Upper Eyelid Tightening and Eyebag Removal

Blepharoplasty

Purpose

Eyebags and loose skin above the eyes are very aging and can make us appear much more tired than we actually feel. By removing excess skin and fat the improvements can be very pleasing, giving a much more youthful look. Popular with both men and women this procedure can be performed as a day case under local anaesthetic, although most prefer a general anaesthetic and overnight stay in hospital. The most suitable candidates for this type of surgery will be over 35 with skin that has diminished with age or younger men and women who have inherited eyebags or droopy lids.

Procedure

Upper eyelid surgery is often carried out separately from lower eyelid surgery and if this is the case will be carried out under local anaesthetic with sedation. A general anaesthetic may be used by some surgeons, particularly if both upper eyelids and lower eyelids are being corrected. In upper eyelid surgery, an incision along the eyelid crease is made in the natural skin fold of the eyelid and removes unwanted skin, fat and muscle. The incision is then closed, hiding the scar inside the natural fold of the upper eyelid.

In lower eyelid surgery, the surgeon moves or removes fat from the eyebags either through an external incision made just below the lower lashes or through an incision made on the inside of the eyelid. A small amount of skin may also be removed, but the orbicularis muscle (the muscle that closes the eyelid) will be preserved. It is possible to have the uppers and lowers improved during the same surgery and clients undergoing face-lifting procedures will usually include these procedures as well.

Although eyelid surgery is a fairly comfortable procedure, you will be required to take 5-10 days off work. There will be some expected bruising which will subside. The sutures may be dissolvable. If the sutures do need to be removed, this will be done between 4-7 days.

Results

Many people find that eyelid surgery can make a real difference to their appearance, especially if they had large bags underneath their eyes. The results of lower eyelid surgery through an external cut are likely to be more effective than surgery through a cut made on the inside of the eyelid as the surgeon can tighten the skin and reduce some wrinkling as well.

Risks

The surgeon will discuss all associated risks with you in detail. The risks of upper and lower eyelid surgery include temporary blurred vision, infection, scarring, inability to close eyes, lower eyelid sagging, dry eyes, and bleeding behind the eye, which can lead to blindness.