What is Eyelid Surgery?

Also known as blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery improves the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, and gives a rejuvenated appearance to the surrounding area of your eyes, making you look more rested and alert.

What you should know before eyelid surgery

Eyelid surgery can correct certain conditions permanently, however, you will continue to age naturally. Life-long sun protection will help to maintain your results.

Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover from surgery. As swelling and bruising subside, the results of eyelid surgery will reveal a smooth, better-defined eyelid and surrounding region and an alert and rejuvenated appearance. Although good results are expected from your procedure, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.

Be prepared to discuss:

• · Why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome
• · Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• · Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
• · Previous surgeries

Your surgeon may also:

• · Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• · Discuss the options available to you for eyelid surgery
• · Examine and measure different parts of your face
• · Take photographs for your medical record
• · Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
• · Discuss likely outcomes of eyelid surgery and any risks or potential complications

Important facts about the safety and risks of eyelid surgery

The decision to have eyelid surgery is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.

Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

The risks include:

• · Unfavourable scarring
• · Temporarily blurred or impaired vision
• · Dry eyes
• · Difficulty closing your eyes
• · Lid lag, a pulling down of the lower eyelid may occur and is often temporary
• · Ectropion, rolling of the eyelid outwards
• · Bleeding (hematoma)
• · Poor wound healing
• · Fluid accumulation
• · Infection
• · Blood clots
• · Numbness and other changes in skin sensation
• · Anaesthesia risks
• · Eyelid disorders that involve abnormal position of the upper eyelids (eyelid ptosis), loose eyelid skin, or abnormal laxness of the lower eyelid (ectropion) can coexist with sagging forehead and eyebrow structures; brow lift surgery will not correct these disorders; additional surgery may be required
• · Pain, which may persist
• · Skin discoloration and swelling
• · Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible or produce irritation that require removal
• · Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• · Possibility of revision surgery
• · Loss of eyesight

Be sure to ask questions:

It’s very important to ask your plastic surgeon questions about your eyelid procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.