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Blepharoplasty 101

While puffy eyes, partially-closed eyelids and a tired look may be a small price to pay the morning after, for an enjoyable late night out with friends, looking like this, day in and day out has a strong negative psychological effect on many people who are unhappy that they do not look as young and fresh, as they might feel inside.

Several changes occur in our eyelids as we age. By the late 30s or early 40s, the thin skin of our eyelids starts to lose its elasticity and begins to stretch, resulting in excess folds of skin that may actually hang down over the edge of the upper eyelids. As we get older, the muscles beneath our skin also grow weaker, allowing fat to protrude through and cause bags, particularly in the lower eyelids.

To restore a more youthful, refreshed, and rested appearance, Blepharoplasty or Eyelid Surgery can be used extremely effectively in combatting the signs of ageing around the eyes. Although it is also referred to as an eyelid lift, this is a misconception, as no eyelid is “lifted” during the process. Blepharoplasty is most frequently performed for cosmetic reasons but it is also effective in resolving ptosis- drooping eyelids that can partially obscure vision

Am I a suitable candidate for Blepharoplasty?

The most important thing is to have realistic expectations about eyelid surgery. The best candidates are those in a fairly good physical shape who are unhappy with drooping upper lids and puffiness of the lower eyelids. Both men and women are suitable candidates for the procedure and there are no racial or ethnic limitations for candidates to have eyelid surgery. Most patients are older than 35 years, but since drooping eyelids is an inheritable condition, you might consider blepharoplasty at a younger age if droopy eyelids and puffy bags under your eyes run in your family.

Here’s a checklist you can tick to know whether you are a suitable candidate for Blepharoplasty:

  • You need it if you have loose baggy skin around your eyes.
  • You have fat pockets along your upper and lower eyelids.
  • You got bags that are like “always there forever” in your lower eyelid.
  • You always look like you haven’t slept the whole night due to the dark circles around your eyes.
  • You cannot perfect the application of your liquid eyeliner.

How to prepare for blepharoplasty?

Before getting your eyelid surgery done, you will need to keep several things in mind. First of all, you’ll need to know that you will have to stay at home for some days after the surgery to allow your eyelids to heal away from a dusty environment. Secondly, you’ll need to prepare a number of items that will aid the recovery process. These include ice cubes, ice packs, small gauze pads, eye drops, clean wash towels and painkillers as recommended by the doctor.

The Blepharoplasty Procedure

You may be curious to know what the eyelid lift procedure entails. Generally, blepharoplasty lasts just over 1 hour for upper blephs, nearly 2 hours for lower blephs and 2 ½ hours for both the lower and upper eyelids. Anaesthesia is administered – this can be local anaesthesia for the upper blephs only and general anaesthesia for the lower blephs or for both combined.

Usually, the surgeon will make a cut through the natural lines of the eyelids, to separate the skin from the tissue beneath and remove excessive skin and/or fat. The small incisions are then closed by stitching. Although this type of surgery might look like an easy one, the plastic surgeon’s good technique is essential to avoid excess skin removal that might lead to difficulties in completely closing your eyelids

Recovering from Blepharoplasty

This procedure doesn’t require staying in hospital to recover. However, it is important to have someone who can take you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. After the surgery, its best to maintain an upward position to reduce the swelling and bruising that is normal after such a procedure for a couple of days. Post-op pain is minimal and usually fully controlled with paracetamol.

Book a consultation with our plastic surgeon, who will help you set realistic expectations and will decide which procedure can achieve the results you’re after.