Ageing changes around the eyes
As the face ages some of the earliest signs occur around the eyes. We see common patterns of change including a change in the position of the brow, lines across the forehead, excess skin developing in the upper eyelid that starts to lean forward and rest on the eyelashes. Many women notice that this prevents them from wearing normal I make up and as the problem gets worse the skin fold starts to interfere with vision this is a problem that affects both men and women.
When evaluating patients with these concerns we need to determine how much the eyebrow and how much the eyelid are independently contributing to the problem. While most patients can have these concerns addressed with eyelid surgery alone called a blepharoplasty, some patients will need a combination of eyelid surgery and brow lift surgery.
Blepharoplasty is the most common facial aesthetic plastic surgery procedure. It is used to address the excess skin of the upper eyelid which falls onto the eyelashes and starts to interfere with vision in due course. At the same time, we can address bulging fat pads in the upper or lower eyelids. In some instances, the eyelid itself his drooping, a condition called eyelid ptosis. During a blepharoplasty procedure the eyelid position can also be corrected.
Blepharoplasty surgery can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids together or separately.
The benefits from blepharoplasty include:
A brow lift procedure is used to correct a low brow position which exacerbates the lax skin in the upper eyelid. Frequently the brow appears to be sitting in a normal location because the muscle of the forehead elevates the brow to assist with vision creating the horizontal lines across the forehead that we are all familiar with.
Individual requirements including a direct brow left with skin excision above the brow which is particularly useful for patients with fine skin and dark brows. It is the commonest technique considered for older patients considering this surgery to improve vision. For other patients the idea of a scar on the upper border of the brow is not appealing and the scars are concealed in the hairline using an open brow lift approach.
The eyelid and brow lift procedures
Blepharoplasty can be performed on upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both at the same time. This can be combined with brow lift surgery to optomise the whole area at the same time. If performed under local anaesthetic alone it can be undertaken in A/Prof Magnusson’s operating suite in Toowoomba or alternatively with the assistance of a specialist anaesthetist as a day case in Toowoomba or on the Gold Coast. During the procedure, incisions are made in the natural folds of the eyelid, in the crease of the upper eyelid and on the inside of the lower eyelid or just beneath the lashes. This way, incisions are practically unnoticeable after they have had time to heal.
While you are lying down during surgery, A/Prof Magnusson will make precise markings to designate where excess fat pads and skin need to be excised. Some underlying tissue may also be removed. An eye shield will be introduced inside your eyelids to protect the eye during surgery.
These tissues are excised with surgical instruments such as surgical scissors, scalpels and cautery to stop bleeding. Tissue adhesives (glue) or sutures are carefully applied to smooth and reshape areas around the eyelids and eyebrows.
During surgery, Dr Magnusson will determine how much muscle, skin and/or fat need to be removed, based on a preoperative evaluation of factors including your bone structure, the symmetry of your eyebrows and underlying facial muscle structure.
Am I a suitable candidate for eyelid surgery?
To determine if you are a suitable candidate for Blepharoplasty, a consultation with Dr Magnusson is required. During the consultation he will:
Am I suitable candidate for eyelid or brow lift surgery?
To determine if you are a suitable candidate for Blepharoplasty, a consultation with A/Prof Magnusson is required. During the consultation with his Toowoomba, Brisbane and Gold Coast patients, he will:
You can request a consultation with A/Prof Magnusson by contacting his reception at either his Toowoomba or Gold Coast clinics. He has assisted patients with this procedure in Brisbane and surrounding areas and can provide you with information on additional procedures, such as face and neck lifts.
