Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, helps sculpt or lift the tissues around the eyes. It can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids to remove excess skin and fat and smooth out fine wrinkles.
Baggy eyelids are caused by the protrusion of the normal fat pads around the eyes. This problem may be encountered in patients of comparatively young age if it is familial trait. Generally speaking, the correction of the bags under eyelids is permanent. One of the earlier signs of the ageing process, as related to the eyelids, is the sagging of the eyebrows with a fullness of skin of the upper eyelid. Swelling of the eyelids which is normally seen in the early morning, will often persist longer over the course of the day and make-up does not hold up as well.
Sometimes the skin folds may be heavy enough to partially obstruct vision. As with any procedure, blepharoplasty has side effects, most of which are minor and temporary which will be discussed during your consultation. If you are considering blepharoplasty, the information below will give you a basic understanding of the procedure when it can help, how it’s performed and what results you can expect.
Nature is often a little unkind: the eyes, our most prominent feature, are the first to show those disconcerting signs of age. Blepharoplasty, one of the most common cosmetic procedures can erase many of the lines, bags and wrinkles that blight the eye.
The eyes are the most expressive elements of the face. They can transmit a person’s inner feelings and are a means of silent communication. Blepharoplasty is an operation whose aim is to correct heavy, wrinkled or baggy eyelids and restore a fresher, more youthful look to the eyes. The operation consists of the removal of excess eyelid skin as well as the removal of bags under the eyes when needed, while preserving the natural expression. Results may last for many years.
During your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health. Your surgeon will examine your eyes and eyelids, which may include taking measurements, evaluating the looseness of skin, and checking the muscles that close the eyelids. The procedure will be discussed in detail, explaining the risks and limitations making sure you understand the procedure as well as the scarring that will result. You should discuss your goals for the surgery, your medical conditions and history, any previous surgeries, and medications you are taking. It is important that your doctor be informed if you are being treated by an ophthalmologist.
Blepharoplasty procedures are performed at the Centurion Day Hospital under general anaesthesia and can be combined with Face Lift surgery. The surgeon will give you instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Excessive bleeding is a possibility. It is, therefore, necessary to avoid any medication, which may alter the coagulation of the blood (aspirin, anti-inflammatory medication) for at least two weeks before the surgery and two weeks after surgery. We advise that you stop smoking two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. This will help expedite your recovery period and encourage better healing on cellular level and to avoid unforeseen complications.
After your consultation, you will be provided with a personalised quotation based on the recommendation of your surgeon. While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to help you out for a few days.
Blepharoplasty surgery takes between one and two hours in theatre. The doctor measures the amount of skin to be removed from the eyelids. On the upper eyelid, the incision is made along the normal folds of the lid. The excess skin is then removed. On the lower lid, the incision is just under the eyelashes. Protruding fat is removed as necessary. The amount of skin removed is usually very small. The incisions are then closed with fine sutures, which will be removed in seven to ten days.
There is usually little pain associated with eyelid surgery. Most discomfort can be controlled by prescribed medication. You should expect to be back at work in a week or two after Blepharoplasty procedure or depending on how quickly swelling and bruising subsides.
Your first follow-up appointment usually takes place seven days after surgery with a second follow-up within six weeks. Your doctor may recommend that you apply cold compresses to your eyelids for the first few hours after the procedure. This increases comfort and reduces swelling and bruising. Complete healing will normally take four to six months. The scars on the eyelids usually heals excellently and are almost invisible. The results of upper eyelid surgery last anywhere from five to fifteen years, and the results from lower eyelid surgery are basically permanent. Due to these long-lasting results, you will likely not need another surgery.
That said, while removed fat and excess skin will not return after surgery, even if you gain weight, your face will change naturally with age. Therefore, you may opt for another eyelid surgery in the future (or other plastic surgery like a brow lift or facelift) to address these age-related changes.
Centurion Cosmetic Clinic, understand that getting a plastic surgery procedure is one of your biggest life decisions.
It takes time, planning, and resources. We want you to know that our Plastic Reconstructive Surgeons and the Centurion Cosmetic Clinic team are here to help you every step of the way.
FREE PHONE CONSULTATION
Contact us for free phone consultation with one of our knowledgeable surgical consultants who are trained by our Plastic Reconstructive Surgeons. They will answer many of your questions, provide you with additional information on procedures of your interest and pro-forma quotations. You can decide if you are ready for your consultation with one of our Plastic Reconstructive Surgeons.
Consultation with Dr Paul Pienaar or Dr Liana Volkwyn
Meet your Plastic Reconstructive Surgeon during your one-on-one consultation. During the consultation the surgeon will discuss the procedure, preparations, after care and answer all additional questions. You will be provided with a personalised quotation after your consultation. The consultation fee is R 900.
Preparations & Surgery Day
After you reserve your surgery date, Centurion Cosmetic Clinic will need a 30 % deposit to secure your theatre booking at the Centurion Day Hospital. The surgeon and the Centurion Cosmetic Clinic team will make sure you are well informed and prepared for your big day. Preparation and After care are very important parts of your plastic surgery journey.
Enjoy Results
The post-op phase is an important time. The Centurion Cosmetic Clinic team will make sure you are well informed with post-op information and will arrange your first follow up appointment on the day of your surgery. You will have to visit the Centurion Cosmetic Clinic for your first follow up appointment 7 to 10 days after surgery and then again on 6 weeks after surgery. Healing and recovering are of great importance so you can enjoy your amazing results and your improved quality of life that you have envisioned.
Suite 1A Centurion Cosmetic Clinic,
Centurion Day Hospital
192A Glover Ave, Lyttelton
Centurion
Office Hours: 07:00 – 17:00 | Monday to Friday
info@centurionclinic.co.za
012 663 2011/0
We are so happy to see you here! To best serve you, please fill in the contact form below. Make sure to leave a message with all the necessary details and we will be in touch shortly!