What is Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)?

Blepharoplasty is one of the most widely performed cosmetic procedures in Australia. A study conducted by Whatclinic.com suggests that it’s one of the top 3 cosmetic surgeries performed in the nation. This procedure is meant to transform the upper or lower eyelid, sometimes even both, and improve the appearance of the area that surrounds the eye. It is ideally suited to those suffering from droopy eyelids, extra skin around the eye and other skin conditions that obscure their vision. It’s also performed on patients who want to create a double eyelid look.

What are Double Eyelids?

People around the world have uniquely shaped eyelids. Those originating from East Asian countries, for example, may have monolids, or eyelids without a crease. They often feel that their eyes appear much smaller because of the lack of an eyelid fold. While there is nothing wrong with having monolids, some people prefer undergoing surgery to create double eyelids. There is no health benefit to one or the other. It is simply a matter of personal preference.

Blepharoplasty is ideal for those who want double eyelids. It is quick and leaves you with symmetrical folds that look completely natural. Those with double eyelids have a prominent crease that divides the upper eyelid into two parts. The lower portion of the upper eyelid tends to move when they open or shut their eyes.

Is Double Eyelid Surgery Safe?

When performed by a trained surgeon, double eyelid surgery is highly successful. Patients will experience initial swelling and bruising, but this is only temporary. The surgeon usually works with the patient to determine the height of the crease before performing the procedure. This height will decrease over a period of a few weeks after surgery until the fold settles into its final location.

Dr Jack Zoumaras has been performing a range of Cosmetic, Reconstructive and Maxillofacial Surgeries for more than 14 years. He discusses the risks of double eyelid surgery with patients, so they know what to expect before, during and after the procedure.

What is the Major Difference Between Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery?

Upper eyelid surgery decreases bulging pockets of fat on the upper eyelid. It also gets rid of loose skin hanging over the eyelashes on the upper lid. Upper eyelid surgery is also ideal for patients with hooded eyelids. It can overcome the problems associated with extra or loose skin hanging over the eyelids.

Lower eyelid surgery is for those who have noticeable fat deposits under the lower eyelid or sagging skin under the eyes. These conditions make them appear tired and aged. While both upper and lower eyelid surgery make a significant difference, patients often undergo a brow lift surgery and a facelift along with an eyelid surgery to achieve outstanding results.

Is Eyelid Surgery Worth It?

Blepharoplasty can treat several conditions and improve the appearance of the area around your eyes. It’s useful for those dealing with loose or sagging skin around the upper eyelids, droopiness of the lower eyelid, fine wrinkles on the lower eyelid and puffiness beneath the eyelids.

Lifestyle changes may not be able to treat these conditions. Eyelid surgery can address all these problems and more. It can contour the area around your eyes and make your eyes appear larger and more appealing.

Depending on your needs, you could either choose to exclusively undergo double eyelid surgery or combine a double eyelid surgery with an upper or lower eyelid surgery to define your eyes and make them look youthful. Eyelid surgery does wonders for your skin and appearance. It can reverse the signs of ageing, alter inherited eye shapes like monolids and give you the opportunity to feel good about yourself.

How is Double Eyelid Surgery Done?

To perform double eyelid surgery, the surgeon will first make an incision on the eyelid and remove a small amount of fat and skin before suturing the skin together. This creates a crease on the eyelid and leaves patients with a natural-looking double eyelid. Twilight sedation is generally used on patients, so they remain conscious and free from discomfort during the procedure. Three different types of incisions methods are used. Dr Jack Zoumaras will tell you which incision is right for you.

Double Eyelid Surgery Methods:

• Full Incision
• Partial Incision
• Buried Suture

Full Incision

The full incision technique transforms the shape of your eyes permanently. It leaves you with a beautiful and natural look and helps you gain your self-confidence. The full incision method is the one that offers the most satisfactory results. Surgeons make one incision on the eyelid and remove excess fat and tissue before suturing the incision together. As with any other surgery that involves incisions, there will be a tiny scar at the incision site. This scar is hidden within the fold, so it’s not very visible. It can also be cleverly disguised with eye make-up. This surgery lasts only 1.5-2 hours. Patients can return home the same day.

Incisional double eyelid surgery is right for young people who want an eyelid crease and the elderly who want to do away with puffy eyelids.

Partial Incision

The partial incision method is ideal for people who have droopy looking eyes and thin monolids. Since the surgeon makes tiny incisions along the eyelid, instead of making one full incision, the recovery time is much shorter. This method serves as a good alternative to the buried suture method especially for patients who have thick fatty deposits under the skin on the eyelids.

Buried Suture Method

This was one of the first techniques used on patients who wanted to undergo double eyelid surgery in the past. Buried sutures are ideal for those who have thin eyelid skin. Instead of making an incision and removing the underlying fat/muscle, the surgeon will only make tiny sutures on the eyelids to create folds. The biggest advantage of this method is that it doesn’t involve any incisions, so patients recover much faster. There’s no scar either.

Ideal candidates are those who don’t have droopy upper eyelids and loose skin around the eyes. Dr Zoumaras will perform a complete examination of the eye area before telling you whether this technique is right for you. You could consider having more than one consultation with the surgeon to fully understand how the procedure will be performed and discuss the risks associated with blepharoplasty.

Eyelid Surgery Menu at Artiste Plastic Surgery

Dr Zoumaras has devised a menu of eyelid operations that can be adjusted to offer all his patients a bespoke procedure.

• Upper Skin Only Blepharoplasty
• Full Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
• Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty with Tarsal Plate Fixation
• Asian Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
• Lower Eyelid Skin Only Pinch Blepharoplasty
• Lower Eyelid Transconjunctival Eyelid Blepharoplasty
• Full Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

See blepharoplasty techniques and the blepharoplasty before and after gallery.

Is Eyelid Surgery Painful?

Before the procedure begins, the surgeon will administer anaesthetic injections to numb the area around the eye. In addition to this, patients receive a sedative intravenously. The sedative makes them feel relaxed and slightly groggy during the procedure. Patients won’t feel pain while the surgery is being performed. The discomfort only arises post-surgery during the recovery stage, but it’s manageable with over the counter pain medications and cold compresses.

How Long Does Blepharoplasty Take?

Blepharoplasty is a common and quick procedure. The duration depends on the type and number of procedures being done. A simple lift that’s meant to treat sagging skin on the upper eyelid will take only 45 minutes to an hour.

If both upper and lower eyelid surgery are performed simultaneously, the surgery could take up to 2 hours. Patients often choose to undergo other facial rejuvenation procedures in conjunction with Blepharoplasty. Some patients may choose to undergo a fat grafting procedure to fill certain areas around the eyes. Others may choose to have a browlift. The surgery will take much longer under these circumstances.

What to Expect After Blepharoplasty?

Once you’ve discussed your treatment options with the surgeon, you may be administered certain prescription medications in preparation for the surgery. You must make sure you talk to the surgeon about any medications you take regularly. Soon after the surgery is performed, you will experience mild pain or just discomfort at the surgery site. You may also feel numb at the operation site because of the anaesthetics that have been administered.

Swelling and bruising around the eye area may persist for a few days. Patients may also see some bruising on the whites of the eyes after undergoing eyelid surgery. In addition to this, patients may experience sensitivity to light and blurred vision. These symptoms are temporary and will subside over a period of a few weeks.

The most invasive of all double eyelid surgeries is the Full Incisional Double Eyelid Surgery. Patients undergoing this type of surgery may be able to return to their normal activities after 7-14 days, depending on how fast they recover.

Blepharoplasty Recovery Time and Tips

• The entire recovery process takes approximately 1-2 weeks, based on the number of procedures that were performed at the time of surgery.
• It’s important to meticulously follow any instructions given by the surgeon to reduce the risk of developing complications.
• The doctor will prescribe certain medications and may give you an ointment to apply over the treated area. Make sure you use them as directed.
• It’s helpful to use a cold compress to manage the discomfort you experience after undergoing surgery. It should relieve any irritation and dryness that may arise.
• You will also have to protect your eyes from the sunlight after undergoing Blepharoplasty.
• Watch for any traces of bleeding or discharge and keep the surgeon informed of any unusual findings.
• While the initial swelling and bruising disappear after 2-3 weeks, the incisions lines may take longer to heal.

How Soon Will You See the Results?

Blepharoplasty will make a big difference to your appearance. You will start seeing excellent results once the swelling and bruising subsides. You will also continue to experience positive results over the months as the incision site heals and the creases settle into their correct place.

The surgery corrects the signs of ageing, eliminates bags under the eyes, tightens the skin on the eyelid and contours the area around the eyes. It leaves you looking visibly younger, less tired and more appealing.

Are there any Alternatives to Blepharoplasty?

There are currently no surgical or non-surgical alternatives to Blepharoplasty. It is one cosmetic procedure that has earned a reputation for delivering excellent results. It has helped both men and women overcome the signs of ageing and genetic skin conditions. When done by a certified and experienced surgeon, it can produce outstanding results.

How Long Does Upper Eyelid Surgery Last?

Upper Eyelid Surgery is meant to be done only once. If you’re undergoing Blepharoplasty to get rid of puffy looking eyes, eye bags or monolids, your results will last for many years. However, age-related factors can’t be avoided. As ageing continues, the brow may descend, and this can cause excess skin to reappear over the upper eyelid.

While patients generally undergo surgery only once, some patients may benefit from a second or a revisional Blepharoplasty procedure. This may be necessary for those who have aged or lost a lot of volume after undergoing the procedure. If a skilled surgeon does the procedure, the results can last you decades.

How Expensive is a Blepharoplasty?

The total cost of upper or lower eyelid surgery depends on the needs and requirements of each patient. There is no such thing as a standard Blepharoplasty for all. The procedures done to achieve the desired outcomes vary from patient to patient. The cost also varies accordingly. Some patients may require a mix of two or more procedures. Such patients will have to pay more than those who are undergoing a single eyelid surgery.

Are there Any Other Important Considerations?

Eyelid surgery is generally performed on patients who are 18 years of age or older. Since the patient must receive mild sedation, they need the help of a friend or a family member to take them home after the surgery.

Follow-up consultations may be necessary to determine how well the recovery process is going. Patients are encouraged to talk to Dr Zoumaras about their expectations.

The procedure is ideal for those who’d like to make their eyes appear more youthful, but it won’t eliminate conditions like dark circles.

Ready to see the world through strikingly beautiful eyes?

Get in touch with us at 02 8320 4051

Disclaimer: At Artiste Plastic Surgery, our Plastic Surgeons led by Dr Jack Zoumaras have been trained to the highest possible degree. All surgery has risks and it is always advised to get a second opinion. Risks are very real and we cannot guarantee any result. Results are illustrated as a guide only. All risks are managed and any need for revision surgery or complications (1-5%) can be managed by our specialist plastic surgeons.

Any statements on how you will feel is based on Level V Evidence:

Level V:  How you will feel after plastic surgery varies between individuals, depending on psychological and physical factors. Our internal research is based on how patients in our practice feel after surgery.

The blogs are not a substitute for a medical consultation and do not form as part of the doctor to patient relationship.