M L
AESTHETICS
UPPER EYELIDS BLEPHAROPLASTY
By Mr Ali Juma
Blepharoplasty refers to cosmetic surgery of upper and / or lower eyelids . The terminology is synonymous with eye bags removal , and is commonly described as such in social media and the World Wide Web . In this article I will discuss cosmetic surgery of the upper lids .
Aulus Cornelius Celsus , a citizen of Rome in the first century AD , first described the procedure of upper eyelids blepharoplasty . Von Gräfe coined the term blepharoplasty in 1818 and the procedure was used in cancer reconstruction at that time
This procedure is designed to reduce eyelid skin excess and when present also fat excess . In the case when only skin excess warrants removal the procedure is termed by some experts as “ set back time surgery ”.
Due to ageing , the skin of the upper eyelids can develop deep creases in addition to excess . The skin excess is given the descriptive medical name dermatochalasis . The skin excess results from the upper eyelid skin laxity and in a large proportions of cases also brow descent , ( brow descent is known as brow ptosis ). The brow ptosis causes the skin of the brow and eyelids to exhibit more visible skin excess contributing to the tired look .
In my practice I see a number of patients who wish to undergo upper eyelids surgery only ; however , the gold standard would be to perform the upper eyelids surgery and also a mechanical brow lift which improves the results and adds longevity to the outcome of surgery . In this case , what the patient desires may not be the most optimal choice surgically . This gives me the privilege as the expert to advise my patient as to what procedure may be in their best interest , however , it is very important to stress that the decision ultimately is the patient ’ s .
It is important to explain that mechanical brow lift surgery could be more than some patients are prepared to undergo at the same time as upper eyelids blepharoplasties . In this case wrinkle-relaxing injections combined with dermal fillers at a later date could be beneficial in improving the brows ’ position giving the effect of a lift .
In a very small number of patients the upper eyelid / s sit lower than expected . This is a condition known as upper eyelids ptosis , which may warrant correction in some cases . As a result a Plastic Surgeon and an Ophthalmologist may work together to deal with both surgeries simultaneously .
A more rejuvenated look could be achieved with upper eyelids blepharoplasty . In my opinion , not only is it one of the most common procedures performed in the face it is also one of the most effective procedures in the appropriately selected patient . I would stress appropriate patient selection is paramount .
WHAT TO EXPECT : Upper eyelid surgery maybe carried out under a local or general anaesthetic as a day case . Either anaesthetic would be a personal patient ’ s preference .
The patient is asked to sleep on a couple of extra pillows for three days after surgery in order to minimise swelling . I ask my patients to use a V shaped pillow to stop the head from laying on one side or
74 merseylife . com