Blepharoplasty – The Latest Trends

Blepharoplasty - The Latest Trends

Blepharoplasty – The Latest Trends show that in recent years this procedure has been popular within the Asian community where it is the most commonly asked for aesthetic procedure. However, Blepharoplasty is now increasingly being sought after worldwide both for cosmetic and functional purposes. Also known as “eyelid surgery”, it is a surgical procedure that eradicates the excess skin, fat and muscle around the eyelids. Blepharoplasty is also performed to improve the shape and position of the eyelids.

When being performed for cosmetic purposes it can assist those wanting more deep set eyes; or for reshaping in order to make them appear wider or more open. It can help to make the eyes appear as they were when the client was younger, including removing:

  • bags under the eyes;
  • puffiness;
  • dark circles;
  • eyes that look tired;
  • wrinkles on lower eyelid.

People may also undergo this procedure for functional purposes, such as those with loose skin on the upper eyelids that is impairing vision.

Blepharoplasty is becoming more and more popular as celebrities undergo this procedure. To name a few:

  • Harrison Ford
  • Julie Chen
  • Jane Fonda
  • Actor Al Pacino
  • Meryl Streep

 

The Procedure:

Like all plastic surgery procedures, eyelid surgery has improved immensely in recent years and become much more sophisticated. Surgeons are now more aware of the do’s and don’ts. For the past 25 years, eyelid surgery was performed by way of transconjunctival blepharoplasty. They have since learnt that the fat on the upper eyelid should not be removed, except a portion around the nasal area. Fat removal should be minimised – the more fat taken away, the higher the chance that the eyelid will become “hollow”. Excess skin is the only thing that should be removed in most cases.

For the lower eyelids, the manipulation of the muscle is to be minimised and should be closed by Orbicularis oculi muscles; just like with the upper eyelid procedure. The Orbicularis oculi muscles support the eyelid and reducing them will result in an altered lower eyelid position.

Risks and Complications:

As with any surgery there are risks. To minimise the risks and reduce the chance of complications, do your research and find a well-recognised and surgeon specially experienced with blepharoplasty to perform your procedure. Possible complications can include:

  • Scar hypertrophy
  • Infection
  • Bruising
  • Eyelid trauma
  • Sleeping disorders
  • Graves’ disease
  • Aesthetic and functional abnormalities
  • Epithelial inclusion: cysts may occur
  • Suture granuloma formation
  • Dermatological conditions that leads to tight skin
  • Intractable exposure keratitis
  • Levator aponeurosis
  • Pre-aponeurotic fat pad in upper lid retraction
  • Scleral
  • Excess fat removal or raising a crease too high may lead to hollowed-out upper eyelids.
  • Lower lid retraction with scleral show
  • Rounding of the lower eyelid outline
  • Rounding of the lateral canthal angle
  • Ectropion
  • Posterior lamellar (retractors and conjunctiva) cicatrisation
  • Horizontal laxity of the tarsoligamentous sling
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Orbital Hemmorrhage with loss of vision
  • Ocular Injury
  • Diplopia
  • Discomfort of the Ocular and Epihora
  • Ptosis

 

FAQ:

1. Does the eyelid procedure hurt?
This is a gentle procedure and does not require a general anesthesia; only a local anesthesia or mild sedation is used to numb the area.

2. How long is the procedure?
It would depend on the kind of procedure and how many eyelids are to be treated, but normally it takes about 45 to 90 minutes to complete the surgery.

3. How long is the recovery from blepharoplasty?
Swelling and bruising may last for one to two weeks. Stitches will be removed about a week after the surgery. However, it is still recommended not to do any strenuous activities for some time until the area has had a reasonable chance to heal. Your surgeon will advise you on this, and if he doesn’t offer the information… ask.

Stay tuned for our upcoming articles from experts in blepharoplasty and periorbital rejuvenation on advancements and innovations in facial plastic surgery.