Eyelid Lift
Blepharoplasty
The eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty, is a procedure designed to remove excess skin and/or fat from the upper and lower eyelids. It improves droopy eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes, features that may make you look older and more tired than you feel.
The incision for the upper eyelid is usually made along the eyelid crease. The incision for the lower eyelid may be made inside the lower eyelid, avoiding external scars (transconjunctival) or externally just below the eyelashes (transcutaneous).
Who is a Candidate for an eyelid lift?
- Patients who have excessive, sagging or wrinkled upper or lower eyelid skin
- Patients who have excess upper eyelid skin that interferes with vision
- Patients who have lost their natural upper eyelid crease
- Patients who have puffy pouches of fat in the upper or lower eyelids that create a tired or aged appearance
Who is not a Candidate for an eyelid lift?
- A more youthful and rested appearance of the eyes
- Widening of visual fields if excessive upper eyelid skin has partially blocked vision
Intended Results of an eyelid lift
- A more youthful contour of the face and eyes
- A more visible look or opening of the area surrounding the eyes
- General aesthetic improvement
Procedure Description of an eyelid lift
- Dr Tran usually performs this operation under local anaesthesia alone or with light conscious sedation.
- A scalpel is used for skin incisions to minimise scar and bipolar diathermy to minimise bleeding during the procedure.
- The incisions are made where the natural crease should be in the upper eyelids. Excess skin and fat (if necessary) are removed.
- The incision for the lower eyelids is usually made at border just below the eyelashes, these incision heal very well.
- Once the excess skin has been removed, the incision is closed with very fine sutures.
Healing and Recovery for an eyelid lift
- All sutures are removed after 7 days.
- Initial discomfort is usually mild and controlled with oral medication.
- Bruising and sensitivity to light usually subside within 1-2 weeks.
- Swelling usually disappears within 2 weeks.
- Eye makeup may be used following suture removal and healing of the incisions. Old makeup should be discarded as it may promote bacterial growth and postoperative infection.
- Contact lenses can be worn when comfortable and after sutures have been removed.
Other Options
- Additional procedures that may enhance the result are forehead lift/eyebrow lift, facelift, neuromodulators, fillers and collagen stimulants.
Notes
- The specific risks and suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation with Dr Tran. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.