Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure used to reshape your eyelids by removing fat, excess skin and muscle from around the eyes creating a younger and fresher appearance.
The procedure can remove drooping or hooding eyelids as well as puffiness and eye bags and is often performed with other facial cosmetic surgery procedures such as a face lift. Blepharoplasty is also carried out to improve your vision if the upper eyelid is badly drooping. This is also a popular procedure for Asian population and involves the creation of a supratarsal crease that does not exist in some cases. Asian women opt for this eyelid surgery to create a more bright eyed appearance and often for makeup purposes.
Eyelid surgery is performed under a general anesthetic and can take between two to three hours to perform.
The surgeon will make a small incision in the natural crease of the upper eyelid usually one centimeter above the eyelashes. This hides the scars and makes them as discreet as possible. The incisions can sometimes extend into the laughter lines, also known as crow's feet, at the outer corners of the eyes. Excess fat is removed and any sagging skin or muscle is trimmed. The incision is then closed with fine sutures which will need to be removed approximately five days after surgery and an overnight stay in hospital is usually required.
The surgeon will make a small incision underneath the eyelashes extending outwards towards the laughter lines, also known as crow's feet. The incision is about one centimeter long and scars will be well hidden by the lower eyelashes. The skin is then lifted up and any excess fat and muscle is removed and any sagging skin can be trimmed. The incision is then closed with fine sutures which will need to be removed approximately five days after surgery. In some lower eyelid cases only a pocket of fat will need to be removed. This is known as a transconjunctival blepharoplasty which means the surgeon will make the incision inside the lower eyelid. No scars will be visible as no incision is made in the outer skin. An overnight stay in hospital is usually required.
With either procedure it is important to be aware that wrinkles can appear reduced but will not be totally removed. After the procedure the area will be bruised and swollen which will last up to two weeks if both skin and fat have been removed. The surgeon will apply ointment to lubricate your eyes and in some cases a bandage may be needed. A week off work is needed to recover. During the first few days your eyes may be sensitive to the light and it is recommended to wear sunglasses around the house. Your head must be kept elevated and you can apply ice packs to help reduce the bruising and swelling. Make up can be applied after the first week to cover bruises.
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