Eye Lift (Blepharoplasty)

Eyelid Correction Surgery

Blepharoplasty, eye lift, or eye lid surgery is a surgical procedure that reduces bagginess from lower eyelids and removes excess skin from the upper eyelids. It is primarily a cosmetic procedure but it is also an effective method in improving sight in older patients whose sagging upper eyelids obstruct their vision.

Aging process of the eyelid

Skin in the eyelids gradually loses its elasticity as one grows older. The loss of elasticity combined with constant pull of gravity causes skin to collect in the upper and lower eyelids. The excess skin in the upper eyelids causes extra fold of skin forms which hangs over the eyelids and can obstruct vision, whereas, the excess skin on lower eyelids causes wrinkles and bulging.

Bulges in the upper and lower eyelids can also be caused by fat excess fat pads. The thin membrane that holds the fat in place weakens with age, allowing the fat to protrude into the lids.

Eyelid surgery will not eliminate dark circles under the eyes; remove cow’s feet, or other facial wrinkles. It is often performed in conjunction with other procedures such as laser resurfacing, forehead lifts or facelifts.

Eye Lift – what to expect?

Eyelid surgery can be done at any age especially in patients who have early development of baggy or droopy eyelids which are hereditary. Best candidates are individuals with good physical and mental health who have realistic expectations. Most are 35 years or older, but if baggy eyelids or droopy eyelids are hereditary, you may decide to have the surgery at a younger age.

Eyelid surgery can enhance your appearance and help build your confidence. However, it may not result in your ideal look or cause people to treat you any differently. An eye lift will not alter your facial structure. It is important to know your face well before you decide to have surgery. Think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.

Techniques of the procedures

The procedure involves removing excess skin, muscle, and underlying fatty tissue. The surgery usually takes about 2 hours, if both upper and lower eyelids are done together. A local anesthesia with oral sedation can be used or intravenous sedation opted for depending on the wishes of the patient.

If all four eyelids are done at the same time, the surgeon will probably work on the upper lids first. The surgeon will usually make incisions following the natural lines of your eyelids. Through these incisions, the skin is separated from underlying tissue and excess fat, skin and muscle are removed. The incisions are then closed with very small sutures, which can be removed in three to six days. Sometimes, sutures may not be required, depending upon the technique used.

Surgery on the lower eyelids may be done using one of several techniques. The transconjunctival technique is performed by making an incision inside the eyelid. No incision is visible following surgery. Through the incision, fat may be removed to correct baggy lower eyelids. Then, fine lines in the skin can be softened using a C02 or erbium laser.

Another method, called the transcutaneous technique requires an incision along the eyelash margin. Through the incision, excess skin, loose muscle and fat can be removed. The incision line fades after a short period of time.

After either of these procedures, laser resurfacing may be recommended to enhance outcome.

Preparation for your Eye Lift

You will need to have another person drive you home after your surgery. You should also have someone stay with you the night of the procedure.

Expect and plan to stay home from work and limit your activities for several days after surgery to give your eyelids a chance to heal. Initial healing may include some post eyelid surgery swelling, bruising, irritation or dry eyes and discomfort that can be controlled with medication, cold compresses and ointment. Tear glands are always preserved in eyelid surgery. Patients who have ‘dry eyes’ can start using artificial tear drop right after surgery.

One must use sun protection and darkly tinted sunglasses until the healing process has been fully completed.

At home, you should have the following items readily accessible:

• Ice cubes
• Ice pack or you can use freezer bags filled with ice.
• Small gauze pads
• Eye drops or artificial tears (ask your doctor to recommend the proper type to meet your particular needs) or other lubrication ointments.
• Clean washcloths and towels

Eye Lift - What to Expect: Will the Results of Eyelid Surgery Be Permanent?

With eyelid surgery, incision lines are made so that the scars are well concealed within the natural lines or structures of the eyelid area. After eyelid surgery, there will be stitches in both lids that will remain for up to about a week. It is common for swelling, and occasionally, bruising to occur, but within a few weeks the eyelids will look smooth and normal, with a better-defined eyelid and surrounding region, an alert and rejuvenated appearance, although it may take up to a year for incision lines to really, fully refine.
 
The result is usually long lasting, 5 – 10 years. This depends on each person’s aging process. If your lids are once again sagging, the proper procedure is oftentimes a forehead lift, may not another eye lift.

Eyelid Surgery - Possible Complications

As compared to other surgical procedures, there is some degree of risks, although they may be rare.  Complications and unwanted results from an eye lift do sometimes occur. Most patients are very satisfied with the procedure.

Problems with eyelid surgery can include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Dry eyes
• Abnormal discoloration of the skin of the eyelids
• Eyelid skin that folds in or out abnormally
• An inability to fully close the eyes
• A pulled down lower lid lash line or a possible loss of vision

If you experience any of these complications, please contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Does Insurance Cover Eyelid Surgery?

An insurance carrier may only agree to cover this surgery if the patient's eyelids are drooping to a level that impairs his or her vision. Vision tests are required before surgery to confirm the problem. Otherwise, the procedure is considered cosmetic and not medically necessary.

Package price programmes

Phuket Aesthetic Center has individual package price programmes for eyelid correction surgery or multi-procedure package prices. Prices can include a 1 night stay as an in-patient at the hospital or as a day surgery.  Most patients, however, opts for multi-procedures and eyelid corrections are  included in one surgical operation.

This procedure/s can be incorporated into your holiday program in Phuket, and you can go back to your home country, looking naturally younger and fresher.

Send us an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for price quotations or more information, like for example visa, immigration requirements, where to stay in Phuket and other details.

Aesthetic Center Bangkok Hospital Phuket, we can help you, change your looks, change your image and change your life.

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