The eyes are one of the most prominent facial features. They’re the focus of attention when we interact with others and the main point of expression on our faces.
Since our eyes play such a large role in how we appear to others, it makes sense that we can become conscious of how they look. It’s common to become concerned with how our eyes appear, their shape, the position of the eyelids, and wrinkles. This is because, in addition to the eyes being very prominent features, they are also one of the first areas to show signs of ageing as we get older.
One common method for addressing signs of ageing around the eyes (such as eyelid laxity and wrinkles) is upper lid blepharoplasty. You can learn about this procedure at a consultation with Dr Choa at Rodin Clinic Perth.
Common concerns about eyelid appearance
Before pursuing a procedure such as upper lid blepharoplasty, it can help to understand why a person may become dissatisfied with their eyelid appearance.
Lots of factors can contribute to how our eye areas look, including sun damage, ageing, dehydration, genetics, and the frequent use of facial muscles. These factors can contribute to the development of wrinkles and the stretching of the eyelid skin, also called dermatochalasis. Additionally, some of the fat that supports the eyeball may become more noticeable with time. Sometimes this needs to be conservatively removed.
Therefore, anyone concerned about these issues should avoid sunburn, smoking, and dehydration. They should also strive to eat a healthy diet, get enough rest, and maintain a good skincare regimen.
Who can get upper blepharoplasty?
Upper lid blepharoplasty surgery is generally for people whose eyelid skin has become stretched or low-positioned. This effect of excess skin can cause a number of potential issues:
- Excess eyelid skin causes problems with vision
- Excess eyelid skin causes redness and irritation
- Cosmetic concerns about the eyes’ appearance
To know if you are a candidate for upper lid blepharoplasty, you will need to consult a plastic surgeon with experience performing the procedure. Dr Choa at Rodin Clinic Perth can consult with you and recommend a suitable treatment.
Generally, a good candidate is someone who has concerns about any of the above issues. They are also healthy, at a stable weight, and do not smoke.
What does upper blepharoplasty do?
To understand whether upper blepharoplasty can be a solution for you, it may help to know what the procedure actually does.
Upper lid blepharoplasty is a surgical facial procedure involving incisions, risks, and a recovery period. It is performed by plastic surgeons, with the aim of reducing excess skin on the upper eyelids. By reducing this excess skin (and depending on the patient’s specific needs), the procedure can help with both eyelid function and appearance.
During the procedure, Dr. Choa carefully makes incisions in the natural upper eyelid creases. The amount of tissue to be removed will depend on the patient’s personal needs and treatment plan. Then, the edges of the skin are brought together and secured with sutures.
The process is typically comfortable due to the use of local anaesthetic, and may take around 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the case.
What to expect in an upper lid blepharoplasty consultation
Consultations are a big part of the surgical process. They are the starting point for the planning phase, where you and your surgeon discuss your goals and needs. You might be unsure of whether you’re a candidate or whether surgery is the right option to treat the issues you’re concerned about. In this case, the first consultation can be very valuable.
This may include discussions about your concerns – whether you are seeking blepharoplasty for cosmetic or functional reasons. You may also discuss your health and lifestyle (such as smoking status) and any other relevant details about your medical history. This way, your surgeon is able to recommend possible solutions that are compatible with your health and circumstances.
The consultation also allows you to familiarise yourself with your desired procedure by asking questions. For example, you may ask questions about your surgeon’s qualifications, the risks and benefits of the procedure, and what to expect during the recovery. You can also discuss what to expect in terms of results and scarring.
At Rodin Clinic, we can answer any questions you may have in the lead-up to your upper lid blepharoplasty procedure. Book your appointment with our approachable team.
Other eye-area procedures
Upper blepharoplasty isn’t the only surgery to treat the eye area. There is also lower blepharoplasty surgery, or other options, as we’ll discuss below.
When thinking about the shape and characteristics of our eyes, there are many different components. Not only might we think about the shape or laxity of our eyelids, but we can also be conscious of our brow area.
The brows form part of our overall eye area. We use them to express surprise, interest, worry, and a range of other emotions. Over time and with so much use of these facial muscles, it is common to develop creases and expression lines, sometimes on the forehead or between the eyebrows.
If you have concerns such as these, rather than upper lid blepharoplasty, you might be suitable for a brow lift, also called a forehead lift or a temporal brow lift.
Additionally, other non-surgical options for treatment of the eye area can include:
- Laser therapy
- Eye creams
- Energy treatments
- Wrinkle treatment
It’s useful to think about what exactly your concerns are and what you hope to achieve from your treatment. This way, you can help your practitioner point you in the right direction according to your individual desires.
Choose Dr Choa for upper blepharoplasty surgery in Perth
If you are seeking upper blepharoplasty surgery (or another treatment for the eye area), you’ll want to consult with a surgeon who is skilled and considerate of your individual needs. Our experienced team at Rodin Clinic can advise the most suitable course of action according to your concerns and cosmetic ideals. We aim to provide high-quality treatment options and care to each patient throughout the procedure process.
Consult with Dr Choa at Rodin Clinic Perth for custom-tailored advice and an upper lid blepharoplasty treatment plan that suits you.