It’s quite common to combine multiple procedures together, including a facelift (rhytidectomy) with a blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).
While they focus on different areas of the face, the two procedures can work well together for those who are dealing with signs of ageing in both the upper and lower parts of the face.
The facelift focuses on the mid to lower face and neck, while blepharoplasty addresses excess skin and fine lines on the upper or lower eyelids.
For those considering surgery to address signs of facial ageing, combining procedures can sometimes make more sense than undergoing them separately, both in terms of recovery time and the results that can be achieved comprehensively. However, it may not be the best choice for everyone.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the factors to consider when you’re thinking about combining the two procedures, including when it may be helpful and how it affects recovery.
What each procedure is designed to achieve
A facelift focuses on tissue laxity on the mid to lower face. It works by tightening and repositioning deeper tissue layers (typically the SMAS layer), as well as removing excess skin. It’s not traditionally designed to focus on the forehead or the eye area.
Blepharoplasty, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the eyelids. Upper eyelid surgery removes or repositions excess skin and fat above the eyes, while lower blepharoplasty often addresses puffiness beneath the eyes, usually by removing or redistributing fat and tightening the skin.
Why some patients combine the two procedures
There are a few reasons why a patient may decide to combine these two procedures together, having them both performed at the same time.
Combining procedures can mean only having one period of recovery – while it may be slightly longer and involve following additional recovery instructions, it prevents needing to go through two separate recoveries after undergoing two isolated procedures.
From a surgical and results-driven point of view, it may also be more efficient. The surgeon has a full view of the face in one session and can plan the procedures in a way that makes sure the upper and lower areas of the face remain in proportion.
How taking a combined approach can influence recovery
Recovery after a combined facelift and blepharoplasty can be slightly more extensive and a little longer than the recovery from either one on its own.
In the first week or so, it’s normal to have swelling and bruising across the lower face, neck and around the eyes. The area around the eyelids may feel tight, and the cheeks and jawline may feel heavy or numb. Cold compresses and elevation help manage swelling, and most people are often able to walk around the house after a few days.
If stitches are placed that will need to be removed, the stitches may need to be removed at different times from the different areas. For example, the stitches used to perform the blepharoplasty component of the surgery may be removed after about a week, while the facelift incisions may need to wait a little longer.
While a combined approach can influence recovery, recovery will also depend on the details of the procedure, and how it was performed. Different techniques can be used and different types of facelifts can be performed, as we briefly mentioned earlier, which will also influence recovery.
What to consider when it comes to risks and complications
When it comes to the specific risks and complications that are associated with the procedure, a combined approach will mean that both the risks of a blepharoplasty and a facelift will need to be considered.
As with any surgery, general risks include complications like bleeding, infection, scarring and asymmetry. There are then more specific risks of each type of surgical procedure – for example, with a blepharoplasty, the procedure is performed close to the eyes, which can mean following more instructions to protect the area and prevent complications during recovery.
Since combining two surgeries will also extend the procedure, the total time under anaesthesia is extended, which will also need to be taken into consideration when assessing a patient’s suitability for a combined approach.
Essentially, a careful pre-operative assessment will help to minimise the possible risks and complications of taking a combined approach. Using careful techniques and setting effective recovery instructions will also help.
Who may not be suitable for a combined approach
Not everyone is a good candidate for combining procedures.
When it comes to the need for a combined approach, if a candidate only has mild signs of ageing around the eyes but more advanced skin laxity in other areas of the face, a surgeon may recommend only undergoing a facelift until a blepharoplasty may be appropriate in the future. The same may be true if only the skin around the eyes seems to be the candidate’s focus when it comes to the results that they want to achieve.
Importantly, each candidate’s health needs to be the ultimate deciding factor. To undergo a combined procedure, a candidate must be in good general health and able to undergo a more extensive surgery, with a longer amount of time under anaesthesia. Candidates should also be able to complete a slightly longer and more extensive recovery.
While you can get some idea of whether or not a combined approach may be necessary when thinking about your goals and looking at your facial tissue, the only way to get a definitive answer is to have a consultation with a surgeon who can perform either procedure.
Discuss your suitability for a combined facelift and blepharoplasty with Dr Hunt in Sydney
For a detailed assessment of your suitability for a facelift and/or blepharoplasty procedure, you are welcome to schedule a consultation with Dr Hunt.
Not only will your consultation allow you to find out if you are suitable for a combined procedure, but it will provide you with all of the important information that you’ll need to know beforehand – including what to expect throughout the process.
When you’re ready to book your consultation or if you would simply like to ask some questions, please get in touch with our Sydney-based team.
