How is Blepharoplasty Performed? Evaluating the Risks & Benefits

Blepharoplasty procedures are performed to remove extra skin and fatty tissue from the eyelids. The result is a more rejuvenated, fresher and younger appearance. It’s helpful to understand how is blepharoplasty performed before going ahead with surgery so you can evaluate the risks and benefits. Let’s have a look.

Why Is Blepharoplasty Eyelid Surgery Performed?

Eyelid surgery can be performed to create a more youthful appearance and improve the appearance of the face. Its outcomes include

• Removing sagging or loose skin on the upper eyelid, which may affect your vision
• Removing fatty deposits on the lower eyelids that make the eyes appear puffy or tired
• Removing bags that develop under the eyes
• Addressing droopy lower eyelids that expose the white parts of your eyes
• Tightening excess skin and ironing out fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area.

Blepharoplasty is actually performed quite commonly. It pairs well with other surgical procedures such as brow lifts or facelifts, or it can be performed on its own.

How Is Blepharoplasty Performed? What To Expect

You may be given a local anaesthetic with sedation r a general anaesthetic prior to the procedure.  The precise steps of your operation will depend on your procedure but in general you can expect

• Your surgeon to make a small incision across the upper eyelid if it is sagging
• Your surgeon to make a small incision inside the lower eyelid or just below the eyelashes for a procedure on the lower eyelid
• The removal of excess skin and the repositioning of excess fat
• Your surgeon to tighten up the underlying eye muscles.

In general, plastic surgeons aim to hide the incisions by positioning them in the eye’s natural folds and creases. Your incisions will be closed up with small sutures, tissue glue or surgical tape.

Blepharoplasty Eyelid Surgery: What To Expect After The Procedure

Being prepared helps you to heal faster and more comfortably. Patients can expect

• Some pain, swelling and bruising to persist after the operation
• Numbness in the surgical area
• Some bruising on the whites of your eyes
• Irritated, dry or wet eyes
• Light sensitivity

What Risks And Side Effects Of Eyelid Surgery Should You Be Aware Of?

All surgical procedures carry some element of risk. Your individual risk profile should be assessed by your plastic surgeon well in advance of your operation so you can weigh up the pros and cons of blepharoplasty.  Some of these include:

• Allergic reaction to the anaesthetic
• Infection or bleeding after surgery
• Areas of numbness that may be permanent or temporary
• Impaired or blurry vision
• Problems closing your eyes, particularly to go to sleep
• Eyelid disorders that may result in the abnormal positioning of the upper or lower lid
• Eyes that look sunken (more applicable if too much fat is removed from the area)
• Scars that become inflamed or itchy
• Revisional surgery to address imperfections

What To Expect After Blepharoplasty Eyelid Surgery?

It’s vital that you follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions to minimise your chances of complications and speed up your healing process.

• You will probably be given ointment to apply to your eyelids as well as eye drops to hydrate your eyes and assist with discomfort and dryness. Remember to use the treatments provided by your surgeon for relief.
• Your eyes will be sore and swollen after your procedure but this should improve as the weeks pass
• Pay attention to the development of any new or worsening side effects. Any concerns you have should be reported to your surgeon as soon as possible
• Do not rub your eyes, even if they feel itchy; rather use your eyedrops
• If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, applying cool compresses to your eye area may provide you with welcome relief
• Make sure your eyes are protected from the sun, especially in the days following your procedure even when you think your eyelids are healing well, you must cover your face with large sunglasses and a hat, and avoid the sun if practically possible. Sun can cause the scars to become discoloured, as well as cause discomfort to your eyeballs
• Do not smoke. Smoking increases your chance of developing an infection. It also interferes with the body’s ability to heal itself and cause tissue and skin death on parts of the face. This is not something you want to take chances with.

It may take up to a few weeks for the results to be visible but most people who have surgery on their eyelids find the procedure to be highly effective. It may take a few weeks for the swelling to subside completely, but if you have any concerns about slow healing remember to raise them with your medical practitioner.

If you are having blepharoplasty eyelid surgery to address the early signs of ageing, your skin will age over time. Make sure you follow your surgeon’s instructions to keep your skin youthful, soft and healthy.

Are There Any Alternatives To Eyelid Surgery?

There is no alternative way to remove excess skin and fat deposits from the eye. Other procedures such as fillers and Botox may be able to plump up the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but sagging skin, especially that which interferes with your vision, needs to be surgically removed. Please also take note that eyelid surgery cannot address the presence of dark circles under the eyes, so it’s important to discuss your goals and needs with your surgeon.

For more details on how is blepharoplasty performed please contact us for a confidential appointment: (02) 9158 6375.