During blepharoplasty or lid reduction surgery a variable amount of skin, muscle and orbital fat is sculpted or repositioned to alter the contour and shape of the eyelids.
Upper or lower eyelid surgery can be performed as separate procedures or together. Upper eyelid surgery will give a smoother, less heavy and tired appearance of the upper lid. Lower eyelid surgery aims to achieve a smoother appearance under the eyes and reduce bags and wrinkles to give a more refreshed appearance.
The procedure can also be used to add an upper eyelid crease. Some Asian people have lid creases (a “double eyelid”) and some Asian eyelids have no lid crease (“single eyelid”). The aim of surgery is to create the appearance of an Asian “double eyelid” whilst maintaining the Asian characteristics of the eyelid. Adding a lid crease or fold can help achieve a more open and brighter appearance of the eyes.
Both men and women who have excess skin or evidence of fat bags and sagging of the upper and/or lower eyelid are the best candidates for this type of surgery. A/Prof Wilcsek’s goal is to rejuvenate the eyelids whilst maintaining a natural appearance. Overzealous surgery can give patients an unnatural look and affect the eyelids’ ability to protect the eyes.
Upper eyelid Blepharoplasty is performed through incisions or cuts made in the upper skin crease that forms when your eyes are open. The excess skin and fat are removed and the incision is stitched closed. Lower lid blepharoplasty is through an incision just below the lashes, or if only fat (no skin) is to be removed the surgery is performed through an incision on the inside or back of the eyelid. The amount of skin and fat that requires removal varies between patients. A/Prof Wilcsek will be able to determine this at the time of your consultation.
The operation usually takes 1-2 hours depending on the extent of each case and is performed under local anaesthetic with sedation at a day surgery facility.
Swelling and bruising can last 3 days to 3 weeks, but usually within 1-2 weeks most of the obvious signs of recent surgery have resolved.
Most patients will take 3-5 days off work. Physical activity in the first week should be minimal and then building up to a normal level over the next two weeks.
Our Ocular Plastic Specialist routinely performs this surgery however any surgery carries some risk and at the time of your consultation, your specialist will fully outline the pros, cons and risks of surgery.
Our tissues change as we age and surgery does not stop the ageing process. In addition to this, other changes around the eyelids such as brow position changes can undermine the beneficial effect of blepharoplasty surgery.
There are very few people who cannot have this procedure. There are certain criteria that have to be met in order for the procedure to be Medicare and private health fund eligible, however many patients may still elect to proceed on a cosmetic basis.
