What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is a procedure that reduces droopiness from upper eyelids or bagginess from lower eyelids.
You might be thinking about upper blepharoplasty if the droop from your upper eyelid blocks some of your vision, or you are unhappy with the look. Whatever your reasons, upper eyelid surgery will give your eyes a brighter and less tired appearance that still looks natural.
Lower lid blepharoplasty will remove, reposition or replace tissue in the lower lid area to reduce the appearance of bags or hollows under the eye.
Upper and lower lid blepharoplasty can be done at the same time.
Who is it for?
The reasons for thinking about blepharoplasty are entirely personal. Some of them may include:
- Removing an overhang of skin from the upper lid would assist your vision.
- You have permanently puffy looking eyelids.
- To reduce the appearance of bags under the eyes.
To gain the best outcome from blepharoplasty it is best that you:
- Don’t smoke or have recently quit (smoking impacts recovery from this procedure).
What happens during eyelid surgery?
Before surgery
The first step is to make an appointment to see Dr McMillan.
You will meet Dr McMillan at his private rooms in Fernbrae House, Dunedin or in Invercargill to discuss your personal goals and talk through the different options. This is an important step, not only outlining your expectations, but also developing your relationship with Dr McMillan as you work together to achieve your blepharoplasty goals.
Once you have decided what is to be done, a date will be booked for your surgery.
During surgery
If you are having upper eyelid surgery only, then it is likely it can be done under local anaesthetic at Fernbrae House.
If you are having both upper and lower lids done at the same time, or including another procedure then you will have a general anaesthetic at Mercy Hospital in Dunedin.
Once you are asleep, or the area is numbed, a surgical cut will be made just over or just under your eye. These cuts are made in the naturally occurring folds of your eyelid so the scar is not noticeable.
The excess skin or tissue will be removed.
Sutures will be used to stitch your eyelid back into position.
Once your blepharoplasty surgery has been completed the wounds will be dressed.
Recovery process
Blepharoplasty is a day surgery procedure. You will not need to stay overnight in the hospital.
Initially, you will have some bruising, swelling and discomfort. This will fade by the end of your first week after blepharoplasty.
Returning to work and driving can begin in the second week after surgery and you can return to normal activities.
A touch of makeup will cover any leftover bruising as you head out into the world again.
Expected outcome
The final results can be seen about 3 months after surgery.
There should be minimal or no scarring. Certainly, no visible scarring, just brighter younger looking eyes.
Risks and complications
As with all surgical procedures, there are risks and potential complications with blepharoplasty. Dr McMillan will discuss all of these with you during your consultation and answer your questions.
Cost
As blepharoplasty is not often funded by insurance (except in rare circumstances), there is a cost. The exact figure will depend on a range of factors, but generally the cost is between $3,200 and $3,600.
Contact us
Start the journey to the new you; get in contact to make an initial consultation with Dr McMillan to discuss your blepharoplasty.
Get in Touch
Contact Dr McMillan to make an appointment.
