Blepharoplasty

Your eyes are often the first features that draw others’ attention. They therefore form an important aspect of facial attractiveness. Unfortunately, over time, the upper and lower eyelids may become droopy or baggy because of stretching of the skin, weakening of the muscles, and bulging of fat pockets around the eyes, giving rise to unsightly "eye bags or rings". The eyebrows may also sag or droop in the same way.

Symptoms

Besides affecting your appearance, such conditions may also cause you to have a "tired" or older look or cause symptoms of ocular fatigue. When severe, it might even lead to impaired vision.

Treatment

Blepharoplasty is the term used for eyelid surgery to correct the baggy or sagging tissues around the eyes. The aims are to achieve more youthful appearance as well as better lid function. Excess skin, muscle or fat will need to be removed to achieve this.

Surgery is usually performed under local anaesthesia. Incisions are made along the natural folds of the eyelid skin so that they are virtually unnoticeable when they heal. These incisions are usually closed with fine sutures. If the eyebrows are also droopy, a procedure called a brow lift can be performed at the same time.

There is usually only a mild discomfort after surgery. You may expect some swelling, bruising and tightness of the eyelids, but these will resolve once the wounds heal. Infrequently, slight asymmetry in the eyelid appearance or position might occur, and may require additional surgery to correct.

Cosmetic eyelid surgery should always be performed by qualified surgeons who are appropriately trained as incorrect surgery may lead to more problems.

* This is a general guide. If in doubt, please consult your doctor.

Back to main page