Why Do People Have Blepharoplasty Surgery?
Individuals looking to change the appearance of their eyelids may consider blepharoplasty, commonly called eyelid surgery. The surgery can address a range of concerns, including descending eyelids and excess skin.
For some patients, the decision to undergo blepharoplasty is not only for cosmetic purposes but also for medical reasons. Excess skin on the upper eyelids can sometimes impair vision by obstructing the field of sight, making daily activities like driving or reading challenging. Blepharoplasty can remove this excess skin, potentially increasing the patient’s field of vision.
Moreover, blepharoplasty can also correct asymmetry in the eyelids. This surgery is suitable for individuals who, due to genetics or ageing, have excess skin or wrinkles around their eyes. At Vie by Fraser Kirk, we cater to these needs with a personalised approach that considers each patient’s unique facial characteristics.
Our Philosophy on Blepharoplasty
At Vie by Fraser Kirk on the Sunshine Coast, we approach blepharoplasty with the philosophy that each procedure should address the patient’s specific needs while maintaining the functional integrity of the eyelids. Dr Grant Fraser Kirk and his team focus on achieving results that are harmonious with the rest of the patient’s facial features.
We believe in a conservative approach, removing just the right amount of skin and fat to achieve the desired outcome without compromising the health and functionality of the eyelids. This method helps ensure that the results not only achieve the patient’s aesthetic goals but also address issues with visual function when necessary. Our consultations are thorough, involving detailed discussions about the patient’s goals, the specifics of the procedure, and what they can expect in terms of outcomes.
Patient education is a priority for us, and we ensure that each patient understands the potential benefits and limitations of blepharoplasty. By setting realistic expectations and providing comprehensive pre-operative and post-operative care, we strive to ensure that our patients are fully prepared and satisfied with their surgery outcomes.
Suitable Candidates for Eyelid Surgery
To ensure that you are a suitable candidate, you’ll have a consultation to discuss your health, medical history, personal concerns and expectations. The condition of your eyelids will also be assessed, focusing on the amount of excess skin and any functional issues that it may be causing, such as interfering with clear vision.
A suitable candidate for blepharoplasty should be in good overall health, without any uncontrolled health conditions that could impair healing. Patients should also be non-smokers, as smoking can interfere with recovery. Generally, those who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding should not undergo surgery. Having realistic expectations for the results of the surgery will also be important. You will have a highly personalised procedure plan for blepharoplasty and be able to discuss what you can expect for your personalised results.
The Surgical Process for Eyelid Surgery
The surgical process for blepharoplasty at Vie by Fraser Kirk is carefully planned and executed to meet each patient’s specific requirements. The procedure begins with a detailed pre-operative assessment where Dr Grant Fraser Kirk evaluates the patient’s facial anatomy and discusses their aesthetic goals. This evaluation helps determine whether upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both procedures are necessary to achieve the desired outcome. Blepharoplasty is typically performed under local anaesthesia combined with sedation.
During the upper eyelid surgery, Dr Fraser Kirk makes incisions within the natural creases of the eyelids. This strategic placement helps reduce the visibility of scars. Through these incisions, excess skin and, if required, small amounts of fat are removed. For the lower eyelids, incisions are made just below the lash line or, in some cases, inside the eyelid (a transconjunctival approach). This approach reduces scar visibility and removes or distributes fat under the eyes.
The duration of the blepharoplasty can vary but generally lasts between one and three hours, depending on the complexity and whether both the upper and lower eyelids are involved. Dr Fraser Kirk meticulously applies surgical techniques that aim to preserve the natural structure of the eyelids while ensuring that the changes made complement the overall facial structure. These techniques are crucial for managing the delicate tissue of the eyelids and achieving outcomes that address both cosmetic and functional concerns.
Costs of Blepharoplasty
The total cost of your procedure will include multiple components, including surgeon’s fees, anaesthesia fees, and hospital fees. The personalised details of your surgery, such as the complexity and length of the surgery, will be one factor that will influence these fees.
As a general guide, surgeon’s fees typically reflect your surgeon’s experience level, and factors like the complexity of the procedure. Anaesthesia fees will depend on the type of anaesthesia being administered, as well as the experience level of the anaesthetist. Your anaesthetist will be present throughout the procedure to monitor the anaesthesia, making the total procedure time another possible factor. Hospital or clinic fees cover the use of the surgical facility, equipment, and staff. These fees can vary depending on the specific hospital and other factors, such as the time spent in the operating theatre.
When you have your consultation at Vie by Fraser Kirk on the Sunshine Coast, you’ll be able to discuss your costs in further detail based on your individual needs and the details of your procedure.
While it is important to consider costs, you should always choose a highly experienced and qualified surgeon to perform your eyelid surgery.
Blepharoplasty and Medicare Cover
In cases where eyelid surgery is considered to be medically necessary, Medicare and private health insurance may cover a portion of the procedure’s total costs. An example of a medically necessary reason to undergo blepharoplasty is when excessive eyelid skin interferes with the patient’s vision and needs to be surgically removed.
To be eligible for Medicare cover, you’ll need to meet Medicare’s requirements and be able to clearly demonstrate the medical necessity of the procedure. You will typically need a GP or specialist referral and supporting documentation.
Private health cover will depend on your provider and the level of cover you have. We recommend checking with your provider before undergoing the procedure. To learn more about Medicare cover eligibility, you can discuss your reasons for undergoing eyelid surgery during your consultation, so that we can provide you with advice based on your personal circumstances.
Aftercare and Recovery
Following a blepharoplasty procedure, patients receive comprehensive aftercare instructions to help prevent complications and promote healing. Swelling and bruising around the eyes are common initial reactions and are expected to decrease gradually over the first few weeks. To aid in reducing swelling, patients are advised to use cold compresses and maintain their heads in an elevated position, especially when sleeping. It is also recommended that patients refrain from engaging in strenuous physical activities and heavy lifting for several weeks to avoid exacerbating swelling or causing bleeding.
Patients can return to work and resume their normal daily routines within 10 to 14 days after surgery, although individual recovery times may vary. Dr Fraser Kirk ensures ongoing assessment of the recovery process through scheduled follow-up appointments. These sessions allow for the monitoring of the healing process, removal of sutures if present, and addressing any patient concerns. Patients are instructed to avoid rubbing their eyes and to protect the delicate skin around the eyes from excessive sunlight by wearing sunglasses, which helps prevent complications and promotes healing of the eyelid area.
The visible changes from blepharoplasty will become more noticeable as the swelling subsides, which can take a few weeks to several months. Throughout this period, our medical team is available to provide continuous support and guidance, ensuring that patients remain comfortable and well-informed about their recovery progress.
Managing Scars after Eyelid Surgery
While any surgical procedure can leave scars, the visibility of scarring will ultimately depend on the placement of the incision, your surgeon’s techniques and how well the incision heals after the procedure.
Dr Fraser Kirk can use techniques to minimise scarring, and you will be able to discuss the placement of your incisions during your consultation. To help your incisions heal, we will provide you with comprehensive recovery instructions to follow.
Generally, after the procedure, keeping the surgical area clean and avoiding any unnecessary touching or rubbing can help prevent infection, which could worsen scarring. You may be able to apply topical antibiotic ointments, which can further prevent infection and support healing. Once the incisions have healed, wearing sunglasses when outdoors to shield the area from excessive UV ray exposure can also prevent scarring from darkening.
Based on the individualised details of your surgery, you can discuss what to expect in terms of scars after blepharoplasty and how to reduce any visible scarring during your consultation.
Risks
Blepharoplasty, like any surgical procedure, entails inherent risks, all of which are thoroughly explained by Dr Grant Fraser Kirk during pre-operative consultations. Common risks associated with this type of surgery include infection, reactions to anaesthesia, and bleeding. In addition, there may be temporary or, in rare cases, permanent changes in vision, instances of dry eyes, or difficulty in fully closing the eyes. Other specific risks linked to blepharoplasty include asymmetry in the positioning of the eyelids, noticeable scarring, and occasionally, the necessity for revision surgery if the initial results do not meet the expected outcomes.
While uncommon, more severe complications such as ectropion, which is the outward turning of the eyelid, may also occur. To minimise these risks, we adhere to rigorous surgical standards and protocols, ensuring that each step of the procedure is conducted with the utmost precision and care. We conduct detailed patient health assessments during the consultation period, which include previous surgeries, current medications, history of allergic reactions, and medical conditions to determine factors that can affect the outcomes of blepharoplasty.
Patients are strongly encouraged to adhere closely to all pre-operative and post-operative instructions and attend every scheduled follow-up appointment. This is crucial for identifying and promptly managing any potential complications. The commitment at Vie by Fraser Kirk is to achieve the desired clinical outcomes while taking into consideration the patient’s overall health.