Eye PROCEDURES
eyelid surgery
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), alters the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both. It is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures in both men and women. The aim is to improve the appearance of the area surrounding the eyes and/or to improve vision which may be obscured by drooping eyelids.
Private Health Insurance
Cosmetic surgery does not qualify for rebates from Medicare or private health insurance companies. However, you may be eligible for a rebate (and partial costs of this procedure may be covered) if your eyelid surgery is undertaken for functional or medical reasons, eg if your eyelids drape onto your eyelashes and block your vision. The first step to determine your eligibility is to have your your visual fields assessed by an optometrist. I can explain more during a consultation and provide a referral for you.
What can eyelid surgery alter?
The appearance of the eyes so that they look more open and less tired
Draping skin that obscures or blocks your vision
Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid – this can sometimes affect a person’s vision
Excess fatty deposits that appear as puffiness beneath the eyelid skin
Bags under the eyes
Droopiness of the lower eyelids – to avoid showing white below the iris
Extra skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelids
Dark circles under the eyes
Lift sagging eyebrows
Eliminate crow’s feet
Potential risks and complications of blepharoplasty
All surgery carries some degree of risk. Complications of blepharoplasty include:
- Risks of anaesthesia, including allergic reaction, which (rarely) may be fatal
- Surgical risks such as bleeding or infection
- Blood clots that may cause potentially fatal cardiovascular complications such as heart, heart attack, deep vein thrombosis or stroke
- Temporary or permanent areas of numbness
- Temporarily blurred, double or impaired vision
- Dry or watery eyes
- Difficulty closing your eyes – for example, the upper eyelid may remain open while you are asleep, which can dry out the eye surface and cause scarring
- Lid lag – a pulling down of the lower eyelid (this is often temporary)
- Ectropion – a slack and outward-rolling lower eyelid
- Eyelid disorders that involve abnormal positioning of the upper eyelids (eyelid ptosis) or loose eyelid skin – these disorders can coexist with sagging forehead and eyebrow structures
- Development of lumps inside the lower eyelid, which can irritate the eye surface
- Sunken or unnatural-looking eyes, if too much fat is removed
- Inflamed, itchy scars
- Bleeding behind the eye
- Vision loss, including complete blindness
- Further surgery to treat complications
BLEPHAROPLASTY general & specific risks
- Any invasive surgical procedure has a degree of post-operative pain and/or discomfort
- Infection in the wound with resultant redness, pain and possible discharge.
- Rarely, suture lines may come apart requiring prolonged dressings and secondary surgery.
- Possible bleeding in the wound with swelling or bruising and possible bloodstained discharge.
- Delayed wound healing above the expected time can require prolonged dressings and convalescence.
- Secretions may accumulate in the lungs causing a chest infection.
- Clotting may occur in the deep veins of the leg or pelvis, and rarely the clot may break off and go to the lungs (embolism).
- Circulation problems to the heart or brain may occur and may result in a heart attack or stroke.
- Death is possible during or after an operation due to severe complications.
- Some of these complications may necessitate a prolonged hospital stay and return to the operating theatre for corrective surgery either immediately or sometime after surgery.
Specific risks associated with this procedure include:
- Swelling and scar formation – is unlikely to be fully resolved for 18 months following surgery. Scars can be of poor quality.
- Vision – should not be interfered, but may be blurred for a few days due to swelling.
- The eyelids may have a more sunken appearance after surgery.
- Ectropion or pulling down of the lower eyelid which rarely occurs
- An extremely rare complication is blindness.
- Dissatisfaction with cosmetic results. These include scar deformities, asymmetry, and recurrence of the condition due to the brow dropping. Cosmetic concerns may also lead to medical complications.
BOOK A CONSULTATION
My vision is to provide my patients with the best outcomes possible and excellent patient care.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
