When patients come to me and they are considering options for eyelid treatments, or what we call the periorbital region, I need to consider non-surgical and surgical options to address the brow, the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid.
Non-Surgical Options for Eyes
Medical grade skincare programs, such as chemical peels or laser resurfacing, can help address fine lines and wrinkles around the eye. Cosmetic injectables are another solution. Let’s talk about the two most common options that we have used in our clinic.
- Anti Wrinkle Injections
Anti-wrinkle injections can be used around the eyes to control the muscles that create wrinkles, caused by repetitive expression. These wrinkles are commonly referred to as crow’s feet at the outer end of the eye which often happen with squinting and smiling. Anti-wrinkle injections in the crow’s feet area can also create an elevation of the outer part of the brow and this is known as a chemical brow lift and can be an early solution to heaviness to the brow. Above the inner part of the eyebrow, there can be frown lines that give an angry appearance or a sign of frustration and these can be addressed with anti-wrinkle injections. Read more about Anti-Wrinkle Injections FAQs. - Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers can be used to increase volume and are used to create an elevation of the brow. The dermal fillers can also be used to mask the crease in the lower eyelid known as the “tear trough”. Increasing the volume in the tear trough can give a improved appearance.
For patients wanting a long-lasting solution, there are a number of surgical options to be considered.
See the Non-Surgical Photo Gallery for examples
Browlift Sydney – Eyelid Surgical Options for the Brow
With age, there may be a loss of volume behind the brow as well as descent of the brow and the arch appearance of the brow can be lost. Surgical rejuvenation of the brow is designed not necessarily to elevate the brow and create a startled appearance, but more so to create an arch to the brow with the outer brow being higher than the inner brow and also reflecting fullness in volume.
Combinations of volume, such as fat injections, can be used to plump the brow and elevation of the brow can be used to address the inner brow, middle brow or outer brow through surgical procedures such as a temporal brow lift or endoscopic brow lift or a full open brow lift.
The key to surgical intervention of the brow, is an approach that is designed for each individual patient, addressing the patient’s specific needs.
Upper Blepharoplasty -Upper Eyelid Surgery Sydney
With the signs of ageing and laxity of skin, there can be excess skin in the upper eyelid that hangs over the upper eyelid crease. The area of skin between the upper eyelid crease and the eyelashes is known as the tarsal platform and this is where women often wear eye shadow. If excess skin stops women wearing eye shadow, the tarsal platform is covered by excess skin and this can be addressed by removing the excess skin in the form of upper blepharoplasty.
If the excess skin extends out onto the eye socket on the outer part of the eye, the incision can be extended to address what we term lateral hooding to remove that excess fold of skin that sits in over the crow’s feet.
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors, including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Lower Blepharoplasty – Lower Eyelid Surgery Sydney
The lower eyelid is made up of three components, being the outer layer of skin, the middle layer of muscle and the inner layer of fat. Surgical eyelid options will sometimes need to address only the fat and this can be performed via a transconjunctival, lower blepharoplasty with the incision inside the eyelid.
The excess fat can be removed or it can be repositioned to fill the tear trough and create a seamless junction between the eyelid and the cheek. If the problem is related to excess skin on the lower eyelid, then that will need to be addressed with removal of skin and the incision is then located under the eyelashes, often with an extension out into one of the crow’s feet at the side of the eyes.
Subciliary or transconjunctival blepharoplasty are the terms we use to describe eyelid surgery when it is performed from the outside through the skin (subciliary) or from the inside to address the fat (transconjunctival).
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors, including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
How long is recovery after Blepharoplasty – Eyelid Surgery?
It normally takes around a week to 10 days for any swelling to subside following surgery to the eyelids. As the swelling can affect vision, it’s a good idea to take at least a week off work, if not two.
As with all surgery, there are things you can do to speed up your recovery time, like plenty of bed rest, limiting physical activity, eating well, drinking plenty of fluids and getting lots of sleep. Clear your work schedule and social commitments for the advised length of time and follow Dr Hunt’s instructions to in order to aid in a successful recovery.
For more information about Eyelid options & Blepharoplasty
- Visit Dr Hunt’s Eyelid Surgery page
- See the past patient Before and After Eye Surgery Gallery
- Read the blog How to Get Rid of Hooded Eyelids
Further Reading on Facial Surgery
- Read Midface Lift Sydney – Cheek Lifting Surgery
- Read Patient Case Study of Ear Surgery Otoplasty
- Read Patient Case Study of Chin Surgery – Advanced Genioplasty
About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Plastic Surgeon
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia.
He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.
Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has ensured that thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia have received high quality surgical care.
Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education
Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgery. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.
Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
- Find out more about pricing, medical payment plans and paying for your surgery
- Request more information about the procedure – call on 1300 157 200 or contact us
- Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.
