Who is the best Candidate for Blepharoplasty Surgery?

The best candidates for Eyelid Surgery are men and women who are physically healthy, emotionally stable and who are realistic in their expectations. Most clients are 35 years of age and older, however this type of surgery may be performed prior to this age, especially if done for a medical reason such as the droopy upper eyelids affecting vision. There are fewer risks of complications with this surgery if you are a non-smoker and have good elasticity in your skin.

WHAT TO EXPECT

You will require a referral from your General Practitioner, regardless of whether you are considering this procedure for medical or cosmetic reasons.

Medical patients: If performed for medical reasons, the Upper Blepharoplasty procedure can attract Medicare rebates and a percentage of your Surgeon’s, Anaesthetist’s and Hospital fees may be claimed from both Medicare and your private health fund, if you have private health cover (a Lower Blepharoplasty is not eligible for Medicare). 

To be considered medical, you must:

• Suffer from obstructed vision relating to the upper eyelid, such as:
  • Inflammation of the skin due to folds;
  • Muscle weakness or paralysis (facial nerve palsy);
• Or have scarring or asymmetry between the two upper eyelids

For Medical patients, you will only require one consultation with our Surgeon, where you will be assessed for suitability. Be frank in your discussion with the Surgeon and remember to mention any relevant medical history and medications that you are taking. In particular, any history of glaucoma, dry eyes, repeated conjunctivitis, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, facial nerve palsy or muscle disease and myasthenia gravis should be brought to your Surgeon’s attention.
Some eye disorders add risk to this type of surgery, so it important to raise any known eye diseases in the initial consultation.

Cosmetic patients: If performed for cosmetic reasons, you will require two consultations at our Practice. At the initial consultation, you will undertake an assessment for Body Dysmorphia, a condition causing intense focus, shame and anxiety over perceived body defects.  At this appointment you will also be given the paperwork for your possible surgery and go through this with our practitioner, discussing the procedure and associated risks and recovery requirements. Be frank in your discussions and remember to mention any medications that you are taking and whether or not you are a smoker.

At your second consultation, we will assess you for surgery. Be frank in your discussion with the Surgeon and remember to mention any relevant medical history and medications that you are taking. In particular, any history of glaucoma, dry eyes, repeated conjunctivitis, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, facial nerve palsy or muscle disease and myasthenia gravis should be brought to your Surgeon’s attention. Some eye disorders add risk to this type of surgery, so it important to raise any known eye diseases in the initial consultation.

Following this consultation, you will be able to speak further with our Cosmetic Consultants, who are very experienced in the cosmetic field and discuss any issues with them. 

SURGERY

Eyelid Surgery can be performed with Carbon Dioxide Laser or by surgical means, or with a combination of both. It can be performed under a Local Anaesthetic with Sedation or with a General Anaesthetic. As a general rule, this surgery can be performed as a day surgery procedure in hospital.
For surgical Blepharoplasty, excisions are made that follow the natural creases in the eyelids. The excess tissue, fat and muscle are removed to create the desired effect and the incisions are sutured with microscopic sutures leaving a fine line that will fade very quickly.
This surgery takes between one and two hours, depending on whether only the upper or lower lids are corrected or whether it is both upper and lower lids.

RISK

When Eyelid Surgery is performed by a qualified Plastic Surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. All surgery however, carries some risk and there is always a possibility of complications. In the short term, these may include infection, which is treated with antibiotics; haematoma, or excessive bruising and swelling in the eyes, which is treated with ice; and blurred or double vision, which usually corrects itself in several days.
Complications in the long term include asymmetry, which can be corrected by minor revisionary surgery; thickening of the scar tissue, which can be treated with steroid cream or injections; and ectropion, which is a pulling down of the lower lids requiring further surgery for revision.

AFTER SURGERY

You will have an opportunity to discuss recovery expectations with your Surgeon at your Consultation and will receive detailed information prior to surgery in your Informed Consent paperwork.

An adult carer will be required in the immediate aftermath of surgery. An antibiotic ointment will need to be applied multiple times per day for the first week after surgery. 

Pain will vary from mild to severe, which will be managed with pain relief by your Surgeon. Bruising and swelling will also occur and you will need to sleep with your head and shoulders elevated for the first week. Cold compresses may also help with this. 

After two to three days you should be able to resume watching television. You may resume driving after four to five days, however you should obtain advice on this from our staff or your Surgeon as each individual case varies in this factor. You are advised not to smoke in the post-operative period for at least three to four weeks to allow for the healing process to establish. 

Most people are ready to return to work in seven to 10 days, depending on how much swelling is evident. You may be sensitive to sunlight and other irritants for several weeks. You may resume gentle exercise after three to four days, however you should avoid strenuous exercise or activities that raise your blood pressure (such as bending, lifting and straining) for approximately three weeks.