Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty is an operation to rejuvenate the upper eyelid by removing excess skin, removing excess fat or removing both. The procedure reduces any overhang of the skin and bagginess in the eyelids.
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty is an operation to rejuvenate the upper eyelid by removing excess skin, removing excess fat or removing both. The procedure reduces any overhang of the skin and bagginess in the eyelids.
Eligibility Criteria
Ideal candidates for Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty include those who have either fat bags or an excess of skin that is masking the normal eyelid crease.
Reducing loose or sagging skin around the upper eyelids can combat the effects of ageing and in some cases, improve vision and take away a tired look.*
I insert a drip to sedate you, along with antibiotics and cortisone to prevent swelling.
Whilst patients are extremely drowsy at this point and often sleeping, the injection of the local anaesthetic may sting a little, much like that at a dentist. When the area is completely numb, I make an incision using a cauterizing knife. This helps to cauterize the blood vessels and minimize bruising.
The skin and muscle is removed and any excess fat bags trimmed off and the incision is closed with very fine sutures that are often thinner than a strand of human hair.
Please pay careful consideration to the following before your surgery:
- You must avoid consuming alcohol for a week prior to the procedure.
- You must not take anything that may thin your blood in the two weeks prior to the procedure.
The above is to ensure that your blood clots normally.
This includes the following:
- Anything with aspirin such as Grandpa, Anadin, Dispirin, some cold and flu medications and combination pain killers. You may take Panado.
- All multi vitamins, vitamin supplements, omegas, fish oils and green tea.
- You must not take any anti-inflammatory drugs of any nature for two weeks prior to the procedure.
- Anything from a health shop.
- After the procedure, you are taken back to the ward.
- If feeling fine after 2-3 hours, you may return home with antibiotics, cortisone, painkillers, ice packs and eye ointment.
- It is important to apply the ice packs over a facecloth to reduce the amount of swelling and bruising. This should be done hourly for three days during waking hours.
- The eye ointment must be applied every three hours, which because of its oil content, may cause some blurry vision for the first half hour.
- The stitches are removed on the fifth day. During this period, any oozing or bleeding in the corner of the eye can easily be wiped away using an earbud to prevent build up.
- After the stitches have been removed, avoid vigorously washing the eye for a further ten days. It can be lightly dabbed instead.
- Any swelling usually peaks by the second or third day, after which time, it starts to reduce.
It is important to tell me of any symptoms or worries that you have with regards to itchiness of the eye, dry eye symptoms or any other problems so that they can be dealt with. Please do not self-medicate in this regard.
Disclaimer: The photos below are patients that have undergone a procedure by Dr Paul Mcgarr.
The below photos show a 57 year old patient that has undergone Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty with lateral brow lift.
Results are 8 weeks post-opp. The photos below are patients that have undergone a procedure by Dr Paul Mcgarr. Results and outcomes may vary from person to person. I will discuss your expectations and outcomes during your consultation.
RISKS
Don’t be shy about discussing your concerns at your consultation. It is important that you feel comfortable talking to me.
- A patient may very rarely, although uncommon, develop a hematoma,* which is bleeding from the wound. It is for this reason that you are not to take any blood thinning substances prior to the procedure. If you develop any swelling in the eye, with or without pain, please contact me immediately so we can treat it.
- As with any operation, there is a small risk of infection. For this reason, you will return home with antibiotics. If you think there is an infection, please let me know.
EXPECTATIONS
- It is extremely common to have asymmetries between the eyes and slight asymmetries post operation may remain.
- Because we are operating on the upper eyelid which lies closely to the tear gland, the tear gland can become swollen and reduce the quality of the tear film produced. This can sometimes result in blurry vision for a few days after the procedure but should settle by the time the stitches are removed.
- The swelling will come down dramatically by day 5-7 * but, will take at least eight weeks and up to twelve weeks to go down completely. Sometimes the amount of swelling can vary between each eye.
- Most people find bruising goes within seven to ten days but it can take up to two weeks *. After one week, make up may be applied to conceal the bruising.
- There is no guarantee of specific results and the results can vary.
- It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or stress about the operation. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings at your consultation. It is important that you feel comfortable talking to me.
Disclaimer:
There is no guarantee of specific results and the results can vary from person to person. Expectation and Safety concerns will be discussed during your consultation. Please refer to my concise disclaimer for more information.
Copyright© Dr Paul McGarr, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, Durban
MBBCH (Wits), FCS (Plast), Practice No. 042-000-0142158
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