The operation usually takes an hour to 90 minutes. Upper-eyelid blepharoplasty – Your surgeon will make a cut on the natural skin crease just above your eyelid. They will remove any excess skin and fat that is pushing through the muscle.
How Much Time Does an Eyelid Lift Take? Blepharoplasty surgery takes between one and two hours. If you're opting for surgery on just the upper lid or just the lower lid, the procedure takes around an hour. If you're treating both the upper and lower lids, the surgery will last about two hours.
After the first injection, additional “pokes” are performed through the already numb skin. Therefore, the patient feels only a slight stinging as the solution “freezes” the lids. Once complete, the blepharoplasty procedure itself can be performed without discomfort.
Cosmetic eyelid surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, and typically lasts from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending upon whether or not you are having another procedure performed at the same time.
Local anesthesia and intravenous sedation are frequently used for patients undergoing upper eyelid surgery, although general anesthesia may be desirable in some instances.
Make sure that you can safely and comfortably drive a car. This is usually about 5 to 10 days after surgery.
Sleep on your back with your head elevated above your heart for 1 week after surgery. Keeping your head elevated will reduce swelling after surgery. The easiest way to do this is simply with an extra pillow. It is common for wounds to ooze the first few days, so you may want to cover your pillow with an old towel.
You can expect treatment costs to fall within the following ranges: Cost of upper eyelid blepharoplasty – $2,500 – 4,500 (AUD) Cost of lower eyelid blepharoplasty – $2,500 – 4,500 (AUD) Cost of combined upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty – Between $4,500 – 8,000 (AUD)
Walking is considered to be one of the best types of exercise after a Blepharoplasty. Blood circulation is improved and this helps to minimise the risk of blood clots and speed up recovery. You should initially start slowly and carefully and build up gradually over first three weeks.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, this procedure is the most referenced in relation to blepharoplasty. Double eyelid surgery is a procedure suitable for any age group. While most men and women may consider eyelid surgery in their 30s and 40s, there are no rules as to when you can get one.
Results vary, but you should see tighter, brighter, more open eyes in the mirror. The results are often subtle but striking. You'll look natural but more rested and alert and younger. You will probably see a difference in your eyelids after surgery.
Your eyelids will probably look puffy after surgery. The incisions will probably look red, too. The swelling and bruising involved with blepharoplasty recovery tend to resemble a black eye. That is all normal.
A blepharoplasty often will enhance the appearance of a patient's eye area, producing a more youthful and rested appearance but is considered major surgery. Before surgery you should think carefully about your specific expectations and communicate your goals to your plastic surgeon. Complications are rare.
Two different types of stitches are used during blepharoplasty; firstly, dissolvable sutures which use glue to close the skin and therefore do not need to be taken out later. The other type of stitches requires removal after 7-10 days or sometimes longer if the area hasn't settled so well.
Refrain from strenuous exercise like running, jumping or aerobics (walking is fine). Also, be careful to avoid everyday activities such as lifting heavy items, bending over or lying flat, which can increase blood flow to your eyes or put pressure on your healing lids.
If you are planning to have eyelid surgery, you may be worried about your vision being impaired. While this is true for some people, most patients find that their eyesight is only affected for a few days after surgery. In fact, the blurry vision usually clears up within a few hours of surgery.
Head Above Heart:
Keep your head above your heart at all times for at least the first month after your eyelid surgery. You can use multiple pillows or get a wedge pillow for the recovery period. Some people even opt to sleep in their recliner for the first week or so until they get used to sleeping at an incline.
1-2 Weeks After the Eyelid Surgery
You will still have puffiness and swelling around your eyes. It usually subsides within a period of two weeks. The incisions around the eyes will be pinkish-red in colour. Your eyelids will be numb for several days.
Some of the basics for eyelid care following surgery include cold compresses to reduce swelling, eye drops to prevent dry eyes, and an ointment to keep them lubricated. You'll also need to have gauze in the house. If your incision oozes while it heals, you can dab it (don't rub!) with a sterile gauze.
As with any type of surgery, all incisions will result in the formation of a scar although eyelid scars are barely noticeable after six months as they will have faded to a pale white colour.
If you have loose skin that impacts your vision, you may be eligible for the blepharoplasty Medicare rebate. To qualify for blepharoplasty Medicare you must seek an opinion from an Ophthalmologist. You will need to do a test that checks how your loose skin affects your vision.
Eyelid surgery may be covered under limited circumstances through Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) and by Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans if the surgery is deemed medically necessary. When eyelid surgery is specifically for cosmetic purposes, it is not covered by Original Medicare benefits.
Rest Your Eyes
You might notice that your vision is a bit blurry or that your eyes tear up easily. Instead of reading, watching TV or using your tablet or Smartphone during the first phase of your eyelid surgery recovery, find other calm activities that don't depend on your eyes so much.
Lack of full eyelid closure after blepharoplasty can be very challenging and physically uncomfortable. Sleeping and bathing can be difficult and the eyes may feel constantly dry and irritated. There is also a heightened risk of corneal irritation due to exposure of the cornea.
Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications), Vitamin E, herbal supplements or any medications containing these compounds for two weeks before surgery.