Generally speaking, anyone who has signs of ageing in the eyelid area, as a result of excess skin or droopy eyelids are a good candidate for upper blepharoplasty surgery.  The skin of the eyelids can become loose, saggy and hang over the eye obstructing vision.  In upper eyes it is a hooded appearance and in the lower eyes it presents as bags and dark circles under the eyes.

Eyelid surgery only addresses excess skin and fat around the eyes. However, since the skin does tighten, some fine lines may be reduced but not all. If your dark circles were being caused by large undereye bags, there might be a slight improvement.

This will depend on whether the primary concern is excess skin on the upper eyelids or if the brow’s position has lowered over time. If excess eyelid skin is the problem, eyelid surgery is the solution. If the brow needs to be lifted, a browlift (surgical or through injectables) is the solution.

It is uncommon for a patient to require a second eyelid lift but it is possible. However, since the ageing process will continue, eyelid skin will slowly start to sag again over time.

Dr Safvat does the Blepharoplasty procedure in Sydney region (Sutherland Shire and Inner West) as well as in the Southern Highlands, NSW. He only operates in fully accredited Private Hospitals, these being Kareena Private Hospital (Caringbah), Strathfield Private Hospital, Southern Highlands Private Hospital (Bowral) and Ramsay Surgical Centre Miranda.

While all care and diligence is taken by Dr Safvat to minimise or avoid complications, any surgical procedure can be associated with some general complications and/or specific complications related to the surgery you are having. Choosing a Specialist Plastic Surgeon such as Dr Safvat and having your procedure done in an accredited hospital minimises risks as does using an accredited Anaesthesist.

Some general surgical potential complications are:

• Infection that may require antibiotics (Dr Safvat prescribes all patients antibiotics after surgery to minimise this risk).
• Fluid build-up under the skin (seroma).
• Allergic reaction to dressings and other items used during the procedure.
• The formation of blood collection (haematoma) which could require additional surgery.
• Scars heal differently in different people. Some people are genetically prone to develop keloid scars. Hypertrophic scars develop when there is a complication in the healing process. Whilst not ideal, there is no threat to your health if you develop these.
• Anyone can have a heart attack or stroke from a clot. This risk is slightly increased with anaesthetics.

Some potential complications related to Blepharoplasty surgery specifically are:

• Your vision could be slightly blurry after surgery but this will rectify on its own.
• Your eyes may also feel gritty or dry which can be helped with eye drops.
• Asymmetry of the eyelids – though all care is taken to prevent this.
• Noticeable scarring of the incisions.
• In rare cases, changes in vision may be long lasting or permanent.

Dr Safvat will discuss potential complications with you in detail during your consultation.