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Blepharoplasty can be performed to:
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Remove excess droopy skin from the upper or lower eyelids
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Tighten the underlying muscles and soft tissues
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Remove excess fat "bags" from under the lower eyelids or in the upper eyelids
Eyelid surgery can improve one's appearance by restoring a youthful and less fatigued look. The procedure can correct drooping upper eyelids that tend to sag with age and time and impair vision, and reduce puffy bags that may develop below the eyes. Whether eyelid surgery is performed for medical or cosmetic reasons the aim is to improve the aesthetic appearance while retaining natural shape and maintaining or improving function. The result can be a refreshed appearance with a firmer eye area.
Blepharoplasty does not alter dark circles, sagging eyebrows or fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes but it does improve drooping eyelids.
The surgery can be performed as a single procedure or in conjunction with a browlift / forehead lift, facelift / mini facelift, skin resurfacing, wrinkle relaxer (Botox / Dysport) and wrinkle fillers (Hyalaform, Restylane, Juvéderm, Esthélis, Collagen, Aquamid) so that any other problem areas may be addressed simultaneously.
You can view the range of cosmetic surgery and non surgical cosmetic procedures available, see the Gallery / Before and After Photos / and find answers to your most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). If you wish to learn more about cosmetic surgery and facial plastic surgery please contact us to schedule a consultation with our Facial Plastic and Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon or Nurse Coordinator.
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In upper eyelid surgery incisions are made in the natural skin folds so that fine scars are less visible. Excess and loose skin can then be removed. In lower eyelid surgery the incision is normally made along the lashline or smile creases of the lower lid (external subcilliary incision) so that excess skin and fat (bags) can then be removed. Occasionally the incision can be made inside the lower eyelid. This is called a (transconjunctival blepharoplasty).
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People from East Asian background commonly have no or limited upper lid creases. Double eyelid is a normal variant and is considered to be aesthetically pleasing. People who would like to double eyelid surgery do not want Westernisation (high eyelid crease) but enhancement of their ethnic feature. Options are suture technique or surgical incision in the upper lid. While suture technique is less invasive the result is more variable and has higher recurrence in the long term. Surgery to form a permanent crease is more involve but provide the best long term result. It is performed as a day procedure under local anaesthetic with sedation.
Patients from East Asian background commonly request double eyelid surgery blepharoplasty and Nasal Augmentation / Augmentation Rhinoplasty together.
Incision for double eyelid surgery
Gallery - Double Eyelid Surgery
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Tiny sterile dressings are applied in the corners of the eyelids, which should be left on for 4-5 days. An antibiotic ointment (Chloromycetin) will be prescribed to prevent infection and dryness of the eyes. There will be a small amount of swelling and bruising, and head elevation and cold or iced compresses (30 minutes every hour for 48 hours) will help to reduce this. It is important to continue applying the eye ointment and a moisturizing ointment directly on the incisions regularly (4 times per day) in order to keep it clean. These incisions can get wet after 36-48 hours as water, soap and shampoo trickle over them. The incisions should not be directly scrubbed or irritated. The sutures are removed 4-5 days after surgery.
Always protect your face from the sun by wearing a hat and sunglasses. Following surgery, our staff will tell you when it is OK to apply sunscreen, cosmetics and facial creams.
You should rest for the entire day after surgery. You should do nothing that involves excessive bending, lifting or straining. Do not drive for one week following surgery. One to two weeks off work is recommended.
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Following Blepharoplasty, it takes time for the swelling to subside and for the skin to heal. Most patients return to work between one to two weeks after surgery. Swelling, bruising and disrupted sleep are very normal postoperative symptoms and will decrease as the healing process occurs. Assistance with daily activities during the first two to three days after surgery is strongly recommended. Almost all of the swelling will be resolved by 4-6 weeks.
Final results following a blepharoplasty are not fully apparent for up to 6 months following surgery.
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Modern surgery is safe but does have risks. Complications can occur despite the highest standards and world's best practice principles used by Dr Pham. The potential risks are
General risk of surgery
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Wound infection - may require antibiotics
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Bleeding, blood clots or seroma
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Chest infection
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Sore throat from the breathing tube
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Scars that become raised (hypertrophic or keloid)
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Major psychiatric conditions
Specific Risks
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Pain and discomfort
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Bruising for usually 2 -3 weeksc
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Temporary swelling causing tightness around the eyes
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Too much skin removal - may cause inability to close the eyes and corneal injury
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Rounding of the eyelid margin or retraction of the lower lid
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Asymmetry of the eyelids
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Scars at the incision site
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Temporary change in vision - usually short term, rarely permanent
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Itchiness, dry or watery eyes- may require artificial tears. Rarely permanent.
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Very rarely loss of vision- risk is 1 in 40,000. People with pre-existing eye conditions, or smoking, heavy lifting or coughing have higher risks.
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When to call Dr Pham or hospital after the procedure?
Please Inform Dr Pham's office or the hospital where the procedure was performed if you have the following:
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High fever, chills or a temperature of more than 38 degrees
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Heavy bleeding from the wound
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Severe pain or tenderness
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Visual loss
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Significant redness, or discharge around the incision
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Significant swelling
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