Dr. Hamid Sharifian

Blepharoplasty is a surgical operation designed to remove the excess fatty tissue, muscle and loose skin, and to create a more youthful, wide-eyed look. The upper eyelid lift is performed in cases where the patient requires to lose the excess tissue above the eye that has developed over the years, or merely to lift the eyelid to give the eye a more attractive shape. This problem can also be treated sometimes by elevation of the eyebrows.

The eyebrow may be lifted on its own, or it may be done as part of an overall facelift operation. The lower eye operation is obviously used in cases of eye bag removal. All types of wrinkles around the eyes will be lessened by blepharoplasty, but not totally eradicated. A chemical peel may help further with wrinkles. In summary, blepharoplasty is primarily a treatment to remove excess skin and fatty tissue. The operation is usually performed under twilight anesthesia. General anesthesia can be used if preferred and or if necessary. The procedure itself takes an hour or more for either upper or lower eyes depending on the individual case.

If a general anesthetic is used, a one night stay in hospital will be required. If it is undertaken with local anesthesia, a day stay in the clinic will be sufficient. Between four to seven days post-operatively the stitches will be removed, There may be some discomfort, and some swelling tenderness and bruising of the eye area must be expected but this is only temporary. Patients usually return to work after one week, as make- up is allowed after the stitches have been removed and most of the swelling has subsided.

Dark glasses are allowed immediately, so one can proceed with one’s normal routine as soon as possible. Post operative care instructions must be carefully followed to ensure best results.

The position of the incisions for this procedure vary, but they are inconspicuous in location, usually in an natural crease line of the upper eyelid, or just below the lash line for the lower lid, and sometimes in mild cases from inside the eyelid (transconjunctival). Extremely fine sutures are used, so usually post-operative incision marks become virtually undetectable after a short period of time.

Vision is not affected by this operation, as it is only the tissues that surround the eyes that are involved. There is a slight risk, although rare, of downward displacement of the lower eyelid (ectropian) as a result of skin tension, but this can usually be corrected by ‘squeeze’ exercises, involving repeated tight closure of the eyelids. Other problems that may arise are those associated with any procedure infection, scarring, prolonged swelling etc. These, however, are unlikely to occur, are not hazardous, and are easily treated by routine methods. The ultimate result would unlikely be effected.

Finally, both the upper and lower lids can be corrected at the same time or treated separately, and if required combined with a full-face lift. This treatment is suitable for both men and women. Women are particularly prone to the problem. In either case results can be extremely effective and dramatically reduce the impression of aging.