Eyelid surgery, or to give it its medical term, blepharoplasty, is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures. After breast enlargement, blepharoplasty is the second most performed cosmetic surgery procedure in the UK according to figures issued by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS).
Blepharoplasty has long been popular with both men and women who wish to improve their appearance by smoothing or decreasing the accumulation of pouchy skin under the eyes, which may have grown with the passing of the years. Cosmetic surgery to the eye area can help to create a more youthful look. The removal of eye bags, and the reduction of saggy skin above the eye, can make the subject look less tired and more awake.
What you should know
Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure which can be carried out above and below the eye. If targeting the area below the eye, it is often referred to as eye bag removal surgery, while above the eye, is frequently known as eyelid surgery.
Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure which can be carried out above and below the eye. If targeting the area below the eye, it is often referred to as eye bag removal surgery, while above the eye, is frequently known as eyelid surgery.
But what about wrinkles and dark circles?
It's important to take into consideration that eyelid or eyebag surgery cannot assist with the reduction of dark circles around the eyes. Neither can cosmetic surgery to the eyes improve the appearance of wrinkles to the corners of the eye area, sometimes known as crow's feet. Such considerations should be factored into a patient's expectations of what can be achieved by the procedure.
It's important to take into consideration that eyelid or eyebag surgery cannot assist with the reduction of dark circles around the eyes. Neither can cosmetic surgery to the eyes improve the appearance of wrinkles to the corners of the eye area, sometimes known as crow's feet. Such considerations should be factored into a patient's expectations of what can be achieved by the procedure.
Men or women who are concerned about the appearance of wrinkles around their eyes are advised to investigate what can be achieved alternatively with a brow lift or by using anti-wrinkle treatments by injection.
What's involved in cosmetic surgery to the eye area?
Eyebag or eyelid surgery is a cosmetic surgery procedure which can require a general anaesthetic. However, sometimes the procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, where the patient's eye area will be numbed but they will be awake throughout.
Eyebag or eyelid surgery is a cosmetic surgery procedure which can require a general anaesthetic. However, sometimes the procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, where the patient's eye area will be numbed but they will be awake throughout.
Depending on the complexity of the procedure, blepharoplasty can take from one to two hours. For example, if a patient is having surgery to the upper and lower eyelid, the duration of the operation is likely to be greater. Patients can usually expect eyelid or eyebag surgery to be performed as a day case, but it's possible that they may require an overnight stay also.
What actually happens to the skin around the eyes?
Blepharoplasty entails the removal or reduction of skin, fat and tissue around the eyes, which means the making of tiny incisions. If the cosmetic surgeon is working on the upper eyelid, the incisions will be into the natural lines and creases around the eye. In the case of the lower, the cut will be just below the eyelashes.
Blepharoplasty entails the removal or reduction of skin, fat and tissue around the eyes, which means the making of tiny incisions. If the cosmetic surgeon is working on the upper eyelid, the incisions will be into the natural lines and creases around the eye. In the case of the lower, the cut will be just below the eyelashes.
Either way, incisions will be made in places where the tiny amount of scarring will be hardly noticeable. Where only fat is removed it is possible to leave no visible scarring as the cut may be made to the inside of the lower eyelid.
How much recovery time is needed?
Cosmetic surgery to the eye area will cause swelling and bruising, which may take around three weeks to fade. Those considering undergoing blepharoplasty should plan for time off work during which to recover. Eyes may feel dry and itchy initially, and the surgery may also make the eyes feel tight and awkward to close when trying to sleep.
Cosmetic surgery to the eye area will cause swelling and bruising, which may take around three weeks to fade. Those considering undergoing blepharoplasty should plan for time off work during which to recover. Eyes may feel dry and itchy initially, and the surgery may also make the eyes feel tight and awkward to close when trying to sleep.