Eyelid Reduction and Eye Bag Removal -Blepharoplasty
The skin, around the eyes in particular, loses
elasticity as you grow older. Eyelid reduction and eye bag removal
can re-generate a tired eye area, opening up the area between brow
and eye and reducing bags to make your face appear fresher and
younger.
Blepharoplasty either alone, or combined with brow-lifting
techniques is a form of facial rejuvenating surgery. It can be
aesthetic if mainly a cosmetic concern, or functional depending on
the degree of excess skin and if this is interfering with the
patient’s visual field or causing headaches or symptoms of
heaviness and discomfort.
Before surgery it is important that the patient has a full
ophthalmic examination to exclude dry eye conditions, blepharitis
or any other condition which may be worsened by surgery.
The London Clinic Eye Centre
Process
The surgery will require a local or general anaesthetic
depending on each individual procedure. Eye drops will be used to
anaesthetise the eyes and protective contact lenses are placed over
the eye during surgery.
Blepharoplasty involves removal of excess skin, muscle and fat
from the upper and sometimes the lower lids. This may be combined
with ptosis (droopy lid) surgery if the eyelid height is low. Brow
lifting techniques, either endoscopic or direct can be performed
simultaneously if necessary.
Upper eyelids
The incisions are generally made along the natural crease of the
skin using either a scalpel or surgical laser. Excess skin and
fatty tissue is then removed together with a thin strip of muscle
to give the eyelid more contour. The scar is hidden in the crease
of the eyelid.
Lower eyelids
Incisions are generally made just below the lower eye lashes.
The skin and muscle is lifted allowing the surgeon to remove excess
fat. The skin and muscle are then trimmed.
Post-surgery
Recuperation will depend on the individual, and also whether
this surgery has been performed in conjunction with any other
procedures. However, most of the bruising and swelling subsides
within a week to 10 days.
The vast majority of patients are delighted with the results of
this surgery and find they look ‘fresher’ and their symptoms of
headaches, tiredness and heaviness are alleviated. In some cases,
patients may benefit from non-surgical treatments such as anti
wrinkle injections which further improve the facial aesthetics.