Eye bag removal
WHAT IS A BLEPHAROPLASTY PROCEDURE?
A Blepharoplasty Procedure is a specialist aesthetic (cosmetic) surgery procedure performed to overcome the adverse effects of ageing, gravity and sun exposure on the upper eyelid and lower eye bag area.
This procedure can be performed singularly or in combination with other procedures such as a facelift or brow lift surgery.
The ultimate objective of a Blepharoplasty is to create a natural, youthful and fresh eye appearance by removing slack and aged skin from above and below the eye, tightening up loose muscle and removing any unwanted fatty deposits.
WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM A BLEPHAROPLASTY?
- Middle aged/older men and women who are unhappy with their general ageing appearance around the eye area.
- Younger men and women who suffer from premature lines and wrinkles caused by excessive sun exposure, smoking or hereditary factors.
HOW IS A BLEPHAROPLASTY PERFORMED?
When performing an Upper Blepharoplasty procedure, the surgeon will normally excise a narrow crescent shaped portion of skin and underlying tissue from the middle of the upper lid, leaving a microscopic incision, which will follow the natural crease line of the upper lid. A Lower Blepharoplasty procedure involves the surgical removal of fat just below the surface of the skin and loose skin around. This procedure is performed through a microscopic incision, normally just below the lower lash line.
Younger patients may only need fat removing from beneath the lower eye area. Such fatty deposits can be hereditary and can be removed from the inside of the lower lid, thus completely avoiding any external excisions. This advanced procedure is known as a Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty.
These procedures can be performed singularly or in combination and can be performed under both local and general anaesthetic. The type of anaesthetic will often dictate how long a patient is expected to stay in hospital to recover. A procedure performed under local anaesthetic (you will be awake) will commonly be performed as a day case and a procedure performed under general anaesthetic (you will be asleep) will commonly involve an overnight stay in hospital. Under normal conditions a Blepharoplasty procedure can take around an hour to perform.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY LIKE?
Whilst a Blepharoplasty is usually considered a reasonably minor procedure the operated area is often quite tender and bruised for a week following surgery and the actual eye area can become sensitive and dry. Analgesic tablets (pain killers) are always provided for any discomfort, and usually an antibiotic/anti-inflammatory cream. Patients are encouraged to stay as mobile and upright as possible during their early recovery stage to help reduce any swelling or bruising. Patients usually describe the way their eyes feel, as "uncomfortable" and "light", rather than painful in the initial recovery stages.
Bruising and swelling can also be minimised by patients who keep their head elevated during rest and sleep in the first 24 hours following surgery and by the regular post-operative use of cold compresses.
In the early days following discharge, patients are strongly advised to avoid any level of activity that would put undue strain on the newly operated areas, to keep their hands and fingers away from their eyes and to pay meticulous attention to their personal hygiene. Patients will also be advised to take a specific amount of recovery time away from work, dependent on the type of work they perform, but it is usual to take at least a week away from work to recover following this procedure.
Patients are especially asked to avoid direct sunbathing on the eye area for at least twelve months following surgery.
Patients will also be advised to take a specific amount of recovery time away from work, dependent on the type of work they perform, but it is usual to take a least a fortnight off to rest and recover at home.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH BLEPHAROPLASTY SURGERY?
Risks such as bleeding, infection, delayed healing, alteration in sensitivity and scarring will all be discussed openly at consultation, as well as our scrupulous efforts to manage and minimise these risks to their lowest possible potential.
Due to the additional healing and infection risks experienced with patients who smoke, smokers may be precluded from having cosmetic surgery until they cease or substantially reduce their daily cigarette intake.
Although Blepharoplasty Surgery is regularly performed without any complications, it is very important that all candidates are fully aware of both the benefits and risks of undertaking this type of specialist aesthetic surgery.
All surgery, no mater how expertly or carefully it is performed, carries risks and the importance of a full evaluation and consultation to discuss your understanding and expectations in relation to these risks cannot be over emphasised.
HOW DO I FIND OUT IF I AM A SUITABLE CANDIDATE FOR BLEPHAROPLASTY SURGERY?
At Spire Methley Park Hospital our surgeons will carry out a full evaluation of your individual needs and circumstances and provide you with a comprehensive verbal and written explanation of any recommended treatment or surgery.
Our Expert Consultant Plastic Surgeons understand the importance of the decision you are making when contemplating aesthetic surgery. Throughout your consultation you will be encouraged to ask as many questions as you wish and to take your time in making a decision to proceed with any treatment.