Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is increasingly popular among adults seeking to improve facial aesthetics. In 2015, over 200,000 blepharoplasty procedures were performed globally. Whether for cosmetic purposes or to correct functional issues, eyelid correction can significantly affect one’s appearance. 

We’ll discuss the various blepharoplasty techniques, particularly upper and lower eyelid aesthetic surgeries. Additionally, we will highlight Dr. Kevin Ho, a renowned plastic surgeon in Sydney performing these procedures.

What is Eyelid Surgery?

During eyelid surgery, the eyelids are delicately altered to improve appearance and vision. This surgery can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids, depending on the patient’s needs. People get eyelid surgery mainly to improve their appearance and fix vision problems. 

Patients can look younger by letting a surgeon eliminate extra skin, fat, and fine lines. Also, loose skin that gets in the way of seeing can be removed, improving vision. Many get eyelid surgery to fix issues like droopy upper eyes, wrinkles, puffiness, and extra skin or fat. 

This, in turn, helps patients look more refreshed. Eyelid surgery should only be done by a trained optometrist or plastic surgeon. Patients should also have fair hopes and get a full consultation to ensure they are a good fit. 

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Upper eyelid surgery is an aesthetic treatment that removes extra skin, muscle, and fat on the upper eyes. This process works especially well on common problems like drooping eyes and puffiness, making you look tired or older than your age. By focusing on these areas, the treatment can improve the eyes’ function and appearance, making the person look younger. Some benefits of upper eyelid surgery include:

• Less Excess Skin: The procedure eliminates sagging skin that can hang over the eyes, which is often a major concern for those seeking this surgery.
• Improved Vision: By clearing any obstruction caused by drooping eyelids, the surgery can significantly enhance peripheral vision, making daily activities safer and more enjoyable.
• Rejuvenated Appearance: The removal of excess tissue creates a more alert and youthful look, boosting self-confidence and providing a sense of rejuvenation.

Before upper eyelid surgery, patients should understand the procedure and recovery process. Being informed ensures realistic expectations and a smoother postoperative experience. 

1. Consultation: The initial consultation with the surgeon is crucial for discussing personal goals, expectations, and concerns. The surgeon will assess the patient’s eyelid anatomy and recommend the best approach.
2. Anesthesia: Depending on the complexity of the surgery and the patient’s comfort level, either local anaesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia is administered to ensure a painless experience.
3. Incision: A small incision is made along the eyelid’s natural crease, which helps minimise visible scarring. The precise placement of the incision is carefully planned to blend seamlessly with the eyelid’s natural contours.
4. Tissue Removal: Excess skin, muscle, and fat are meticulously removed to achieve the desired result. The surgeon may also reposition some tissues to enhance the contour and overall appearance.
5. Closure: The incision is closed with fine sutures, which are typically removed within a week. The surgeon will provide detailed instructions on how to care for the incision site to promote optimal healing.

Recovery typically involves mild swelling and bruising, which subside within 7-10 days. Patients can usually return to normal activities in about two weeks, although strenuous activities should be avoided until full healing. 

The final results of the surgery become more apparent as the swelling continues to resolve, revealing a more youthful appearance. Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon are important to monitor the healing process and address concerns.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Bottom eye lift surgery focuses on the skin just below the eyes. This process covers typical skin issues like lines, dark circles under the eyes, and eye bags. This process is for people who want to eliminate discomfort and look more attractive. Lower eyelid surgery can make you look more refreshed by removing or shifting extra skin. Some benefits of this surgery include:

• Reduced Eye Bags and Puffiness: Lower eyelid surgery removes excess fat and tightens skin around the lower eyelids, reducing under-eye bags and puffiness. This creates a smoother contour, making the eyes more alert and vibrant. The surgery helps individuals look more youthful, enhancing their overall facial appearance.
• Diminished Wrinkles and Fine Lines: In addition to reducing eye bags, lower eyelid surgery targets wrinkles around the eyes. The procedure improves skin texture and tone by tightening the skin and addressing the causes of these wrinkles, making individuals look more rejuvenated.
• Improved Vision and Reduced Eye Strain: Lower eyelid surgery offers functional improvements beyond cosmetic benefits. Removing excess skin and fat can improve peripheral vision and reduce eye strain, leading to a more comfortable and relaxed appearance.

Before undergoing lower eyelid surgery, patients should understand the procedure and recovery process. This helps set realistic expectations and better preparation. Here’s what you can expect during recovery.

1. Consultation: The process begins with an initial consultation with a qualified Sydney plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, examine the eye area, and determine the best surgical approach tailored to your needs.
2. Anesthesia: Either local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia is administered to ensure comfort during the procedure.
3. Incision: The surgeon makes a precise incision either just below the lash line or inside the lower eyelid, depending on the technique best suited for your case.
4. Tissue Removal/Adjustment: Through the incision, the surgeon carefully removes or repositions excess fat, skin, and muscle. This step is crucial for addressing puffiness and achieving a more natural contour.
5. Closure: The incision is meticulously closed with sutures or surgical glue. In some cases, a laser may be used to aid in the process and minimise scarring.

Post-surgery, patients typically experience swelling and bruising, which are common and expected parts of the healing process. These symptoms usually subside within two weeks. During this recovery period, following the surgeon’s aftercare instructions is essential, which may include applying cold compresses, keeping the head elevated, and avoiding strenuous activities. 

Most patients find that they can resume their normal activities within 10-14 days, although complete healing and final results may take a few months to manifest fully. Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon ensure the healing process is on track and promptly address concerns.

Differences Between Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery

Upper eyelid surgery and lower eyelid surgery are two cosmetic treatments used to correct problems around the eyes. Knowing the main differences between these treatments can help people choose the one that best meets their needs.

Purpose

Upper eyelid surgery is mostly about getting rid of extra skin and muscle, which can make your eyes look better and help you see better. Lower eyelid surgery, on the other hand, removes puffiness, eye bags, and lines under the eyes to make the person look younger and more refreshed.

Procedure

Each operation is performed differently. During upper eyelid surgery, an incision is made along the upper eyelid’s natural crease, allowing the surgeon to remove any extra tissue carefully. Lower eyelid surgery can be done by incision inside the lower eyelid or below the lash line, depending on the patient’s needs.

Recovery

The recovery process also differs between the two procedures. Upper eyelid surgery typically results in mild swelling and bruising, with a recovery period of 7-10 days. Lower eyelid surgery often leads to more pronounced swelling and bruising, requiring a recovery time of up to two weeks.

While each procedure offers unique benefits, they are often performed together to rejuvenate the eye area comprehensively. Combining upper and lower eyelid surgery allows patients to address multiple concerns and achieve a more harmonious, youthful appearance.

Our experienced team is here to provide you with clear, detailed information and supportive advice on eyelid correction.

Eye Bag Removal in Sydney

During an eye bag plastic surgery, the surgeon removes or repositions excess fat and skin around the lower eyelids, smoothing contours and minimising eye bags. This is usually done through an incision below the lash line or inside the lower eyelid, allowing the surgeon to address the underlying causes. 

By sculpting the delicate eye area, the surgeon can achieve natural-looking results that enhance the face’s overall appearance and youthfulness. The procedure can provide a more alert look in the eye area.

Dr. Kevin Ho, a distinguished Sydney plastic surgeon, has guided many patients to their cosmetic goals through eyelid surgery. As a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and a Member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), he upholds the highest standards of expertise and professionalism.

During lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Ho uses the latest techniques and technologies to ensure minimal scarring and a comfortable recovery. His attention to detail and commitment to patient satisfaction have earned him recognition as one of Sydney’s top plastic surgeons. 

Book a Consultation with Dr. Ho

Choosing the Right Surgeon for Eyelid Surgery

Selecting a qualified and experienced surgeon is crucial for achieving optimal results from your cosmetic eyelid surgery. When researching potential surgeons, consider the following factors:

• Credentials: Ensure the surgeon is board-certified by the relevant medical boards and has specialised training in cosmetic eyelid surgery. This indicates that the surgeon has met rigorous standards and possesses the necessary expertise to perform the procedure safely and effectively.
• Experience: Seek out a surgeon with extensive experience performing upper and lower eyelid surgeries. An experienced surgeon will have a comprehensive understanding of the delicate anatomy of the eyelids and will be able to tailor the procedure to your specific needs.
• Consultations: Arrange consultations to discuss your goals and evaluate the surgeon’s approach. During these consultations, observe the surgeon’s communication style, willingness to answer your questions, and overall bedside manner. A reputable surgeon will take the time to listen to your concerns and collaborate with you to develop a customised treatment plan.

Dr. Kevin Ho, a highly skilled plastic surgeon in Sydney, exemplifies these qualities, making him an excellent choice for your eyelid surgery needs. With his extensive experience, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to patient satisfaction, Dr. Ho can help you achieve the rejuvenated and natural look you desire.

Contact Us to Learn More About Eyelid Surgery

Ready to take the next step? Contact Dr. Kevin Ho’s office to schedule a consultation and learn more about how eyelid surgery can enhance your appearance. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process.

Phone: 02 9650 4900

Address: Prince of Wales Private Hospital, Barker St, Suite 10, Level 7, Randwick NSW 2031

We look forward to helping you achieve a rejuvenated with expertly performed eyelid surgery in Sydney, Australia.