Am I a suitable candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty (or eyelid surgery) is designed to remove the excess fat, skin and atrophied muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. For people who feel that their eyes seem 'hooded', old or tired, blepharoplasty is a highly effective procedure that can change all that. The procedure could be for anyone who has:
- Excess skin on the upper lid that sags and could interfere with vision.
- Excess skin on the upper lid that hides the eyelid skin above the lashes.
- Excessive wrinkling on the upper lid that gives the appearance of ageing or fatigue.
- Puffiness or bags under the lower lid that give the appearance of ageing or fatigue.
- Excess skin and wrinkles on the lower lids.
The best candidates for blepharoplasty are men and women who are healthy, psychologically stable and who have realistic expectations about what blepharoplasty can and cannot do for them.
Am I of a suitable age for blepharoplasty?
Suitable candidates are usually from 35 years of age and up. However, it is not unusual for younger people to undergo blepharoplasty; particularly if they have very droopy eyelids and/or large under-eye bags.
When might blepharoplasty not be considered as suitable?
There are some medical conditions which increase the risk of complications from blepharoplasty.
These risk factors are:
- Hyperthyroidism.
- 'Dry Eye' or problems with your tear ducts.
- Graves' disease (a thyroid disorder).
- Hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Diabetes.
- Cardiovascular disease.
- Glaucoma.
- Detached retina.
What is my first step?
Your initial consultation with one of our vastly experienced blepharoplasty surgeons should clearly set out your expectations and whether the operation can give you the results you desire. Your reasons for wanting blepharoplasty and your suitability for this type of procedure will be carefully discussed. Also, your medical history will be taken to ensure that there are no reasons why you shouldn't have this operation.
Will I really look better and feel better after blepharoplasty?
Your expectations need to be realistic. After blepharoplasty, both your eyelids and your eyes will look healthier and livelier. Eyelid surgery, apart from the aesthetic benefits it provides, can also be a necessary and functional procedure: if vision was obstructed due to excess sagging of the skin, there should be an increase in peripheral vision.
What can I do to help achieve the best results?
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on:
- Eating and drinking.
- Smoking.
- Taking or avoiding certain blood thinners like aspirin, ibuprofen and Vitamin E for 10 days prior to surgery.
How else can I prepare for this procedure?
Before choosing to have blepharoplasty, make sure that you obtain as much information as is necessary to enable you to make a fully informed choice.
Prior to surgery, your plastic surgeon's office will perform tests of your vision and your ability to produce tears.
If you:
- Wear corrective lenses; be sure to bring them to this examination.
- Have had a recent eye exam, it is a good idea to give a copy of the eye exam records to your plastic surgeon's office.
Find out more
Only through an in-depth discussion with your surgeon will you be able to understand the risks, benefits and expected outcomes of this procedure.
If you would like to find out more about blepharoplasty or arrange a consultation, contact us today by completing our online enquiry form for an immediate response.
