Blepharoplasty – a Glossary of Terms relating to Eye Surgery you need to know…

Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery

Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery, is enjoying a surge in popularity this procedure can transform your appearance from being tired to being rejuvenated and improve your field of vision. However, there are a few words you might like to know related to eye surgery to help you understand what type of eyelid surgery you might need, what your issues or conditions might be called, what the risks are, and what your surgeon is talking about when you go to have a consultation. We asked Dr Naveen Somia, Specialist Plastic Surgeon based in Sydney, highly skilled in blepharoplasty and eyelid surgery to help us out…

Amblyopia – also referred to as “lazy eye” patients can be born with this condition or it can develop when one eye has better focus or less vision than the other.

Blepharoplasty – repair or reconstruction of the eyelid.

Canthoplasty or Canthopexy – procedures used in conjunction with blepharoplasty when the corner of the eyelid needs to be supported and strengthened.

Entropion – the lower eyelid turns inwards rubbing against the cornea and causing irritation.

Ectropion – the outer eyelid turns or sags outwards exposing the inner eye.

Extended Lower Blepharoplasty – Combined with midface lift when both the lower eyelid and the midface and rejuvenated to improve contour.

Fat Redistribution – Fat from the eyebag is removed and redistributed to the groove below to improve the contour.

Hematoma – a collection of blood under the skin whose pressure may impair vision.

Lower Blepharoplasty – a procedure to help with drooping lower eyelids, puffy eyes (eye bags), dark circles and wrinkles around the bottom and sides of the eyes. Involves tightening or repositioning the lower eyelid and/or redistribution or removal of fat in the lower eyelid bag, and removal and tightening of any excess skin.

Pinch Blepharoplasty – removal of a small amount of excess skin from the eyelids.

Ptosis – drooping of the upper eyelid due to your upper lid falling down to a lower position. Also known as hooding or blepharoptosis.

Transcutaneous – through the skin.

Tear Trough – the groove or hollow between the lower eyelid and the cheek, closer to the nose.

Upper Blepharoplasty – a surgery to remove the overhang of excess skin over the upper eye area usually due to ageing. Can help improve vision and folds around the edges of the eyes.


Dr Somia has some great information on his website with regards to all types of eye surgery, and he also has some more really informative videos that we suggest anyone considering eye surgery will want to watch. We have posted his video on blepharoplasty and Medicare above, but you can check out the others here. If you’re considering a blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery and would like to arrange a consultation with Dr Naveen Somia phone 02 9387 2110 or head to our directory to find a suitably qualified surgeon near you.

Further Reading Related to Blepharoplasty