What can Eyelid Surgery do for me?

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct the tired appearance that develops around the eyes as we age. By removing excess fat and skin, blepharoplasty surgery is designed to rejuvenate and refresh the appearance in the eyes. Performed under general or local anaesthetics, this surgery can treat the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both depending on the unique needs of the patient.

Upper Eyelid Surgery may:

• Smooth and tighten sagging or wrinkled skin that hangs down over the eyelid
• Reduce puffiness
• Improve vision
• Improve symmetry of the eyelids

Lower Eyelid Surgery may:

• Correct a drooping lower lid
• Remove under eye ‘bags’
• Tighten loose skin
• Reduce puffiness

Am I a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

Both men and women can benefit from eyelid surgery. You may be a good candidate if you experience any of the following concerns:

• Excessive, sagging or wrinkled upper or lower eyelid skin
• Vision restriction from excess upper eyelid skin
• Loss of a natural, upper eyelid crease
• Puffy pouches of fat in the upper or lower lids
• Visibility of the bone under the eye, contributing to dark rings or shadows
• Large bags under the eyes

Eyelid Surgery Consultation with Dr Choroomi

The eyes may be the facial feature that best identifies us, maintaining their natural shape and ‘personality’ is of utmost importance. Dr Choroomi appreciates your unique facial anatomy, therefor surgical treatment must be individually customized for each patient. During your initial consultation for eyelid surgery, Dr Choroomi will:

• Examine the skin around your orbital area.
• Listen to your concerns.
• Discuss why you desire eyelid surgery, including expectations and desired outcomes.
• Explain eyelid surgery procedure and recovery
• Review your treatment options and answer and any questions.

How is Eyelid Surgery performed?

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty is performed by removing excess skin from the upper eyelid. Directly before the procedure, Dr. Choroomi will carefully assess and mark the area of skin that is to be removed. This is done by pinching the eyelid to ensure the skin remaining is both aesthetically and functionally adequate. An incision is made in the natural crease of the eyelid, excess skin is removed and the incisions are closed with fine sutures to ensure scars are virtually invisible.

Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty is performed through what is called the transconjunctival approach. This surgical approach involves placing an incision inside the lining of the lower eyelid, leaving no visible signs of scarring. The bulging fat behind the muscle is either removed or repositioned onto the cheek to smooth the contour irregularity that has caused a lower lid ‘bag’. If necessary, excess skin will be removed from the lower eyelid and a tightening stich, called canthopexy, is placed meticulously along the lash line to hide all signs an operation has occurred.

Recovery After Eyelid Surgery

After upper and/or lower blepharoplasty surgery it is typically for your eyelids to feel tight and sore around the suture sights. Initially, you will need to apply cold compresses to your eye area to minimize bruising and swelling. You will also need to keep your head elevated, including while sleeping, for the first few days.

Patients can expect:

• Redness and swelling around the incision areas
• Minor swelling and bruising
• Tearing
• Sensitivity to light, wearing sunglasses will help
• Eye dryness which can be alleviated with ointment or eye drops.

Sutures for both upper and lower blepharoplasties will typically be removed 5-7 days after surgery. Most patients are ready to return to light activity, including work, in about 10 days. It is advised to wait three weeks before resuming more strenuous exercise

Common Surgical Combinations

Patients have found that eyelid surgery can provide dramatic results, especially when performed in combination with other facial rejuvenation procedures.

• Face Lift Surgery may be performed in combination with eyelid surgery to tighten wrinkles, elevate cheeks and provide definition to your jawline.
• Neck Lift surgery can correct signs of aging in the neck and jawline by removing excess skin and tightening muscles in the neck.
• Brow Lift surgery can be combined with eyelid surgery to correct a heavy forehead and brow line.
• Cheek or Chin Augmentation maybe performed in combination to enhance and restore balance to your face.
• Rhinoplasty may be combined to restore a more youthful appearance by altering the shape of your nose.
• Lip Lift surgery is performed to permanently increase the fullness of your lips resulting in a beautiful, youthful appearance.

Non-Surgical Alternatives to Eyelid Surgery

Whilst there are a number of non-surgical treatments for the eyelids, these will need to be maintained and will not “shrink” the skin around the eyes.

Facial Fillers. Facial fillers are an excellent treatment for smoothing any contour irregularities under the eyes. Injectable fillers can “refill” the tear trough and areas with volume loss. This procedure is only temporary and will need to be maintained every 6-12 months.

Anti-wrinkle Injections. Placed correctly in the upper eyelid these muscle relaxants can result in a slightly elevated brow, raising the skin of the upper eyelid to create a more “awake” and refreshed look. This procedure will typically need to be maintained every 3 month.