OVERVIEW

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PHOTOS + ANIMATIONS

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Blepharoplasty surgery is a procedure that focuses on rejuvenation of the upper and / or lower eyelids. This procedure removes excess skin and wrinkles from the eyelids, as well as some underlying fat. Many people develop extra skin and bulging of their eyelids as they age, and blepharoplasty surgery aims to correct this. It is important to know it is not possible to remove every wrinkle and fold around the eyes.

 

GOALS

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The goals of blepharoplasty surgery are to remove the extra skin, flatten the bulging of underyling fat, and if necessary tighten the eyelids leaving a fine line scar that is minimally noticeable and easily hidden with conservative use of makeup.

 

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR THIS SURGERY?

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The ideal candidate is a person with skin redundancy and / or bulging of the eyelids. People with sunken eyes, bulging eyes, or previous eye problems may not be a candidate for this procedure.

 

DESCRIPTION OF SURGERY

 

Upper eyelids

Under local anesthetic, an elliptical incision is made to excise the extra upper eyelid skin extending into the “crow’s feet” at the corner of the eye. Then, the bulging fat at the inner corner of the eye is trimmed if necessary. Other problem areas may then be addressed. The skin is closed with a suture, and a dressing applied.

 

Lower eyelids

Lower eyelid surgery requires general anesthetic. Under general anesthetic, the bulging fat is removed through an incision on the inner surface of the eyelid. Once I am satisfied with the contour of the eyelid, any extra skin is removed. A lid tightening procedure is often performed as well. The incisions are then closed with sutures, and a dressing applied.

 

RECOVERY

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You will spend a couple of hours in the recovery room at the surgery centre before you go home. You will need someone to pick you up from the centre, because your eyes will be swollen. The eyelids will be bruised and swollen, and they will feel tight. You will need to keep your head elevated on 2 pillows for 48 hours while lying down. Place iced oval eye pads on the eyes for the first 24 hours. Some oozing from the eyelid incision is normal for a day or two. The sutures will be removed in 5 – 7 days by Dr. Barnsley. You should not wear contact lenses or makeup for 1 week. The scars are permanent, however they are placed in such a position that they are barely discernable after a reasonable period of time.

 

RISKS

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As with any surgery, there is a possibility that you will experience a complication. These include bleeding after the surgery and infection, and both of these resolve over time. Undesirably thick scars are very rare, but possible. An extremely rare case of blindness in one eye has been reported in the surgical literature.

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Appointments can be made by contacting Dr. Barnlsey’s office by telephone at 250-591-0701, or directly through our contact form.  

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