As we grow older, the signs of ageing appear across all areas of our face but are more pronounced in the eyes. The upper and lower eyelids develop puffy bags, crepey skin and are prone to discolouration due to a number of factors such as age, environment or even heredity.
In order to counteract these signs of ageing, many people choose to have eyelid surgery. Sydney residents looking to know more about the various procedures can contact us or book a consultation at My Cosmetic Clinic here.
How eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can refresh your looks?
Cosmetic surgery is becoming more and more common these days in older as well as younger patients. Excess skin and fat can cause people to look tired and prematurely older which can impact self-confidence and esteem.
Loose skin around the eyes can also impair vision, which in turn leads to excessive forehead creases due to individuals raising their eyebrows to improve their sight. All of these problems can be solved with eyelid surgery. Below are ways that blepharoplasty can refresh your looks:
- Give you a more youthful appearance
- Make you appear less tired
- Give you a smoother forehead
- Remove dark circles
- Give your eyes a brighter look
- Give your eyes a more youthful shape
How blepharoplasty can
help you look younger
Many patients will start to see some natural lines appear in their 30s and these only become more defined when they reach their 40s and 50s. Some will even see these ageing signs as early as their mid-20s which is usually due to heredity.
The skin around your eyes is very thin, as such, is one of the most delicate areas of your body. In turn, this can lead your eyelids to be amongst the first affected by typical signs of ageing. blepharoplasty can help you look and feel younger with surgery options available for both the upper and lower eyelids.
Upper eyelid surgery effects on ageing
The main reasons for having surgery on your upper eyelids are to improve your appearance and quality of life. The removal of sagging skin and excess fat will give your eyes a more open, rounded look, giving you an overall more youthful appearance.
But many patients also have the procedure for medical reasons as having an eyelid lift can also improve your vision, by removing any excess upper eyelid skin around the upper eyelids that causes a block to your sight.
Lower eyelid surgery effects on ageing
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty improves a number of different signs of ageing. It helps to correct darker, crepey skin and puffiness under the eyes. Carried out on the lower eyelids between the lower eyelashes and the tops of the cheeks, it’s designed to correct excess skin and eye bags giving you a more youthful facial appearance.
Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery?
The best candidates for blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) are:
- Women or men who are healthy
- In good physical shape
- Concerned about signs of ageing
- Want their face to have a younger appearance
- Have excess skin +/- fatty tissue around the eyes
- Fully educated about the procedure
- Non-smokers
- Do not have severely dry eyes or eye infections
Different eyelid surgery techniques
There are different types of eyelid surgery and many patients often don’t know what the differences are and how to choose which type of surgery they should have. It’s important to know the different types of eyelid surgery and what you can expect from the results.
Bladeless blepharoplasty
Bladeless blepharoplasty uses an energy-based device rather than a scalpel to create the incision designed to correct drooping eyelid skin. This technique enables quality precision and less bleeding, bruising and swelling. The incisions are barely visible and patients enjoy less discomfort and shorter recovery times without compromising the results of their procedure.
Upper eyelid surgery
An upper lid blepharoplasty may be performed using local anesthesia only, although patients may choose to be slightly sedated during the procedure. An incision is made in the natural fold of the upper eyelids.
As the incision is made in the natural crease of the upper lid, it’s very inconspicuous and fades with time to the point of being nearly invisible. The excess eyelid skin is removed from the upper lid and any excess fat may also be removed. The eyelid muscles can also be tightened giving a more youthful appearance.
Lower eyelid surgery
Surgery on the lower eyelids typically involves an incision below the lower lash line or just inside the lower lids. Designed to rejuvenate the lower lids they will remove the loose, crepey skin and fatty tissue that causes the lower eyelid skin to droop.
The surgical procedure often includes the repositioning of the muscle around the eye, which creates a more youthful, natural appearance. To close the incision you will either have dissolvable stitches or very fine sutures (which if so will be removed about a week later).
Eyelid surgery results
for Sydney patients
Below are some results of eyelid surgery achieved by other Sydney patients:
How is the eyelid surgery
procedure done?
We at My Cosmetic Clinic know that having any kind of surgical or invasive procedure can be somewhat unnerving. That’s why we ensure you have the best care and support possible from your initial eyelid surgery consultation all the way through to recovery. Below is what you can expect when booking a treatment with us.
Consultation
During your initial eyelid surgery consultation, we will discuss with you:
- Your surgical goals
- Any medical conditions you may have
- If you have any drug allergies (to local anaesthetic for example)
- If you’ve had any previous medical treatments
- If you’ve had any problems with your eyes
- If you’re currently taking any prescription medications
- A general health assessment
- Any other questions you have about the surgery
On the day of the surgery
We ask you to arrive about half an hour before your eyelid surgery and you will be given a small dose of oral sedative at that time. After photographs are taken of your eye area, the surgery is fully explained to you (we also explain your surgery at your consultation) and your queries are answered, Dr Ansari will make accurate measurements of the skin that needs to be removed, giving you ample time to ask any remaining questions, prior to your surgery.
Next, you will be taken to the theatre room and a small amount of strong local anesthetic is used to numb the site of your surgery. This local anesthetic is allowed to work for about 10 minutes and then your eyelid surgery is performed.
Once your surgery is completed, you will be observed while you recover for another 20 – 30 minutes. Only antibiotic ointment will be applied to your wound and we don’t believe in bulky dressings. You might prefer to bring your sunglasses to cover your eyes in the early recovery period.
It is not possible to drive yourself home following a blepharoplasty, but if you do not have anyone who can drive you safely home, we can call you a taxi
Recovery time
To fully recover from an eyelid lift, the healing process can take up to 3 months. The bruising will go down first after approximately 2 to 3 weeks. Then the swelling around the eye will gradually go down over the next 3 to 6 weeks. After 12 weeks most people can see the full results of their surgery. Most people feel ready to go out in public and back to work in about 10 to 14 days.
What can you expect after
getting a blepharoplasty?
Right after getting a blepharoplasty, you will most likely suffer from a few temporary side effects. These can include:
- Double vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Numb, puffy lower and upper eyelids
- Blurred vision
- Watery eyes
- Swelling or bruising
- Slight pain or discomfort
After surgical procedures all patients must have a friend or relative accompany them home and if possible stay the night with them.
This invasive procedure carries risks, and so you may be advised on a number of post-procedure instructions to minimise the chances of developing complications.
How much does eyelid surgery cost in Sydney?
At My Cosmetic Clinic, eyelid surgeries and blepharoplasty are usually performed in our clinic theatre. The cost of surgery is $4,950 for the upper lids, $8,950 for the lower eyelids and $13,900 for both.
These prices include post-operative appointments for six months to ensure your recovery progresses without complications.
Why Choose My
Cosmetic Clinic
At My Cosmetic Clinic, our main focus is on you. We pride ourselves on our personal service and always aim to ensure you have the best possible experience in a warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
From the initial contact with our clinic through to your consultation, treatment and recovery, we pride ourselves on providing the best possible personalised service. We take a medical approach towards beauty and strive for service excellence.
Our Specialist
Dr Masood Ansari
Dr Ansari began his initial surgical training in the United Kingdom under the NHS (National Health Service) and obtained membership in the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) in 2006. After receiving extensive training in cosmetic surgery in Australia, he was granted a fellowship from the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any more questions about blepharoplasty.
Below are some of our FAQs that might also help you.
IS BLEPHAROPLASTY SURGERY THE RIGHT PROCEDURE FOR ME?
Blepharoplasty is the right procedure for you if you are troubled by the aesthetic appearance of your eyelid and/or are experiencing hindrance to your vision because of your eyelids.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OR COMPLICATIONS THAT CAN OCCUR WITH BLEPHAROPLASTY?
There are risks associated with any surgical procedure and blepharoplasty is no exception. Although unlikely, the most common complications to occur as a result of blepharoplasty include: scarring, injury to eye muscles, skin discolouration, the need for follow-up surgery, temporarily blurred vision or in extremely rare cases, loss of eyesight.
IS BLEPHAROPLASTY A PAINFUL PROCEDURE?
An eyelid lift is not typically painful, and the most you will usually feel is a slight burning sensation around your eyes for a few hours after the procedure. The discomfort of any kind subsides within a few hours and the rest of your recovery period should be comfortable.
CAN UPPER AND LOWER EYELID SURGERY BE COMBINED?
Yes, you can perform surgery on the upper and lower eyelids simultaneously.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A CONSULTATION FOR BLEPHAROPLASTY?
During your consultation, Dr Ansari will examine and evaluate the skin around your eyes and eyelids. He will explain the eyelid surgery to you, including the surgical technique he will use, where the surgery will be performed, what type of anesthesia he will use, and a step-by-step explanation of your recovery.
WHAT PREPARATIONS DO I NEED TO DO FOR MY BLEPHAROPLASTY?
Before having your blepharoplasty we recommend:
- Stop taking any medication that causes more bleeding a week before surgery
- Stop taking Vitamin E and herbal supplements
- Do not wear contact lenses the week before surgery
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol a week before surgery
A specifically tailored list of directions will be provided to you following your initial consultation.
WHERE IS THE BLEPHAROPLASTY SURGERY PERFORMED?
Most of our surgical procedures are performed in our clinic-based theatre in Sydney or day hospital wherever suitable.
WILL I HAVE TO RETURN FOR POST-OPERATIVE CARE?
You will have to return to have your fine sutures removed 7 to 9 days after surgery. However, if you have dissolvable stitches you won’t need to return for any care.
WHEN CAN I GO HOME?
You can go home the same day you have surgery but you will need a friend or family member to accompany you home.
WILL THIS PROCEDURE LEAVE SCARS?
As incisions are made in the natural fold of the eyelid or just inside the lower lid, usually scarring is inconspicuous and fades with time.
HOW LONG WILL I BE OFF WORK AND WHEN CAN I RESUME MY NORMAL ACTIVITIES?
Most patients normally need around a week off work and normal activities to recover from the procedure.
HOW SOON AFTER MY BLEPHAROPLASTY PROCEDURE WILL I BE ABLE TO EXERCISE?
It is recommended not to perform strenuous exercises for at least 3 weeks after your eyelid surgery.
WHEN WILL I SEE THE END RESULT?
It can take up to 3 months to see the full extent of the results of your surgery.
CAN BLEPHAROPLASTY BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER PROCEDURES?
Blepharoplasty is often combined with either a facelift or dermal fillers. However, a combination procedure isn’t for everyone and should be discussed individually during your initial consultation.
