Blepharoplasty Surgery Consultation
The decision to undergo upper or lower blepharoplasty surgery is significant and adjustment to change in appearance must be considered in addition to the process of post-operative recovery.
Consultation Aims
Before consenting to surgery, you will undertake a detailed consultation with your surgeon.
The latter may include skin quality and degree of excess, structural integrity of the lower eyelid, degree of fatty tissue herniation and eyebrow position. Your surgeon will discuss surgical management options of the eyebrow complex and upper and lower eyelids during the consultation.
Issues which need to be considered include:
- Management of eyebrow ptosis (descent). Upper blepharoplasty procedures produce optimal aesthetic outcomes when eyebrow position is ideal. This will be discussed with your surgeon as it will impact the potential to achieve your desired aesthetic outcome.
- Management of the upper eyelid. The degree of surgery required to achieve the ‘look’ you seek will be discussed with your surgeon in addition to the extent of surgery which can be performed safely.
Your surgeon will discuss the relative merits and surgical techniques involved in removal of excess skin, fatty tissue herniation and reconstruction of the supra tarsal crease (upper eyelid crease), which will be necessary to achieve the desired aesthetic result.
You will have access to pre- and post-operative images to illustrate the potential cosmetic outcomes achievable.
- Management of the lower eyelid. During your consultation, your surgeon will assess the quantity and quality of your lower eyelid skin, the degree of fatty tissue herniation, the presence of a tear trough deformity and the structural integrity of your lower eyelid.
You will be advised on the impact each of the elements will have on your ultimate aesthetic outcome. Your surgeon will also assess your potential risk of ectropion (lower eyelid droop) and may recommend corrective surgery to address loss of lower eyelid tone.
Discussion will also take place regarding placement of scars which are typically under the lower eyelashes where eye liner is applied or internally within the lower eyelid.
Patients who have a tendency towards dry eyes or tearing may experience temporary exacerbation of these conditions after surgery and it is advisable to avoid contact lenses for two weeks after surgery.
Past Medical History
It is important your surgeon is made aware of any previous surgery and history of scarring, along with significant medical history including visual problems, as well as a tendency for easy bruising and excessive bleeding, and deep venous clots involving the legs.
Your surgeon should also be made aware of all prescription and non-prescription medication you may be currently taking, as well as any allergies to anaesthetic agents, antibiotics and dressings, history of smoking and psychological or psychiatric issues.
Such issues are important as they have the potential to affect your surgery, anaesthesia, and recovery.
Pre-operative Management
Further medical consultation may be necessary to minimise complications including consultation regarding blood thinning agents, which may need to be either ceased or modified in preparation for surgery.
You may also be required to undergo a series of diagnostic tests, including blood tests, to assist your surgeon in gaining a complete assessment of your bleeding tendencies and to optimise your fitness for general anaesthesia.
If advised by your surgeon, it may also be necessary to cease medication such as the oral contraceptive pill. It is important to avoid aspirin, Disprin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as Nurofen, as well as some herbal medications two weeks prior to and after surgery.
It is essential that smoking ceases six weeks prior to and after surgery to minimise the risk of surgical wound complications and potential complications from anaesthesia. Products containing Nicotine can also affect wound healing and should be ceased two weeks prior to and after surgery.
Risks
Though unlikely, there are risks associated with every surgical procedure. Risks most commonly associated with blepharoplasty include wound complications such as infection, haematoma formation including visual impairment due to retrobulbar haematoma which is rare, scarring and wound breakdown. Further surgery to address any complications will incur its own risks.
Most patients experience seven to 10 days of bruising and swelling and your surgeon will advise you on the likely post-operative recovery time based on the extent of your surgery. Patients are able to drive once their vision is normal and unobstructed, which is typically about five days post-surgery.
You may also experience asymmetry, drop in the eyebrow complex resulting in the appearance of excessive upper eyelid skin and lower eyelid droop, which may require revisional surgery.
The eyelids and in particular, lower eyelids, can sometimes be subject to swelling, which is addressed with massage and taping. You will be advised of such treatments during your post-operative visits.
Informed Consent
Only after your surgeon has thoroughly assessed your situation and informed you of the surgery process and all associated risks should consent to surgery be given. Ensure you have asked your surgeon any necessary questions, including questions related to cost and the potential for corrective surgery after your initial operation.
Cost
At NorthEast Plastic Surgery, we want to make sure you have the most accurate information before moving ahead with surgery. As such, we do not advertise set prices for any of our procedures on our website. This philosophy adheres to the guidelines for advertising of regulated health services, provided by the Australian Medical Board.
Once you have undertaken an extensive consultation at our clinic, your surgeon will be able to discuss the cost of your procedure with you. We can also provide approximate out-of-pocket costs before your initial consultation, including any applicable Medicare rebate, over the phone via 07 3180 3400 or via our website.
Consultation Cost
There is a cost for an initial consultation at our Brisbane clinic, with the potential to receive a portion of this back via Medicare where eligible for rebate, provided you have a referral from your GP. You can call our Brisbane office on 07 3180 3400 to enquire about any out-of-pocket costs before your initial consultation as well. All consultations are made by appointment and you should allow one hour for your consultation to ensure adequate time for examination and any necessary questions.
Blepharoplasty Surgery
Whilst the procedure is occasionally performed under local anaesthetic with sedation, it is most commonly performed under general anaesthetic administered by specialist anaesthetists in an accredited hospital.
Your surgeon will discuss your requirements in this context along with the nature and placement of the incisions required prior to undertaking the surgery which will determine where scarring occurs.
Your surgical wounds will be repaired with internal stitches which are removed one week after surgery. At the completion of surgery, tapes and dressing are applied which can be worn whilst showering.
Recovery Period
After a period of visual acuity observation, patients are typically discharged on the same day into the care of a responsible adult. At the time of discharge, appropriate pain medication and antibiotics will be dispensed. It is important these be taken to minimise discomfort and potential wound complications.
Ice packs are used for 48 to 72 hours post-operatively and patients are encouraged to maintain their head in an elevated position with pillows at night to minimise bruising and swelling.
It is important that access to medical attention is available by telephone once you’ve been discharged. Issues which your surgeon needs to be made aware of urgently include visual changes, pain uncontrolled by medication, bleeding to the extent that the dressings soak through with blood, temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, redness of the skin or any concerns related to the surgery.
In general, soft tissue swelling and bruising improves over the first week to the extent that patients can return to work and resume normal activities. Whilst improvement in appearance can typically be appreciated within one to two weeks, the swelling continues to improve for six to eight weeks and may take several months to subside completely.
During your post-operative visit one week after surgery, your dressings and sutures will be removed as appropriate. Wound healing will generally takes a week and during this period movement should be undertaken with care. Driving a motor vehicle can typically commence once patients have ceased pain medication and when vision is unimpeded, which is usually five days after surgery.
Strenuous exercise can be resumed at around four to six weeks. It is important to avoid trauma from being knocked or accidentally hit for six weeks after surgery.
While your surgeon will strive to achieve an optimum result with minimal scarring, the degree of scar formation varies from patient to patient. The aim of swelling management and scar maturation strategies is to achieve the best possible result as safely as possible.
FAQs
Is lower eyelid blepharoplasty worth it? ›
The surgery is worth it for people who want to look younger and better rested in and around the eyes. The results are subtle but dramatic, and recovery is minor with little pain reported.
What is the total cost of lower blepharoplasty? ›Here is a cost breakdown of each type of blepharoplasty: Lower lid eyelid surgery: $7,000 to $7,500. Upper lid eyelid surgery: $4,600 to $5,200. Upper and lower eyelid surgery: $8,900 to $9,500.
Can you do upper and lower blepharoplasty at the same time? ›Lower eyelid surgery improves the contour of the eyelid underneath to eliminate droopy tissue and undereye bags. This procedure can be performed in conjunction with upper eyelid surgery when needed. Patients can have one surgery and one recovery period at home when both procedures are done at the same time.
Why do my eyes look weird after lower blepharoplasty? ›Often times after lower lid blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) the lower lids can slant too much as they meet the outer corner where the upper and lower eyelid meet. This can result in a “Cat Eye” look, or simply “Slanted Eyes.” Slanted eyes can be a great bother to patients as it changes their appearance drastically.
What are the disadvantages of lower blepharoplasty? ›- Infection and bleeding.
- Dry, irritated eyes.
- Difficulty closing the eyes or other eyelid problems.
- Noticeable scarring.
- Injury to eye muscles.
- Skin discoloration.
- Temporarily blurred vision or, rarely, loss of eyesight.
- The need for follow-up surgery.
Cosmetic eyelid surgery, like any surgery, has risks. Minor side effects associated with blepharoplasty include temporary blurry or double vision, and temporary swelling or bruising. These, however, are part of the normal healing process after surgery and are often temporary as they typically resolve on their own.
What is the average age for lower blepharoplasty? ›People who get eyelid surgery are usually in their mid-30s at least. This is because the aging process visibly affects the eyelids in most people by this time. However, if you are at least 18 years old and concerned about the appearance of your eyelids, this procedure may be right for you.
What are the 2 types of lower blepharoplasty? ›Currently, lower eyelid blepharoplasty is performed either by the transcutaneous approach or by the transconjunctival approach.
How to get rid of under eye bags permanently without surgery? ›- Use a cool compress. Wet a clean washcloth with cool water. ...
- Cut down on fluids before bedtime and limit salt in your diet. ...
- Don't smoke. ...
- Get enough sleep. ...
- Sleep with your head slightly raised. ...
- Reduce allergy symptoms. ...
- Use cosmetics.
People who are not ideal candidates for eyelid surgery are those who suffer from chronic dry-eye, hypertension, circulation disorders, thyroid disorders, diabetes or heart disease. Individuals who have glaucoma are advised to speak with their doctor before considering the surgery to find out if it is safe for them.
Does lower blepharoplasty make you look younger? ›
Look Younger with a Blepharoplasty
By improving the appearance of droopy or sagging skin, your eyes will look younger. In addition to this, your entire face will look more youthful. People who undergo a blepharoplasty enjoy newfound self-confidence in their appearance.
While there could be significant swelling and bruising after a blepharoplasty procedure, it would be very unusual to not be able to open the eyes. The swelling might make it difficult but you should still be able to open them after the surgical procedure.
Will my eyelashes grow back after blepharoplasty? ›Thank you for the very good question. Patients are often concerned about their cut lashes or burned lashes following eyelid surgery. The good news is that the lashes grow back normal within 2 months and usually even sooner.
Will I look the same after blepharoplasty? ›An expertly performed blepharoplasty should look more youthful and awake, but should not change the shape or appearance of your eyes unless that is your aim.
What will I look like immediately after blepharoplasty? ›Your eyelids will probably look puffy after surgery. The incisions will probably look red, too. The swelling and bruising involved with blepharoplasty recovery tend to resemble a black eye. That is all normal.
What is better than blepharoplasty? ›If you have previously had an upper blepharoplasty but are starting to notice droopiness of the eyelids again, you may be considering undergoing another procedure. However, if there is no longer much eyelid skin left to remove, a brow lift may be advised as an alternative.
Are there stitches with lower blepharoplasty? ›Plastic surgeons often will use stitches with this type of lower eyelid blepharoplasty that dissolve gradually over several days. Even though there is an external scar, it fades and often not noticeable with time. As with all open approaches in plastic surgery, there tends to be more bruising and swelling.
What is the best technique for lower blepharoplasty? ›One of the most popular techniques used for lower eyelid blepharoplasty is the transconjunctival approach. This is a great option for patients who do not have excess lower eyelid skin, but rather an abundance of lower eyelid fat prolapse.
Are you put to sleep for blepharoplasty? ›Typically, general anesthesia is not necessary for blepharoplasty, although the anesthesia used will be tailored to the patient's comfort level and the type of procedure(s) being performed.
Is 60 too old for blepharoplasty? ›There is no upper age window for blepharoplasty. Patients in good health can get eyelid surgery even in their 60s, 70s, or 80s.
What time of year is best for blepharoplasty? ›
Winter is often the best season for eyelid surgery for a variety of reasons. Below you will find why it's the most helpful time in regard to your recovery and what to expect if you decide to move forward with the procedure.
How much younger does blepharoplasty make you look? ›By removing excess fat and skin and restructuring the tissues around the eyes, blepharoplasty creates a natural, rejuvenated appearance, erasing five to ten years without changing the shape or overall character of your face.
Where is the scar on lower blepharoplasty? ›In the case of lower blepharoplasty, the incision is made on the inside of the lower eyelid, which means the scarring will be completely invisible after the process has been completed. With regard to upper blepharoplasty, an incision is made in the crease of the eyelid.
How many times can you have lower blepharoplasty? ›A lower blepharoplasty can be done usually no more than twice in a lifetime of a person because of the fear of changing the shape of the eyelids.
Where are the stitches in a lower blepharoplasty? ›The lower-eyelid blepharoplasty can be conducted through an incision immediately below the lower-eyelash line. This incision, shown here in green, can be used to remove redundant skin and bulging eyelid fat, as well as to smoothen the junction between the lower eyelid and cheek.
What is the best procedure for bags under eyes? ›The most effective way to address under-eye bags is with a lower blepharoplasty, a surgical procedure that involves the removal or repositioning of the fat and/or skin underneath the eyes.
Does Preparation H work on eye bags? ›Yes, you read that correctly. "Preparation H is a vasoconstrictor," explained Dr. Sejal Shah, founder of Smarter Skin Dermatology in New York City. "By narrowing the vessels, it helps reduce puffiness.
How do dermatologists get rid of bags under eyes? ›Blepharoplasty, or eye lift, is a surgical procedure that removes eye bags permanently. However, this treatment is permanent, so you need to be sure its what you want before undergoing treatment. During blepharoplasty, the surgeon makes an incision under the lower lashes.
How long does it take to recover from blepharoplasty lower eyelid? ›You can generally expect to need between five and 10 days off from work. Usually, people who only get upper or lower blepharoplasty feel up to going back to work after just a week off. Contrastingly, people who get upper and lower eyelid surgery feel they need two full weeks to dedicate to their recovery.
Does lower blepharoplasty get rid of bags? ›Lower lid blepharoplasty also gets rid of your eye bags. Since eye bags are usually caused by fat going forward, removing that fat can solve it. During lower lid blepharoplasty, I remove the excess fat under your eyes. By doing this, the procedure effectively gets rid of your heavy eye bags.
How long does lower blepharoplasty results last? ›
If you opt for lower eyelid surgery (lower blepharoplasty), you can expect your results to last for a lifetime. If you opt for upper eyelid correction, you can expect your results to last for roughly five to seven years.
How long do you have to sleep sitting up after eyelid surgery? ›You should rest with your head elevated in a recliner or with at least 2 pillows for the first 48 hours after surgery. Take the prescribed pain medications before you begin to feel discomfort. It is easier to prevent pain than control it.
Is lower blepharoplasty painful? ›This is not a painful procedure and blepharoplasty recovery is relatively easy. Any pain following surgery will usually be slight and can be managed with the appropriate painkillers. These should be distributed to you after the procedure.
What do you look like after lower eyelid surgery? ›Your eyelid may be swollen and bruised for 1 to 3 weeks after surgery. The appearance of your eye may continue to get better for 1 to 3 months. Most people feel ready to go out in public and back to work in about 10 to 14 days. This may depend on your job and how you feel about people knowing about your surgery.
At what age should you get a lower blepharoplasty? ›People who get eyelid surgery are usually in their mid-30s at least. This is because the aging process visibly affects the eyelids in most people by this time. However, if you are at least 18 years old and concerned about the appearance of your eyelids, this procedure may be right for you.
How long does lower lid blepharoplasty last? ›If you opt for lower eyelid surgery (lower blepharoplasty), you can expect your results to last for a lifetime. If you opt for upper eyelid correction, you can expect your results to last for roughly five to seven years.
Does eye shape change after lower blepharoplasty? ›Because blepharoplasty typically involves trimming excess eyelid skin, removing bulging undereye fat, and tightening the skin of the eyelids, most patients will experience at least some degree of change to the eye's shape.
Will I look younger after blepharoplasty? ›An eyelid lift can produce significant results by tightening the skin around the eyes, removing wrinkles or puffiness, and providing a younger appearance.
Do Eyebags come back after blepharoplasty? ›The results of your blepharoplasty become more visible as side effects, like swelling and bruising, subside. Most patients love their outcomes and do not seek repeat treatments. While future aging may cause your eye bags to return, this ultimately depends on your age, skin condition, and lifestyle choices.
How long do you have to sleep on your back after lower blepharoplasty? ›After blepharoplasty, we recommend that you sleep on your back with your head elevated for at least 3-4 weeks. This helps reduce eyelid swelling and speeds up recovery.
What are alternatives to blepharoplasty? ›
- Botulinum toxin or Botox. Commonly used for treating lines and wrinkles on the forehead and between the brows, Botox can also help lift the eyebrows. ...
- Dermal fillers. Facial fillers are mainly for restoring or adding volume loss, as well as improving facial contours. ...
- Plasmage®
Your eyelids will probably look puffy after surgery. The incisions will probably look red, too. The swelling and bruising involved with blepharoplasty recovery tend to resemble a black eye. That is all normal.