If you’re considering eyelid surgery (known as blepharoplasty), researching is an important first step. Although the surgery can have great results for many, it’s also a significant decision that should be made with deliberation. Awareness of both the pros and cons will help you gain perspective in deciding whether you want to go ahead. Read on to learn what you need to know about the procedure.
1. The different types of blepharoplasty
The first thing to know is that not all blepharoplasty surgeries are the same. Each surgery is tailored to the unique needs of the person, and they generally fall into two categories: upper and lower.
Upper blepharoplasty, as the name suggests, addresses the upper eyelids; and lower blepharoplasty targets the lower eyelids. You might choose one or the other, or even both, depending on your reasons for getting surgery. This brings us to point number 2:
2. The reasons for surgery
Before your consultation with a surgeon, you’ll need to have an idea of your reasons for pursuing surgery. This will set you up for a more productive conversation with your surgeon in which you can express your needs and get appropriate advice.
There are many reasons to consider this procedure, such as concerns about:
- Excess eyelid skin that rests on the upper lashes
- Low or descended brows
- Excess skin or fat tissue on the lower eyelids
- Obscured vision due to excess upper eyelid skin
3. How to prepare for your consultation
If you’ve considered your motivations and are still keen on surgery, it might be time to take the next step and book a consultation. A consultation with a qualified surgeon is a crucial step, as it facilitates communication between you and your surgeon so that you can be on the same page. You will be able to talk about your hopes and desires, as well as any fears or uncertainties. Your surgeon will then explain your options and help you through the decision-making process.
Preparing for your consultation might involve thinking carefully about your goals, and constructing a list of questions. Questions you might ask your surgeon include:
- What can I achieve with this surgery?
- Am I a good candidate?
- What are my anaesthesia options?
- What’s involved in aftercare and recovery?
- What are the risks?
You may also ask the surgeon about his qualifications and experience, since this will help you decide if you want to choose that particular surgeon. Good surgeons should have no problem with providing their credentials to help you make that decision.
4. How to prepare for surgery
Preparation for surgery is something you’ll need to discuss with your surgeon. It might involve quitting certain habits such as smoking. You might also be advised to stop taking certain blood-thinning medications. You should follow any other instructions given by your surgeon, as they may pertain to your specific health and circumstances.
In general, it’s a good idea to stay fit and healthy, since the healthier you are, the greater will be your body’s ability to heal afterwards.
5. Who are suitable candidates
A suitable candidate should be aware of the potential risks of the surgery. They should also have an idea of, realistically, what can be achieved. Suitable candidates should be healthy, with no significant underlying conditions. Generally, blepharoplasty is suitable for people who have moderate or severe eyelid laxity. Someone with only mild skin laxity or ageing might like to consider non-surgical options first, before getting surgery. If in doubt, you can find out whether you’re a candidate by speaking one-on-one with a qualified surgeon such as Dr Jeremy Hunt in Sydney.
6. The costs involved
Before committing to getting blepharoplasty, you’ll need to think about the financial aspect. Costs are something every patient should think about and discuss with their surgeon in order to be fully prepared. Costs will depend, to some extent, on what exactly your surgery involves. A more in-depth surgery on both the upper and lower eyelids might be more costly than a less complex upper blepharoplasty.
7. What to expect during surgery
Another thing to think about is what to actually expect during surgery. There are some different anaesthesia options, such as general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation. Once this has taken effect, your surgeon will make incisions to remove the required excess tissue.
8. What to expect in recovery
Recovery is one of the most important things to consider. Expect to have some swelling and soreness. You’ll need to make the necessary preparations beforehand, like taking time off work, getting someone to drive you home, and having support around the house (especially if you have young children). The recovery instructions might include:
- Sleep with your head elevated
- Don’t rub your eyes
- Stay hydrated
- Take enough time to rest
- Protect your eyes from sunlight
- Report any concerning symptoms
You can read more about recovery here.
9. What results to expect
While surgery, in many cases, gives patients the outcomes they want, no surgery is perfect. A qualified surgeon will endeavour to give you an outcome that you desire, while preserving your health in line with medical practices. A big part of managing your expectations is to speak about what’s realistic with your surgeon. You should also be aware that results won’t be seen straight away, as you’ll need to undergo the healing process first.
10. Potential side effects
Among the reasons to consider blepharoplasty, it’s also important to know about the potential risks and side effects. You can somewhat mitigate risks by choosing a well-qualified surgeon and doing your due diligence in terms of preparation and aftercare. However, even if you do everything right, there will still be risks. These can include infection, anaesthesia complications, unwanted outcomes, poor scarring, and bleeding.
Reasons to choose Dr Hunt for blepharoplasty in Sydney
While your own research is important, the only way to truly know if blepharoplasty is an option for you is to speak to a blepharoplasty surgeon. When looking for a surgeon, you should ensure that you choose someone qualified, with a good track record of successful surgeries. Dr Hunt is a trained and certified plastic surgeon in Sydney, ready to share his knowledge to help you along your surgical journey. Get in touch with us to learn more.
