PROCEDURES
Upper Eyelid Lift
As time progresses, many of us notice a distinct change in the appearance of our eyes. Drooping upper eyelids not only makes us seem exceedingly aged and fatigued but can also obscure vision, making day-to-day activities inconvenient and difficult. Upper blepharoplasty, commonly referred to as upper eyelid lift surgery, offers a refined solution to counteract these effects.
Upper blepharoplasty specifically focuses on the careful repair and reconstruction of the upper eyelid. This involves removing excess skin and managing any excess or deficient fat around the eye. While this procedure predominantly restores aesthetic symmetry and brightness to the eyes, it often holds the dual benefit of restoring some elements of vision.
An upper eyelid lift can not only rejuvenate the area around the eyes but also replenish your youth and make you look as young as you feel. The eyes, as they say, are the windows to the soul, and through blepharoplasty, you can ensure that this window remains clear, open, and expressive.
At a glance
Procedure Length:
Approximately 1 to 2 hours.
Hospital Stay:
An outpatient procedure; no overnight hospital stay is required.
Anaesthesia:
Typically a local anaesthetic. A mild sedation may be offered.
Showering:
Avoid showering on the face for one week. Gentle face washing is permitted from the second day.
Sleeping:
Sleep with the head elevated for the first few nights to minimise swelling.
Make-Up:
Refrain from using eye make-up for the first 10-14 days to prevent irritation.
Driving:
Avoid driving for the first 24-48 hours post-surgery or until vision is clear and unobstructed.
Smoking:
Avoid smoking for at least 2 weeks before and after the procedure to promote better healing.
Direct Sun Exposure:
Should be minimised for the first 2-3 weeks. Use a high SPF and wear sunglasses when outdoors.
Benefits of Upper Eyelid Lift Surgery
Choosing upper eyelid surgery, or upper blepharoplasty, can be transformative for both your appearance and self-confidence. To help you better understand the advantages, here are the key benefits you can expect from the procedure:
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Rejuvenate Youthful Eyes:
The skin on your upper eyelids, vulnerable to age and gravity, can sag over time. Upper eyelid surgery works to remove this excess skin and tighten what remains, revealing a brighter, younger look around your eyes.
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Say Goodbye to Perpetual Tiredness:
If you’re bothered by that constant weary look caused by drooping upper eyelids, this surgery can be a game-changer. By addressing and reshaping these areas, you’ll reflect a more awakened and vibrant version of yourself.
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Boost Your Self-Confidence:
Feeling uneasy about sagging eyelids can negatively impact your confidence. After your surgery, you’ll likely find yourself having greater self-esteem, encouraging you to go out and take on the day with your head held high and a smile on your face.
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Enjoy a Smoother Forehead:
If you’ve found yourself often raising your eyebrows to offset drooping eyelids, you might be encouraging forehead wrinkles without realising it. With your eyelids lifted, you’ll naturally relax your brow, which could slow the appearance of those lines.
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Enhance Your Field of Vision:
Beyond aesthetics, drooping upper eyelid skin can, for some, obstruct vision. Correcting this not only improves how you look but can also provide clearer, unobstructed vision, making everyday tasks more effortless.
Surgical Techniques Used
Upper Eyelid lift Surgery (blepharoplasty) is a meticulous procedure tailored to address specific concerns of the upper eyelids. Your unique needs and goals determine the approach and techniques employed. There are two main surgical techniques used for upper eyelid surgery:
An incision is made along the natural crease of the upper eyelid. This enables the removal or repositioning of fat deposits, tightening of muscles, and excision of excess skin, ensuring scars remain hidden.
In cases where the eyelid droops significantly, a ptosis correction might be necessary. This involves tightening the muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid.
Upper Eyelid Lift Procedure Steps
Upper eyelid lift surgery is generally considered a straightforward, minor procedure given that there is no extensive skin removal involved and it can be performed under local anaesthesia. Mr Kshem Yapa performs all eyelid surgeries with meticulous care in a sterile environment, safeguarding your well-being throughout the procedure. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved in an upper eyelid surgery:
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Anaesthesia
You will be comfortably seated in an adjustable surgical chair. To ensure you remain at ease during the surgery, a local anaesthetic is administered, numbing the eyelid area. You may also be offered some mild sedation to put you more at ease during the procedure.
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Incision Making
After tilting your head backwards on a head supporter, you’ll be asked to close your eyes. Mr Kshem Yapa will then make precise markings on the eyelid to guide the incision. These marks are meticulously placed within the natural crease of your upper eyelid to ensure minimal visible scarring. He then proceeds with a carefully shaped incision, based on the amount of skin and fat to be adjusted.
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Adjustments and Refinement
With the incision made, Mr Yapa delicately removes the necessary excess skin and, if required, any puffy fat pads beneath.
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Closing the Incisions
Once adjustments are complete, the incisions are closed using sutures that promote healing and produce minimal scarring.
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Results and Recovery
Once the procedure is completed, you’ll be able to open your eyes immediately, with the initial outcome already evident.
Risks and Complications
Every surgical procedure carries with it inherent risks, so it’s crucial to be informed about potential complications. Mr Kshem Yapa and his staff will provide you with a comprehensive brief prior to your procedure that describes in detail what you can expect. They’ll also provide you with information and equipment to help you manage the recovery process at home. Though rare here are the potential challenges that may arise after an upper eyelid lift (blepharoplasty):
Often temporary, these are typical post-operative reactions. The effects typically go away within one to two weeks post-surgery.
While Mr Yapa takes great care to make incisions in the most discreet locations, it’s important to understand that scarring can still occur. However, any resultant scars are usually faint and within the natural crease of the eyelid.
Some patients might experience dryness in their eyes following the procedure. This condition is generally temporary and can be managed effectively with appropriate eye drops or medications.
It may feel odd or difficult to close your eyes for the first couple of days. This typically resolves as healing progresses.
A transient numbness or change in sensation around the eyelid region is possible, but this sensation usually restores naturally over time.
Everyone’s body heals differently, and on very rare occasions, there might be slight discrepancies in the appearance of the two eyelids.
While exceedingly uncommon, especially in upper blepharoplasty, potential complications could include wound infections, minor bleeding, prolonged eye irritation, and issues with eye movement and vision.
Recovery
After your upper blepharoplasty, it’s common to experience temporary symptoms such as a burning sensation in the eyes, sensitivity to light, watery or itchy eyes, and mild discomfort. These symptoms typically subside within a few days.
In the initial recovery phase, you might notice some swelling and bruising around the eye area, which will gradually lessen over two to three weeks. Cold compresses can help alleviate these symptoms, and over-the-counter pain relief can manage any discomfort.
While you may feel ready to return to work after 2-3 days, it’s worth noting that visible signs of the procedure, like bruising, might still be evident. Wearing sunglasses can both shield your eyes from the sun and discreetly hide any initial post-operative signs. It’s also advised not to drive immediately after your surgery due to potential vision compromise, so please ensure you have arrangements for someone to pick you up.
Longer-term, the scars from the incisions, typically discreetly located in the natural crease of the eyelid, might take a few months to reach their final state. It’s essential to protect these healing areas from sun exposure during this time. Should you have any concerns during the recovery phase, always reach out to your healthcare provider.
