fbpx

The eye is, after all, just about the only part of the face we see these days!

The upper eyelid is the first area of the face that shows the ageing process. From the late twenties and into the thirties, the following happens. Firstly, an excess skin can develop in the upper eyelid. This covers the eyelid leading to loss of eyelid show. This eyelid show is the key to a youthful eye and is the area from your eyelashes to your eyelid crease.

Sometimes, there is extra fat that comes forward to contribute to the upper eyelid skin excess. The drop of the outer tail of the eyebrow can also contribute to the excess skin of the upper eyelid. Women have a very keen eye for this and shape their eyebrows to compensate for the drop in the tail of the eyebrow.

It is completely normal to have differences between the eyelids. The left eyebrow sits lower than the right eyebrow in 80% of women. (Fun fact) The effect of this excess is a tired, sometimes cross look to the face. This can be corrected by doing a blepharoplasty (medical term for eyelid lift).

Almost all patients are candidates for this procedure. Patients who have “dry eye” are the ones we worry about, because the surgery can make dry eye worse, and they need an assessment by an ophthalmologist beforehand. You will know if you have dry eye.

It is comfortably done as a rooms procedure under local anaesthetic with some mild sedation. It takes about an hour. A friend or relative will take you home afterwards. No need to be admitted to hospital.

The operation involves removing the excess skin in the upper eyelid whilst placing the scar in the natural creases to hide it.

Once you are home, you will be icing the eyes for 15 min in every hour whilst awake and putting in supplementary tears to ensure the eyes remain moist. There will be some swelling and bruising and this improves from day three post op.

I will see you again in the rooms on day 5 or 6 post op to remove the stitches. You are allowed to put make up on and start exercising from day 10. You will probably be able to drive a car from day 5 and work on a laptop from day 3.

So, the recovery is quick and it is not a painful recovery. There is in fact very little pain.

Here are examples of befores and afters showing how much more awake and youthful you can look after this great office procedure.

In the next newsletter I will discuss Botox/Fillers and fat transfer for facial rejuvenation as well as a little known but very effective rejuvenating procedure called a lip lift.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions regarding surgery.

Warm regards
Paul McGarr

More articles from my Blog

Available In-Room Procedures

Available In-Room Procedures

The benefit of having a rooms procedure is there is less hassle of being admitted to the Hospital. It is much more convenient and done under local anaesthetic.

read more

For so many reasons, this was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Dr McGarr was thorough in his explanation of my procedure and he has the best bedside manner of any doctor I have ever known-making me feel like I was the only patient he cared about!

This kind, gentle, unassuming doctor showed sincere interest in my progress and made certain that I was well cared for in the hospital and post-op at home.

I only wish Dr McGarr was a dentist, a GP, a psychologist etc so I could go to him for everything!

Kim Fraser

* Disclaimer: These are our patient stories and experiences. Your results may vary.

– Facelift Patient

In September 2004 I was diagnosed with Asthesioneuroblastoma. After this was surgically removed I underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Two years later I developed necrotic (dead) bone in my forehead. Dr McGarr removed the necrotic bone. I was left with a dip in the area.

Dr McGarr suggested filling the area with fat. This was a slow and meticulous procedure every 6 weeks. Dr McGarr persevered and the procedure was repeated 36 times until it was eventually completed six years later.

During this time we came to know Dr McGarr as an outstanding plastic surgeon with a passion and love for his work. I am most grateful to Dr McGarr for returning my life to normal. For not giving up and persevering for so many years.

Leonie Slabbert

* Disclaimer: These are our patient stories and experiences. Your results may vary.

– Structural Fat Graft Patient

From my first meeting with Dr McGarr he made me feel most welcome and at ease. In fact it felt as if I had known him for years. His explanation of the procedures was clear, as well as advising me of the possible risks with such procedures.

My face left operation was not painful but certainly I felt a little uncomfortable. Two weeks post the operation I was able to resume work.

I wish to express my sincerest gratitude to Dr Mc Garr for a very successful face lift that has enhanced my self-confidence and self-esteem immensely. I feel on top of the world and I would not hesitate to recommend him.
 
Monica Walker

* Disclaimer: These are our patient stories and experiences. Your results may vary.

– Facelift Patient

plastic surgeon durban

Copyright© Dr Paul McGarr, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, Durban
MBBCH (Wits), FCS (Plast), Practice No. 042-000-0142158
Home | Contact Us | Terms & Conditions | Disclaimer | Privacy Protection

dr paul mcgarr