The eyes play a significant role in our facial expressions. They are a key factor in communicating our feelings and emotions. The muscles surrounding the eye, that is, the upper and lower eyelids, are responsible for these visual displays.
Blepharoplasty is of particular interest to women when they start noticing an increasing droopiness and puffiness of the upper eyelids and wrinkling of the lower lids. Ageing makes eyes look tired and alludes to a diminished level of energy. Blepharoplasty is an effective way of countering these impressions.
With age, the eyelid thins, wrinkles and loses its elasticity thereby allowing excess skin to form and sag. The muscles around the eyes lose their tonus and begin to atrophy (become thinner). In some people, surplus skin appears on both the upper (fig.1) and lower eyelids (fig.2) as well as puffiness caused by fatty deposits in lower lids (bags under the eyes), while people with low levels of facial fat will tend to develop sunken eyes with unattractive circles.
Certain health related factors like allergies, the use of the tobacco as well as cardiac and thyroid problems can also accelerate ageing effects.
| CHANGES WITH AGE TO THE UPPER AND LOWER LIDS | ||||
| Childhood to Adolescence | Twenty to forty | Fifties | Sixty and more | |
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| Fat |
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An analysis of the tissues surrounding the eye makes it possible to define the degree of ageing. A diagnosis then determines the appropriate surgical procedure and the steps to achieve optimal results.
There are several ways of carrying out a blepharoplasty. The incisions or scars, for example, may appear similar but in fact, are not. Close attention to minute detail and meticulousness, delicate handling of tissues, technical skill, knowledge and critical judgement on the part of the surgeon greatly influence the final results.
Blepharoplasty is generally practised under local anaesthesia with sedation or under a general anaesthesia. The surgery lasts approximately 1 hour.
An incision in the shape of a crescent is made along the palpebral slant (normal fold of the upper lid) and completely masks any scarring that may occur. The excess skin is removed and the skin is stitched closed again.
The stitches will be removed by Dr. Bernier one week after surgery.
An incision is made along the edge of the lower lid under the lash, making the scar, if any, almost invisible. Fat is then withdrawn or repositioned, the skin is re-draped, excess skin is removed and the incision closed. In certain types, often very young people, the lower lid can slant in such a way that they appear sad or shy. This can be easily corrected by a Canthoplasty. This type of surgery makes it possible to reposition the external angle of the eye, to raise the lower lid and partially correct the sunken part of the eye.
When there is no excessive skin, the surplus fat can be removed through the conjunctival sac (inside the lid), leaving no scar.
