Our eyes are often the first facial feature that attracts attention and they form an important aspect of attractiveness and beauty. Over time, ageing can cause the upper eyelids to droop and eye bags can appear on the lower eyelids.
Age and gravity may cause the eyebrow and eyelid area to sag or droop. At the same time, sagging skin, the weakening of facial muscles and build-up of fat pockets around the eyes, can give rise to unsightly eye bags or rings, wrinkles and grooves. Other than aesthetics, these conditions may also impair vision and cause eye strain or fatigue.
In addition, younger people may be unsatisfied with their eyes due to problems such as puffy eyelids, eye-bags and asymmetry or absence of their double eyelid fold.
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the eyelids, making one's eyes appear younger and more alert. Blepharoplasty can correct the following problems:
Excess skin on the upper eyelids that reduce your peripheral vision
Baggy or droopy upper eyelids
Puffy eyelids
Asymmetric or absent upper eyelid crease ("double eyelid")
Excess skin on the lower eyelids
Bags under your eyes
Surgery can be done on the upper eyelid, lower eyelid or both at the same time. If your eyebrows are droopy and you have deep creases in your forehead, your surgeon may also recommend a brow lift in addition to blepharoplasty.
Every year, many thousands of people undergo successful eyelid surgery, experience no major problems and are pleased with the results. Anyone considering surgery, however, should be aware of both the benefits and risks.
Enhanced appearance: Reduces droopy or sagging eyelids, giving a more youthful look
Improved vision: Removes excess skin that may obstruct vision
Reduced puffiness: Targets bags under the eyes for a smoother, fresher look
Other eyelid procedures include:
Botox injections: While Botox can reduce wrinkles and create a more youthful appearance, it does not address excess skin or vision issues. Blepharoplasty is more effective for sagging eyelids.
Dermal fillers: Fillers smooth wrinkles but do not address puffiness or excess eyelid skin, whereas blepharoplasty targets both.
Non-surgical laser treatments: Laser resurfacing can improve skin texture and reduce fine lines but does not remove excess skin as effectively as surgery.
Benefits of aesthetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) compared to these other procedures:
Permanent solution: Results last many years compared to temporary options like Botox
Functional and cosmetic benefits: Enhances both vision and appearance
Quick recovery: Generally, a short recovery time with minimal downtime
Limitations of aesthetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) compared to these other procedures:
Surgical risks: Includes bruising, swelling and potential scarring
Cost: Typically more expensive than non-surgical treatments
Downtime: Though minimal, it does require a few days of rest post-surgery
The following complications may occur:
Anaesthesia risks
Swelling and bruising
Bleeding
Infection
Blood clots
Visible scars
Tightness in lids
Drooping lower lids
Dry, irritated eyes
Difficulty closing your eyes
An outward eversion of the eyelid (scleral show or entropion)
Injury to the eye muscles
Eyelid asymmetry
Temporary blurring of vision or rarely, loss of eyesight
Usually, these complications will go away within weeks. However, they may occasionally be permanent and further surgical procedures may be necessary to correct them.
The subject of risks, as well as potential complications of surgery are best discussed on a personal basis between you and your plastic surgeon.
