12th Dec 2024
What is blepharoplasty? How can we help?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical operation that repairs droopy eyelids and eyebags and may involve removing excess skin, muscle and fat. As you age, your eyelids stretch and the muscles supporting them weaken. This can cause excess fat and bulging fat to gather above and below your eyelids, causing sagging eyebrows, droopy upper lids, and bags under your eyes.
Here at Kensington Medical we specialise in upper and lower blepharoplasty. We only focus on facial surgery. Our specialist plastic surgeons are here to help.
Book a personal consultation to find out if you are suitable for an upper lid lift or lower eyebag removal. Read on to find out about the benefits and advantages of upper lid lift and lower eye bag removal.
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What are the issues associated with eye bags and upper eye lid droop?
Eye bags and upper eyelid droop can cause a range of issues, both functional and aesthetic.
Excess skin and fat in the upper eyelid can obstruct peripheral vision, making everyday activities such as driving or reading more difficult.
The appearance of eye bags and droopy eyelids can make a person look older and more tired than they actually are. In some cases, eye bags can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as a thyroid disorder or allergies.
Eye bags and upper eyelid droop can make you look older. Hooded eyelids, caused by excess skin, can also contribute to a heavier look and obstruct vision.
Sagging skin around your eyes can reduce your side vision (peripheral vision), especially the upper and outer parts of your field of vision.
Blepharoplasty can help reduce or eliminate these vision problems and make your eyes appear younger and more alert.
What does blepharoplasty involve?
A blepharoplasty, including lower eyelid blepharoplasty, is conducted under local anaesthetic with sedation or under general anaesthetic.
The surgeon will need to know if you are taking any medicines to reduce your risk of blood clots, such as aspirin or warfarin.
In cases of a droopy eyelid, the surgeon may need to reposition or tighten the levator muscle to improve both cosmetic appearance and vision.
Surgery on the upper eyelids involves:
- making a cut or incision along the eyelid crease in the natural skin fold of the eyelid
- removing excess skin, fat or muscle
- then closing the incision. The scar is usually be hidden in the natural fold of the eyelid
Surgery on the lower eyelids involves:
- The surgeons will make an incision either just below the lower eyelashes or on the inside of the lower eyelid
- Then repositioning or removing fat from the bags under the eyes, and sometimes also a small amount of skin
- Supporting the muscles and tendon of the eyelid if necessary
- Then closing the incision
- Lastly, the surgeon will apply thin, sticky strips called suture strips to support the eyelids after surgery. They are usually removed up to 1 week later.
An upper blepharoplasty takes about 1 hour. Surgery on the lower lid takes between 1 to 2 hours. Most patients can go home on the same day.
Reduces Excess Skin on the Upper Eyelid
Upper eyelid surgery, also known as upper eyelid blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that aims to reduce excess skin on the upper eyelid. This excess skin can cause the eyelid to droop, obstructing vision and giving the eyes a tired appearance.
By removing excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat, upper eyelid surgery can help to restore a more youthful appearance to the eyes. The procedure can be performed under local anaesthesia, and the recovery time is typically quick, with most patients able to return to work within a week to ten days.
Improves Vision and Appearance
Upper eyelid surgery can significantly improve both vision and appearance. By removing excess skin and fat, the procedure can help to restore peripheral vision and reduce the appearance of eye bags and droopy eyelids. The result is a more youthful and alert appearance, with the eyes looking brighter and more open.
In some cases, upper eyelid surgery may also be performed in conjunction with other procedures, such as a brow lift, to achieve a more comprehensive rejuvenation of the upper face.
Special Considerations
Ptosis, or droopy eyelids, can be a complex condition that requires special consideration. In some cases, ptosis may be caused by a weakness in the levator muscle, which can be addressed through surgery.
Hooded upper eyelids, on the other hand, can be caused by excess skin and fat, which can be removed through upper eyelid surgery. In some cases, a combination of both conditions may be present, requiring a more comprehensive approach to treatment. At Kensington Medical our qualified plastic surgeon can help you determine the best course of treatment.