As we age, the skin loses its natural elasticity and develops a sagging appearance due to effects of gravity known as dermatochalasis. Blepharoplasty is an operation to remove excess skin, muscle or fat from the upper or lower eyelids. It is the most effective operation in giving a more youthful appearance to the face with the added advantage that it can be performed relatively quickly without the need for general anaesthesia. It can also be done for functional reasons if the excess skin is interfering with vision by being in the line of sight.
Before considering surgery, a thorough eye examination with a slit lamp is essential to avoid potential sight loss or lifelong adverse symptoms. It is also important to have a full eye examination to avoid a misdiagnosis with other conditions such as ptosis (droopy eyelids). A full blepharoplasty assessment can only be performed by an oculoplastic surgeon.
Once the decision has been made that surgery is indicated, careful planning is needed to get the best cosmetic result while retaining a natural look. Unfortunately it is very easy to remove too much skin and other other tissue, Over-correction for the upper lid can lead to an inability to close the eyes fully.
Over-correction of the lower lid can cause an undesirable peaked appearance at outer corner of the eye (lateral canthus) or lower lid pulled down with tension (ectropion).
In general the results are slightly more predictable and recovery is generally quicker from an upper lid blepharoplasty compared to a lower lid blepharoplasty. Swelling and bruising tends to last longer in the lower lid whereas it can settle within 2 weeks for upper eyelid surgery. In the right hands both upper and lower lid blepharoplasty can transform facial appearance for the better and reverse the signs of ageing by decades.
Read more about blepharoplasty and see real before and after surgery pictures on Mr Yadav's dedicated page: