Eyelid surgery or a blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure performed on the upper or lower eyelids. A blepharoplasty is often performed together with other eyelid procedures that can be cosmetic or functional in indication.
For those seeking facial rejuvenation, the decision to have a blepharoplasty should not be based solely on cosmetic goals; it also entails recognising a patient’s age and the changes ageing causes to our facial features and eyelids. Let’s take a look at when would be an appropriate time for a blepharoplasty, and some indicators that may signal its necessity.
What is Blepharoplasty?
A blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure on the eyelids that is used to address issues with the upper and/or lower eyelids. Upper eyelid concerns include puffy or heavy upper eyelids due to sagging skin or fat herniation; a poorly formed or absent upper eyelid crease; or drooping upper eyelids caused by weak upper eyelid muscles. Lower eyelid concerns can include lash or lid misdirection; and cosmetic issues such as prominent eyebags or tear trough hollowing. Depending on what your concerns are, a blepharoplasty procedure can help to improve your vision and rejuvenate the eyelid area, allowing you to look more youthful and alert.
Signs That You Might Benefit from Blepharoplasty
Let us first discuss upper eyelid blepharoplasty. There are several symptoms that may indicate you would benefit from an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, such as:
- Excess Skin: Visible sagging or drooping of the upper eyelid skin that may impair vision or alter appearance. Some may find it increasingly difficult to apply eyeliner or eye makeup as the overhanging skin causes smudging.
- Functional Issues: The overhanging or sagging upper eyelid skin may cause obstruction to peripheral vision; and in severe cases, interfere with central vision. In some cases, there may be drooping of the lid itself from weakness in the upper eyelid muscle. This results in difficulty opening the eyes fully. Some patients may have neck ache from adjusting their head posture to tilt their chin upwards in an attempt to see below their drooping eyelids, or even brow ache from the constant use of forehead and brow muscles to try to elevate their lids.
Next, lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Most, if not all, issues requiring lower eyelid blepharoplasty are cosmetic in nature.
- Under-Eye Puffiness: Persistent puffiness or bags under the eyes, typically caused by fat herniation and overlying skin laxity
- Tear trough hollowing: Fat and bone resorption around the periorbital area tends to occur with age. This results in under eye or tear trough hollowing, and can accentuate the appearance of an eye bag sited above. This may cast a dark shadow over the under eye area and give rise to a “tired” appearance, despite one’s best efforts to cover up with concealer or use colour correction with makeup.
- Wrinkles and Fine Lines: Prominent wrinkles or fine lines around the eyes that have not responded sufficiently using non-surgical therapies.
If you have any of these symptoms and they are affecting your everyday life or self-esteem, you should seek a consultation with us to discuss if a lower or upper eyelid blepharoplasty would help.
Importance of Age in Considering the Procedure
Age is an important factor in planning a blepharoplasty. As we age, our skin loses elasticity and formerly taut connective tissues beneath can allow underlying fat to herniate forward. Frequent concerns include upper eyelid drooping; wrinkles around the eyes; under eye hollowing and eyebags.
Whilst some patients may feel they are “too old” to do any eyelid surgery, the majority of patients who have visual obstruction from drooping upper eyelids are elderly, as these changes in skin and tissues take place with time and due to ageing. Upper eyelid surgery may be medically indicated in these cases as it will improve vision.
In contrast, younger patients might not have the same issues with loss of skin elasticity and wrinkles. Their concerns might be a heavy or puffy upper eyelid causing difficulty with eye opening; or cosmetic concerns with regards to poorly defined upper lid crease, or tired appearance from under eye bags and tear through hollowing.
Understanding a patient’s concerns is critical in planning age-appropriate treatment options, which may include upper and/or lower blepharoplasty.
Personalised Blepharoplasty Solutions at Asia Pacific Eye Centre
Choosing the appropriate timing for blepharoplasty is a personal decision determined by individual ageing indications, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals. Whether you are a young person dealing with early eyelid concerns, a middle-aged person suffering the effects of ageing, or an elderly patient seeking functional eye rejuvenation, recognising the significance of age in decision-making is critical.
At Asia Pacific Eye Centre, we provide expert consultations and personalised treatment strategies to meet your specific needs. Our skilled team is dedicated to assisting you in achieving the optimal outcomes, ensuring that you look and feel your best. If you’re thinking about any eyelid surgery please contact our clinic to set up a consultation and discuss your condition.
