Blepharoplasty or eyelid lift is one of the most common procedures offered at the Orbit Eye Centre in Calgary
The purpose of this eyelid surgery is to repair the drooping of eyelids caused by excessive skin and fat deposits around the eye area.
Blepharoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure, so a hospital stay is not necessary afterwards. Recovery time after the surgery usually takes about two weeks, but that time can vary depending on each person’s individual healing speed.
Bruising and swelling can persist for as long as six weeks, so it is advised that patients allow an appropriate amount of time before scheduling any major events post-surgery.
If you believe this procedure may be beneficial for you, please contact our Orbit Cosmetic representative and request a professional evaluation.
With rare exceptions, Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure. A local anesthetic will be used to numb the eyelids. A mild sedative will be offered to ease the anxiety of going through the procedure while awake. IV sedation is available to those that need a bit more help being comfortable during the procedure.
The length of the surgery varies from case to case, but on average upper eyelid Blepharoplasty takes anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes. Lower eyelid Blepharoplasty can take anywhere between one to two hours.
Once the surgery is done, a brief stay in a recovery area is required before patients are released to their designated driver for safe transfer home.
During the surgery, a fine incision will be made along the natural creases of the eye. This approach allows the surgical scar to be barely visible once the incision is healed.
A Radio Frequency device is often used during the procedure to create an incision that heals faster than one made with a scalpel blade. The use of the device also minimizes bruising after surgery which makes the recovery a bit easier on the patient.
Once the excess skin is removed, incisions will be closed with very fine stitches which will be removed at the two-week follow-up appointment at Orbit Eye Centre.
After sutures are removed, patients can resume their normal daily routines. The application of eye makeup is also allowed at this point.
Lower eyelid Blepharoplasty usually requires two separate skin incisions. The first incision is done on the inside of the eyelid closer to the outer corner. This incision allows for easier removal and/or relocation of fatty pockets below the eye. The second incision is done along the lower lash line and allows for the removal of excess skin.
A Radio Frequency device is often used during the procedure to create both incisions. Incisions created with Radio Frequency heal faster than those made with a scalpel blade.
The use of the device also minimizes bruising after surgery which makes the recovery a bit easier on the patient.
Upon completion of the procedure, all incisions will be closed with very fine stitches which will be removed at the two-week follow-up appointment at Orbit Eye Centre in Calgary.
After the sutures are removed, patients can resume their normal daily routines. The application of eye makeup is also allowed at this point.
Some of the most common short-term side effects of Blepharoplasty surgery include eye-watering, sensitivity to light, small degree of discomfort, double vision and others.
Those symptoms are short lived and will resolve over time. If any of the symptoms persist, our team of specialists at the Orbit Eye Centre will help in getting them resolved.
The use of ice packs is recommended to help reduce swelling after the eyelid surgery. Cold compresses can be applied frequently through the day starting right after the surgery and for the first few days of recovery.
To reduce unnecessary bleeding, it is recommended that patients avoid taking drugs that may stimulate bleeding like Aspirin or Advil for a week after the surgery.
To relieve any pain or discomfort use of Tylenol is recommended.
If you are interested in learning more about Blepharoplasty please contact our Orbit Cosmetic representative to book a consultation to find out if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
Dr. Karim Punja, an Ophthalmologist at the Calgary Orbit Eye Centre, specializes in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery. He has extensive experience in blepharoplasty (droopy eyelids), Botox & fillers, lacrimal & orbital surgery, and cataract surgery.
Dr. Chirag Shah is a comprehensive Ophthalmologist in Calgary and retinal medical specialist. His practice areas focus on retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal detachments, retinopathy of prematurity (blinding retinal disease in premature babies), diabetic retinopathy, hereditary eye diseases, and hypertensive retinopathy.
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