Upper Blepharoplasty (for correction of aging eyelid)
Changes in the upper eyelid is one of the signs of aging process. The upper eyelid becomes thicker, droopy and bulgy. This project an impression of fatigue and loss of vigor. In severe case the droopy upper eyelid may cover part of the eye and affect vision of the patient. The problem is sometimes aggravated by a saggy eyebrow as well.
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is designed to address these problems. Depending on the amount of excessive skin, a portion of the upper eyelid skin is removed. The underlying fat is either repositioned or removed if deemed excessive. The operation is performed meticulously and very fine sutures are used. The operation is usually performed under local anaesthesia and the patient can go home after the procedure. Recovery is usually swift though swelling may be present for a few days to one week or so. The surgical scar is hidden in the upper eyelid crease and is usually heals well with time. Current surgical technique emphasizes on creating a natural looking result. Excessive skin and fat removal is avoided to prevent a unnatural and artificial look. The aim is to still look like yourself, but better. Sometimes upper blepharoplasty is combined with brow lift to produce a more optimal overall result.
Upper Blepharoplasty (for creation of double eyelid)
About half of the oriental population are born with double eyelids and the other half are not. Double eyelids in the oriental population are actually different from the western population in that they are lower, more subtle and delicate, and usually tapered into a fold at the inner corner of the eye. Such oriental double eyelid coexists harmoniously with other facial features in a Asian face. Some double eyelids in the Asian population are “hidden” by excessive upper eyelid skin. Others may appear to be “weak” and their appearances change from time to time. In a number of people the double eyelid is totally absent.
Double eyelid surgery is a minor surgical procedure usually performed under local anaesthesia. However, this is a very delicate operation, requiring great precision and expertise to obtain satisfactory results. In general there are two types of double eyelid surgery, the stitch method and the incision method. In stitch method, the surgeon inserts a few sutures into the skin of the upper eyelid to create a double eyelid fold. No incision or cutting is required. For the incision method, a incision is made on the upper eyelid skin to form the double eyelid fold. Incision method generally provides more precise control and gives a more permanent result. Epicanthoplasty can be performed at the same time to eliminate the fold at the inner corner of the eye. Swelling in the upper eyelid after the surgery usually lasts 5-10 days for the incision method and 3-5 days for the stitch method.
Eyebag Surgery
Eye bag is a common condition affecting both the elderly as well as the young. The skin beneath the lower eyelid margin appears to be loosened and a bulging occurs. An large eye bag gives a person a worn-out and tired look. A number of factors contribute to the appearance of eye bag. The lower eyelid skin is lax, loses its elasticity and becomes saggy. This is due to prolonged effects of gravity, sunlight exposure, eyelid movement and smoking. In other cases the eyelid muscle is enlarged and causes a bulging at the lower eyelid margin. The septum that contain the orbital fat may also become weakened and the fat herniates out.
Once an eye bag has developed, eyebag surgery (lower blepharoplasty) is often required to provide an effective solution. There are two types of lower blepharoplasty. In transconjunctival blepharoplasty, a small opening is made on the inner surface of the lower eyelid. Adequate amount of fat is removed through the opening. There is no external wound and scar. In transcutaneous method, an incision is made on the margin of the lower eyelid close to the eyelashes. Through this incision fat is freed and repositioned. Limited amount of fat is also removed as necessary. Excess skin is removed although this is usually done rather conservatively. Operation is usually performed under local anaesthesia and the patient go home after the surgery. If there are sutures to be removed, it is usually done 5 days after the surgery. Swelling usually present for 5 to 7 days. Surgical scar after eyebag removal usually heals very well.
