Blepharoplasty Eyelid Surgery in Newcastle, Maitland & Hunter Valley Australia
Book Online NowBlepharoplasty surgery focuses on the appearance and function of the eyelids by removing excess skin and fat.
Key Takeaways
- Blepharoplasty eyelid surgery is designed to remove excess skin and fat around the eyes, enhancing both appearance and functionality.
- The procedure can be categorized into cosmetic and functional types, focusing on either aesthetic or medical issues that affect vision.
- Recovery requires proper post-operative care and follow-up, with the potential for combining blepharoplasty with other procedures.
Understanding Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty eyelid surgery is a procedure designed to remove or reconfigure excess skin and fat tissue around the eyes, creating a more open appearance. Blepharoplasty not only focus on the aesthetics of the eyelids but also strengthens muscles and tendons, ensuring both functional and visual augmentation.
Augmenting issues like excess upper eyelid skin and the upper eyelid crease, blepharoplasty can significantly elevate the appearance and functionality of the eyelids. The procedure can involve the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on the patient’s needs.
Book Online NowTypes of Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty encompasses various types of eyelid surgery procedures, each tailored to focus on specific issues. Upper eyelid surgery, or upper eyelid blepharoplasty, is performed by making incisions in the natural creases of the upper eyelids. This allows the surgeon to remove excess skin and fat, creating a smoother and more defined upper eyelid crease. Different techniques are available for upper eyelid surgery, often chosen based on the patient’s unique needs and desired outcomes.
Lower eyelid surgery, or lower blepharoplasty, focuses on correcting excess skin and fat to focus on the appearance of the lower eyelids. Techniques for lower eyelid blepharoplasty include making incisions below the lash line or inside the eyelid through a transconjunctival incision, which leaves no visible scar.
Additionally, double eyelid surgery is a specific procedure aimed at creating a defined crease in the upper eyelids, primarily for aesthetics. Focusing on both upper and lower eyelid concerns, blepharoplasty offers comprehensive results.
Cosmetic vs. Functional Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty can be categorized into cosmetic and functional types, each serving different purposes. Cosmetic blepharoplasty focuses on elevating the appearance of the eyelids, often to reverse a tired or aged look. This type of surgery is chosen by individuals who wish to elevate their facial aesthetics by removing excess upper eyelid skin, correcting languid eyebrows, and creating a more radiant appearance.
Disclaimer: Operation performed by Dr Bernard Beldholm. Adult content, surgery has risks; individual results vary, seek 2nd opinion. Please see the full disclaimer.
On the other hand, functional blepharoplasty focuses on medical issues that affect vision and daily activities. This procedure can alleviate vision impairment caused by eyelid limpness by removing excess skin and tightening the eyelid muscles. Functional eyelid surgery not only corrects the field of vision but also provides therapeutic correction for problems like ptosis and heavy eyelid tissue, which can obstruct vision and make daily tasks difficult. The MBS item number for this operation is 45617.
The Blepharoplasty Procedure
Dr. Beldholm performs upper blepharoplasty at Maitland Private Hospital, located in the Hunter Valley near Newcastle. This procedure is typically done under a light general anaesthetic to ensure patient comfort. Upper blepharoplasty is usually done as a day procedure (outpatient surgery) designed to augment the aesthetic and functional appearance of the eyelids.
The procedure usually takes between 45 minutes to two hours and does not affect vision or eye function. Using modern techniques, only genuine excess skin and fat are removed to achieve the most natural results. During the surgery, the surgeon marks the natural creases of the eyelid, makes precise incisions, and carefully removes the excess tissue.
Book Online NowPre-Surgery Preparation
Proper preparation is crucial for a successful blepharoplasty. Here are some important steps to follow:
- Stop smoking 6-8 weeks before the surgery.
- Avoid medications containing aspirin, NSAIDs, and blood thinners for at least two weeks before the procedure to minimise the risk of bleeding.
- Maintain hygiene by washing thoroughly the evening before and on the day of the surgery.
Additionally, patients should arrange for someone to drive them home and stay with them overnight after the surgery. Fasting for at least six hours before the procedure is recommended to prepare the body for anaesthesia. On the day of the surgery, it is important to avoid using moisturizers, make-up, and other personal care products.
Surgical Techniques
The surgical techniques used in blepharoplasty are designed to minimise visible scarring and optimise results. During upper eyelid surgery, incisions are typically made within the natural creases of the eyelids, allowing for discreet removal of excess skin and fat. Lower eyelid surgery involves making incisions just below the lash line or inside the eyelid through a transconjunctival incision, which leaves no visible scar.
Modern eyelid surgery techniques have advanced to include lower eyelid tightening, fat pocket repositioning, micro-fat grafting, and upper lid tarsal fixation. These approaches carefully calibrate the removal of skin and fat and produce a genuine appearance. Techniques such as the transcutaneous approach and the conjunctival approach are used in lower blepharoplasty to achieve optimal results.
Anaesthesia Options
Different anaesthesia options are available for blepharoplasty, primarily local anaesthetic and general anaesthetic. General anesthesia is commonly used for more extensive eyelid procedures where a deeper level of sedation is required.
Anaesthesia choice depends on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s comfort preferences.
Recovery Process
The recovery process after blepharoplasty is crucial for achieving the best results and ensuring patient comfort. The initial 24-48 hours are critical for managing swelling and discomfort, with cold compresses being applied periodically to reduce swelling.
Book Online NowImmediate Post-Operative Care
Immediate post-operative care involves following specific guidelines to promote healing and reduce complications. Patients should have a friend or family member drive them home. They should also arrange for assistance during the first 24-48 hours. Common symptoms after blepharoplasty include temporary blurred vision, swelling, bruising, and sensitivity to light. Limiting activities and staying home for several days ensures proper healing.
Using artificial tears or ointment can help relieve dryness in the eyes post-surgery. Temporary visual disturbances, such as blurred vision, generally last from a few days to a week. These steps ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery.
Long-Term Healing Process
The long-term healing process after blepharoplasty involves several stages:
- Most patients can return to work and social activities approximately two weeks after surgery.
- Stitches in the upper eyelids are typically removed about a week after the procedure.
- For lower eyelids, stitches may not be necessary if the incisions are made on the inside.
Potential Risks and Complications
Like any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty carries potential risks and complications. It is important for patients to understand these risks before deciding to undergo surgery. Risks associated with eyelid surgery include infection, scarring, bleeding, vision changes, and incomplete eyelid closure. Although some scarring is inevitable, it is usually barely noticeable once healed.
Understanding these risks is crucial for anyone considering blepharoplasty
Read our complete article on the risks associated with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty): Upper Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Risks
Who is a Good Candidate?
Blepharoplasty is most commonly associated with adults who notice changes around their eyes over time. The ideal age for eyelid surgery is generally someone in the 40s or older, although people in their 30s or even 20s may qualify if hereditary factors are present. Individuals with inherited eyelid concerns may consider blepharoplasty earlier.
This procedure can aleviate upper eyelid droop, which can affect daily tasks such as driving and reading. Functional problems necessitating corrective eyelid surgery can arise from ageing, cancer, trauma, birth defects, and complications from previous surgeries. Candidates for blepharoplasty often exhibit characteristics like excess skin, ptotic eyelids, wrinkled skin, loss of the upper eyelid crease, puffiness, and excess fat.
Medical History Considerations
Before undergoing eyelid surgery, patients need to disclose any history of eye issues such as glaucoma or dry eye. Surgeons will assess any potential risks related to the patient’s medical history and how these could impact the surgery.
Private health insurance can help lower out-of-pocket expenses for eyelid surgery if the procedure is deemed necessary. Insurance coverage often requires documented evidence of the medical necessity of the procedure. Patients should openly discuss their complete medical history with their surgeon before eyelid surgery.
Consultation Process
During the consultation process, surgeons will evaluate the patient’s eyelid structure and discuss their specific aesthetic goals. Selecting a surgeon with specialized training in eyelid procedures can significantly reduce the likelihood of complications. A thorough consultation is crucial to determine the best surgical approach and set realistic expectations for the results. This process helps align the patient’s expectations with potential surgical outcomes.
Dr Beldholm will take the time to explain the details of the surgical procedure, discuss the potential risks and benefits, and answer any questions the patient may have regarding the surgical or invasive procedure. This open communication builds trust and helps the patient feel that they are fully informed about the surgery. By the end of the consultation, patients should have a clear understanding of what to expect during and after the procedure.
Combining Procedures
Combining blepharoplasty with other cosmetic procedures can focus on multiple areas of concern simultaneously. This comprehensive approach to facial augmentation can result in optimised outcomes and leave patients looking and feeling their best.
Browplasty
Browplasty (brow lift) elevates the brows and smooths the forehead, complementing blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). By lifting eyebrows, a browplasty can optimise the space of the upper eyelid crease, offering better results than blepharoplasty alone in some cases.
Patients with drooping eyebrows may benefit from combining a brow lift with blepharoplasty for a more comprehensive solution.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
The cost of blepharoplasty can vary significantly depending on the type of surgery and the extent of the procedure. In Sydney, the Hunter Valley, and Newcastle, the price for upper eyelid surgery typically ranges from $6,000 to $10,000. The final cost may also depend on private insurance coverage and the specifics of the procedure.
Factors Influencing Cost
Several factors influence the cost of blepharoplasty, including the surgeon’s experience and location. The complexity of the surgery also plays a crucial role in determining overall costs.
Patients should consider these factors when planning for their procedure to ensure they receive the best possible care and results.
Insurance Considerations
Eyelid surgery might be covered by insurance when deemed medically necessary for visual impairment.
If eyelid surgery is deemed medically necessary (MBS item number 45617), private health insurance may help lower out-of-pocket expenses. This can make the procedure more affordable for patients. The extent of coverage for eyelid surgery can vary between different insurance policies, with some potentially providing more coverage than others.
Summary
In summary, blepharoplasty offers a wide range of benefits, from facial aesthetics to optimised vision. By understanding the different types of eyelid surgery, the procedure itself, and the recovery process, patients can make informed decisions about their care. Choosing an experienced surgeon and following pre- and post-operative guidelines can minimize risks and ensure the best possible outcomes. Dr Beldholm has close to 20 years of experience with this procedure. Whether considering this surgery for cosmetic reasons or functional purposes, the results of blepharoplasty can be long-lasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at removing or rearranging excess skin and fat around the eyes to optimise both appearance and functionality. This procedure can brighten the eyes, providing a more focused and alert look.
What are the different types of blepharoplasty?
The different types of blepharoplasty include upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, and double eyelid surgery. Each type is tailored to meet the specific goals of the patient.
What is the difference between cosmetic and functional blepharoplasty?
The primary difference lies in their objectives: cosmetic blepharoplasty aims to optimise the aesthetic appearance of the eyelids, whereas functional blepharoplasty resolves medical issues that impair vision and affect daily life.
What is the recovery process like after blepharoplasty?
The recovery process after blepharoplasty involves critical management of swelling and discomfort during the first 24-48 hours, with most patients returning to normal activities within two weeks, although full recovery can take several weeks. It is essential to follow post-operative care instructions for optimal healing.
How much does blepharoplasty cost and is it covered by insurance?
Blepharoplasty typically costs between $6,000 and $20,000, and insurance may cover it if the surgery is considered medically necessary for visual impairment.