Blepharoplasty surgery: what can be done for droopy eyelids?
Eyelids that droop over the eyes can be caused by a number of things. Some patients have droopy eyelids because the muscle called the levator won’t fully raise the eyelid from the eye. This is medically referred to as ptosis. Other patients have droopy or uneven eyelids because there’s an excess of skin or fat that is layered over the eyelid. This condition is known as blepharoptosis. Both of these conditions are treated differently depending on the severity of the case.
Find out more about blepharoptosis and the cosmetic surgery procedure blepharoplasty which is designed to resolve the condition.
What is blepharoptosis?
Blepharoptosis is the condition where a patient suffers from droopy eyelids and excess fat around the eyes. This condition mainly affects aged people. To correct this particular condition, Dr Peter Martin may recommend blepharoplasty surgery.
Blepharoplasty surgery – what does it do?
Blepharoplasty surgery is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to resolve drooping upper lids and puffy bags below the eyes. The surgery works by removing excess fat, along with skin and muscle from the treatment area. Patients with Asian ancestry may desire blepharoplasty surgery so they can have a crease along their upper eyelids.
In some cases, blepharoplasty surgery can help to resolve problems like ‘eye strain’, where the patient uses forehead muscles to help to keep their eyes open wider.
What to expect after blepharoplasty surgery
The blepharoplasty surgery procedure can be completed in around 1-2 hours. After the procedure, as the anaesthesia wears off, your eyelids may feel sore and a little tight. You cannot drive for the first 24 hours after surgery (longer if your eyes are still watering). Generally patients will exhibit some amount of swelling and bruising. Pain medication and ointment will help to ease discomfort and dryness during the healing period.
For the first 48 hours after surgery, we recommend applying cold packs to control any swelling. Also avoid bending over during this time. You may experience light sensitivity, blurred vision, double vision, or excessive tearing.
Recovery time from blepharoplasty
We recommend resting as much as possible for the first week. The more you rest, the faster you will heal and the better result you will achieve. After a few days swelling will generally subside however bruising can last anywhere from 2 weeks to 1 month depending on the patient.
Do you suffer from droopy eyelids?
Find out more about blepharoplasty surgery with our page discussing the procedure.
Blepharoplasty Sydney
All surgical procedures carry risks. For information regarding the surgery and the risks involved, contact Dr Peter Martin’s friendly team at Harley Place Day Practice located in Bondi Junction, Sydney NSW. Book a consultation with Sydney ophthalmologist, Dr Peter Martin, for an experienced, recognised eye doctor and surgeon.
