Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess skin (dermatochalasis) from the upper eyelids. It is done to improve the appearance of the eyes and may also address functional issues if the excess skin obstructs vision.
Causes of Excess Upper Lid Skin
The primary cause of excess upper lid skin is the natural ageing process. As people age, their skin loses elasticity, and the tissues around the eyes can weaken, leading to the accumulation of loose or sagging skin on the upper eyelids. This can create a tired or aged appearance.
In addition to aging, there can be other contributing factors, such as:
Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to developing excess skin on their upper eyelids, which can be passed down through family traits.
Environmental factors: Chronic exposure to sunlight and smoking may accelerate the ageing process and worsen skin changes, including those around the eyes.
Medical conditions: In some cases, episodes of eyelid swelling due to infections or allergies can cause stretching of the skin, leading to excess eyelid skin.
Blepharoplasty procedure
During a blepharoplasty, the surgeon carefully removes the excess skin and may also remove or reposition underlying fat if necessary. The goal is to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance while preserving the natural shape of the eyes. The procedure can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on the patient's needs.
Anaesthesia and recovery
Blepharoplasty is typically performed as a day case surgery, meaning the patient can go home on the same day as the procedure. It is commonly done under local anaesthesia, where the eyelids are numbed, and the patient remains awake. In some cases, the surgery may be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation to help the patient relax.
After the surgery, patients may experience some swelling and bruising around the eyes, but this usually resolves over time. Recovery times can vary from person to person, but most individuals can resume regular activities within a week or two.