) that can be removed by your surgeon by pricking them with a sterile micro-needle. It is possible to develop asymmetry during healing or excessive scarring if you are prone to such a thing. It is possible that you may experience difficulty in closing your eyes when sleeping. In rare instances this condition may be permanent. Also there is the rare possibility of ectropion. Ectropion is a condition where your lower lids are pull down or gape. If you should develop ectropion, further surgery will more than likely be needed to correct it. If you have thyroid problems (hypothyroidism or Graves' disease) dry eyes or insufficient tearing, circulatory disorders or high blood pressure, having blepharoplasty may be more risky for you than an otherwise healthy individual who does not have such disorders. Grave’s disease is frequently associated with severe swelling of the periorbital tissues. This swelling may be misdiagnosed as excess under eye fat pads. If you are myxedematous* (in a severe state of hypothyroidism) you may have severe edema, or fluid retention, especially in the eye area; is a common symptom of hypothyroidism. The fluid filled tissue areas are often misdiagnosed as excessive fat in the eye area and when removed can lead to disastrous results. As your edema subsides and your fluid levels level out, after removal, the eye area will look very sunken in. Ascertain that your surgeon establishes whether or not your eye bags are caused by fat or chronic edema prior to your blepharoplasty. Edema will not be corrected by surgery. Other disorders that may increase your risks are myasthenia gravis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, a detached retina or glaucoma (and other high pressures of the eye), poor circulation and poor elasticity. Please disclose all disorders or concerns with your plastic surgeon - you're health and well-being might depend on it.

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