Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
What is lower eyelid blepharoplasty?
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is surgery designed to improve the appearance of the lower eyelids. It is commonly performed to treat:
Puffiness or “bags” under the eyes
Excess lower eyelid skin
Bulging fat pads
The operation may involve removal or repositioning of fat, tightening of skin and muscle, and support of the lower eyelid.
The goal is usually to create a more rested, smoother, and natural appearance while preserving normal eyelid function.
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty does not treat
Wrinkling or crepey skin under the eyelids
Hollows
Discolouration under the eyelids
The Surgical Technique: Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty
An incision is made on the inside of the eyelid.
· Fat is removed from under the eyes.
· The eyelid is then tightened by stitching the outer corner back onto the bone (canthopexy).
This reduces the risk of lower eyelid drooping after the surgery.
· A very small amount of skin is removed (only if required).
The external scar for this is usually a few millimetres below the lower eyelashes.
Before surgery:
· You are required to have two consultations with your doctor – one in person consultation and a further telephone consultation. You are encouraged to ask as many questions as you need to.
· You are required to fill out some paperwork including a cosmetic procedure screening questionnaire
The day of surgery
· The procedure may be performed under local anaesthetic with sedation or under general anaesthetic.
· Surgery usually takes approximately 2–4 hours depending on complexity
· You will go home the same day.
After surgery
· Chlorsig ointment 4 times a day to your wounds.
· Chlorsig and FML drops 3 times a day to the eyes.
· Ice packs for 15 minutes every hour for 48 hours, during waking hours.
· Suture removal 7-14 days post operatively.
Recovery Expectations
· After Surgery you may experience: Swelling, Bruising, Tightness, Discomfort, Blurred vision, Watering eyes, Light sensitivity, Dry eyes, numbness around scar lines.
· You will be very bruised and swollen for the first 2 weeks, this can fluctuate for 4-6 months
· Full recovery can take 4-6 months.
What are the problems that can happen after blepharoplasty surgery?
· Bruising and swelling of the eyelids (very common)
· Dry eye (common)
· Scar (definite)
The scar will normally improve with time.
Abnormal scarring, however rare, is always a possibility.
We may need to treat the scar with steroid creams or scar reducing injections.
· Infection (rare) you will receive intravenous antibiotics during the surgery and antibiotics cream after the surgery.
· Injury to the eye or structures around the eye (extremely rare)
· Eyelid position problems like drooping or rounding of the lateral canthus (rare)
· Double vision due to injury to the inferior oblique muscle (very rare)
· Perfect symmetry is not possible with any surgery however I do endeavour to get you as close as possible.
You may require further surgery
· This may be due to unusual scarring, lumps and bumps, drooping of the eyelids, excess skin, uncontrolled bleeding, also surgery to fix double vision (double vision after surgery is extremely rare).
· If further surgery is required, you will be liable for operating room and anaesthetic fees.
· If further surgery is required, there may be a waiting period of 3+ months while we wait for the surgical site to settle.
Are there any restrictions to what I can do after surgery?
· Bruising and swelling are a normal part of the recovery process. This will reduce significantly but can remain for several weeks.
· We encourage you not to do aerobic activity or weightlifting for 2 weeks after surgery.
· You may not swim with your head submerged for 2 weeks after surgery.
· You should not wear makeup for 2 weeks after surgery.
· You may fly; however, we encourage that you do not travel in the 2 weeks after surgery in case of infection or other post- operative complications.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at:
Gold Coast Eye and Oculoplastic Surgeons
Southport
14 Hill St, Southport QLD 4215
Phone: (07) 56552156
Gold Coast and Tweed Eye Doctors
Tweed
56 Wharf St, Tweed Heads, NSW, 2485
Phone: (07) 56125 222