EYELID LIFT / BLEPHAROPLASTY

 

REJUVENATE YOUR EYES & LOOK YEARS YOUNGER

 

Blepharoplasty from the Greek: blepharon, “eyelid” + plassein “to form” is the plastic surgery operation for correcting defects, deformities, and disfigurations of the eyelids; and for aesthetically modifying the eye region of the face.

 

Blepharoplasty is the removal of excess skin and fat from the eyelid and is often called “corrective eyelid surgery.” This surgical procedure is extremely popular in both men and women and serves as a great combination procedure with Facelift Surgery.

 

With the excision and the removal, or the repositioning (or both) of excess tissues, such as skin and fat, and the reinforcement of the corresponding muscle and tendon tissues, the blepharoplasty procedure resolves functional and cosmetic problems of the periorbita, which is the area from the eyebrow to the upper portion of the cheek.

 

The operative goals of a blepharoplasty procedure are the restoration of the correct functioning to the affected eyelid(s), and the restoration of the aesthetics of the eye-region of the face. This is achieved by eliminating excess skin from the eyelid(s), smoothing the underlying eye muscles, tightening the supporting structures, and resecting and re-draping the excess fat of the retroseptal area of the eye, in order to produce a smooth anatomic transition from the lower eyelid to the cheek.

 

If you have drooping eyelids or feel that your eyes are making you look old and tired or even grumpy then this short procedure could be for you!

Upper and lower eyelids can be operated on in one stage or single eyelid blepharoplasty surgery can be performed based upon your aesthetic needs and wants.

 

The surgical procedure:

 

The surgery usually takes 60-120 minutes.  In most cases Dr. Schoenfeld will perform the surgery in theatre but, as an outpatient procedure.

 

The surgery, if done alone, usually takes 60-120 minutes and follows this process:

 

• Local anaesthetic is injected into the eyelid skin to numb it. This can be done under light sedation, deep sedation or seldom general anaesthetic.

• Incisions are made within the folds of the eyelid to hide the scar.

• The excess skin and fatty tissue is removed, thus opening the eye and removing that puffy look.

• The incision is closed and you awake to brand new eyes and a fresh brightened face.

 

What is the recovery time?

 

As you can imagine there will be some bruising and swelling post-surgery and as such, you may need help for the first few days. Driving may not be possible for a few days until the swelling has subsided. Dr. Schoenfeld recommends bed rest for a few days to assist in recovery and no heavy lifting. Most of the swelling and bruising will usually subside after 10-14 days, however it will take a few weeks for your eyelids to completely settle down.

 

What are the risks?

 

As with all surgery there are risks and complication possibilities, but they will be thoroughly discussed with you during the consultation process. In order to minimize the risks of surgery, as always:

 

• Preferably do not smoke prior or post the surgery – smoking reduces oxygenated blood flow and delays wound healing.

• Do not take blood thinning medication prior and post-surgery - this medication significantly increases the risk of bleeding during and after the surgery (alcohol, garlic, chilli, aspirin and arnica are all blood thinners and are best avoided for 2 weeks prior to surgery).

 

What other options do I have available?

 

In some less severe cases Dr. Schoenfeld can inject Dermal Fillers and use Botulinum toxin (Botox/Dysport) to soften the eye and reduce prevalent bags under the eye, but unfortunately this is not a permanent result and often a Blepharoplasty is required at a later stage.

 

If you think you are a suitable candidate and would like to undergo blepharoplasty (Eyelid) surgery with Dr.Schoenfeld, simply call her Howick rooms now on 033 330 4727 / 4 to make an appointment.