Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Why might eyelid surgery be considered?

Some people notice changes in the eyelids, which may include skin folds, prominence in the eyelid area, or hollowing beneath the eyes. These changes may involve skin, muscle, or fat around the eyes, and in some cases can also affect vision.

What does eyelid surgery involve?

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can involve the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both.

• Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin from the upper eyelid and may also involve repositioning or removing fat.
• Lower blepharoplasty may involve removing or repositioning fat and skin to change the appearance of puffiness or hollowing beneath the eyes.

The specific approach depends on an individual’s anatomy and clinical circumstances.

Will there be scars from eyelid surgery?

All surgery results in scarring. In blepharoplasty, incisions are usually placed within the natural crease of the upper eyelid or just below the lash line in the lower eyelid. Scars generally become less noticeable over time, though this varies between individuals.

What is the recovery time for eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery is commonly performed as day surgery. Bruising and swelling are expected and usually improve within the first two weeks, although it may take several weeks before the final result is evident. Recovery varies between individuals and depends on the extent of the surgery.

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): Risks and Complications

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure intended to remove excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. While Dr Sophie Ricketts employs rigorous clinical risk management, all invasive surgery carries inherent risks. Patients must consider these complications carefully before deciding to proceed.

General Surgical Risks

• Anaesthesia-Related Complications: Potential adverse reactions to general anaesthesia or local sedation, including respiratory or cardiovascular issues.

• Infection: Post-operative infection at the incision sites, which may require antibiotics or further surgical intervention.

• Haematoma and Bleeding: The accumulation of blood under the skin (haematoma). A rare but critical risk is orbital haematoma (bleeding behind the eye), which is a medical emergency that can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated immediately.

• Poor Wound Healing: Risk of wound breakdown, particularly in patients who smoke or have certain underlying health conditions like diabetes.

Specific Risks of Blepharoplasty

• Permanent Scarring: While incisions are typically placed in the natural folds of the eyelid (upper) or just below the lashes (lower), all surgery results in permanent scars. The final appearance is influenced by individual healing and genetics.

• Dry Eye Syndrome: Surgery can affect the tear film and eyelid closure, leading to chronic dry, gritty, or irritated eyes. This may be temporary or, in some cases, permanent.

• Lagophthalmos (Difficulty Closing Eyes): If too much skin is removed or during the initial swelling phase, you may have difficulty closing your eyes completely, which can lead to corneal damage.

• Ectropion or Entropion: Malpositioning of the lower eyelid where it either turns outward (ectropion) or inward (entropion), potentially requiring corrective surgery.

• Vision Changes: Temporary blurred or double vision is common due to swelling or ointments used during surgery. However, permanent vision impairment or blindness is a rare but documented risk.

• Asymmetry: Variations in healing may result in differences in the shape or height of the eyelid creases between the two sides.

• Ptosis (Drooping Eyelid): Injury to the delicate muscles that lift the upper eyelid can cause a drooping appearance.

• Hollowed Appearance: Over-removal of fat pads can result in a sunken or “hollowed” look that may not meet aesthetic goals.

Your Consultation Process

A consultation with Dr Sophie Ricketts, Specialist Plastic Surgeon, is a comprehensive clinical assessment to determine your suitability for surgery. This process is designed to ensure you are fully informed of the potential risks, expected clinical outcomes, and available non-surgical alternatives relevant to your circumstances.

In accordance with the Medical Board of Australia’s mandatory guidelines for cosmetic surgery:

• Clinical Evaluation: Dr Ricketts will assess your medical history and physical anatomy to determine if the procedure is clinically appropriate.

• Psychological Screening: A mandatory assessment for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and psychological readiness is required for all patients.

• GP Referral: You must provide a valid referral from your General Practitioner prior to your initial consultation.

• Two-Stage Process: A minimum of two pre-operative consultations is required.

• Cooling-Off Period: After your second consultation, a mandatory 7-day cooling-off period must elapse before any surgery can be booked or payments made.