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Dr. Jayne Bambit is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery. Please visit the College's website at www.accs.org.au or call the College on 1800 804 781 if you wish to verify
Dr Bambit's credentials.
This website page contains information on Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery, along with what to expect should you wish to attend for a consultation.
Please call the clinic on (07) 5452 5222 if you would like to arrange an appointment for a consultation with Dr Bambit.
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Eyelid Surgery
BLEPHAROPLASTY
The eyes or more specifically, the EYELIDS (both upper & lower) - are often the first part of the face that we (and others) notice that has changed over time. We may find that we look tired and are constantly being told that we look tired, run-down, angry or unhappy, whilst we may be perfectly rested and at peace with ourselves and our surroundings. In short our appearance does not reflect our youthful outlook.
The eyes are focal points of expression, so if the eyes look tired, the face looks tired. The image we see in the mirror does not represent how we feel inside and is therefore very difficult to accept.
Whilst the upper & lower eyelids undergo specific changes with age, there is a very significant genetic or hereditary influence. This explains why many people find that the heaviness or bagginess above and/or below their eyes becomes a concern in their late teens or early twenties. Whilst baggy/hooded eyelids tend to be predominantly familial and are present in people of all ages, this bagginess becomes more pronounced with time.
The skin above and below the eyes is extremely thin, and with time it becomes loose, wrinkled & creased. Aside from genetic influence, the eyelids are often the first parts of the face to show evidence of aging.
There are protective fat pads surrounding the eyeball, which are held in position within the upper & lower eyelids by 2 sheets of tissue: a thin sheet of tissue called the septum, which is covered by the eyelid muscle the orbicularis oculi muscle. With time, these sheets of tissue become loose, and the underlying fat protrudes forward into the lids. The protruding part of the fat pad is no longer protective because it is in the lids as opposed to being around the eye. The result is sagging bags above the eyes and puffy bags below the eyes.
Depending on your features & your main concerns, you may undergo cosmetic eyelid surgery on either the upper/lower eyelids or both.
Eyelid surgery does more to make a person look younger and fresher than any other type of cosmetic surgery.
Choosing to undergo a Cosmetic procedure is very personal. Naturally you have aims, goals and expectations with regard to the benefits of cosmetic eyelid surgery. It is also very important for you to be fully informed about, and understand the potential risks & complications involved. Only then can you make your final decision.
During your first consultation, Dr Bambit will take a thorough medical and surgical history and carry out a general medical assessment. She will then ask you what your main concerns are and what you wish to achieve.
Treatment recommendations will be tailored to your individual needs and desires.
Dr Bambit will explain any proposed procedure/s in depth, including any alternatives. She will discuss the procedure thoroughly including:
- Pre-operative preparation
- How the procedure is carried out: Anaesthesia, Incisions, the operation
- What to expect: immediately after surgery and during the first few days, weeks and months after surgery
- Post-operative period: Bruising, Swelling, Minor discomfort, Medications, Recovery time, Activity, Time required off work
- Risks & potential complications
WHAT DOES THE PROCEDURE INVOLVE?
Blepharoplasty is performed as a day procedure under oral, inhaled or intramuscular sedation & local anaesthesia either in a fully accredited surgery centre or in clinic. Intravenous or general anaesthesia administered by an anaesthetist - may be used. The options & choices will be discussed with you.
UPPER LIDS
After precise skin marking, a fine incision is placed in the natural crease above each eye. A crescent of excess skin & muscle is then removed. Excess fatty deposits are very carefully & gently removed, ensuring that an adequate amount of protective fatty tissue is left behind. As the incision is placed strategically in the natural contour of the upper eyelid, it is camouflaged on healing. The incisions are closed with very fine sutures, which are removed 4 or 5 days later.
LOWER LIDS
Most commonly, the lower eyelids are incised just inside the lower lid. The excess fatty deposits are removed and there are no sutures required. This approach is extremely safe, and as there are no external incisions there are no scars.Occasionally excess skin and muscle may need to be removed from the lower lid. In this situation, the incision is made just below the lash line. A few sutures are used to close the wound.
The procedure is carried out very precisely & delicately, with great attention to detail, gentle handling of tissues & meticulous haemostasis (or control of bleeding). This minimizes discomfort both during & after surgery, decreases the potential risks and complications, minimizes post-operative bruising & swelling, and therefore optimizes the result & ensures a speedy recovery with minimal down-time.
POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
You cannot drive for 24 hours after anesthesia. A friend or relative should be available to take you home & stay with you for at least 24 hours.
Blepharoplasty is a relatively easy procedure for the patient and it has long-lasting results. Mild discomfort is relieved with oral analgesics. You may apply icepacks every 2-4 hours for 20 minutes at a time. Cover the packs with a towel before applying.
You will be given a course of oral antibiotics, antibiotic ointment to apply to the upper lid incision every 4 hours, and antibiotic drops to be used every 4 hours.
The day after surgery, you may gently bathe the upper lids with warm salt water.
Swelling, discoloration & bruising is to be expected. Patients vary a great deal in their recovery rate but can usually resume normal light activity or work 2 - 4 days after surgery, using dark glasses & makeup to camouflage the swelling & bruising.
A small amount of residual swelling may persist for several weeks but gradually disappears. Most patients are presentable without dark glasses within 7 to 10 days.
Immediately after the operation, you should avoid over-activity and bending over for up to three weeks as this may cause bleeding.
The upper eyelid is usually slightly overdone in order to attain a much better long-term cosmetic result. This may result in the upper eyelid becoming slightly opened when asleep. This may persist for some weeks. Should this occur you may feel sandy or scratchy eyes, and it is vital that you use a lubricating eye ointment or drops during this phase in order to prevent the eye from drying out and becoming sore.
If eyelid surgery is performed with skill, experience & expertise, any residual scars are minimal and are very nicely hidden in the natural eyelid crease. The delicate skin around the eyes heals very rapidly and does not scar readily
.
OTHER CONCERNS:
LOWER LID WRINKLES
The lower lid skin is so fine - it is tissue paper thin. Unfortunately there is no single treatment which will perfect the lines or eliminate them completely. However, there are treatments which may soften these lines, and may include a combination of: anti-wrinkle injections, chemical peels and cosmeceuticals.
DARK CIRCLES
Many people of all ages are concerned with dark circles under their eyes. These dark circles give a tired, sad look, regardless of how a person may really feel.
They are caused by shadows, skin pigmentation and the colour of the muscle which may show through from beneath the fine skin. Cosmetic eyelid surgery is not designed to correct the problem of dark circles under the eyes. However, the removal of fatty pads can often reduce the shadow effect. This combined with a skin treatment to reduce pigmentation can often produce very significant and satisfactory results.
MALAR OEDEMA
This is the name for a condition which occurs when extra fluid collects in the tissues under the eyes, producing localized collections or bags of thick skin as opposed to bags of droopy skin &
fatty tissue. It is a very difficult problem to prevent &/or treat.
Malar oedema is thought to be caused by a combination of fluid retention associated with hormonal changes. Despite research, there are many other factors which remain unidentified.
The fluid collects periodically, at the junction of the lower eyelids & the upper cheek. Each time this fluid collects there is an element of skin thickening which occurs. This is often associated with underlying puffiness of fatty tissue. This becomes permanent and tends to worsen with time. THERE IS NO IDEAL TREATMENT FOR THIS CONDITION.
Surgery will not stop the fluid retention, but the removal of excessive fatty tissue under the eye means that the fluid has less loose tissue space in which to collect.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS?
All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk.
When performed by an experienced doctor, complications are infrequent and usually minor. However, individuals vary greatly in their anatomy, their physical reactions, and their healing abilities, and the outcome is never completely predictable or controllable.
This is a brief outline of some potential complications of blepharoplasty surgery. I do not wish to alarm you but inform you.
The scar may be pink and slightly thickened in the first few weeks after surgery, and more so in the lower eyelid. This may need make-up camouflage until it settles.
Bruising around the eyelids. It may spread on to the white part of the eye where it lasts for longer than the normal week to 10 days.
The upper eyelid maybe slightly opened when asleep. This may persist for some weeks. The tissues at the front of the eye can dry out and cause a scar, which will reduce the quality of eyesight. Long term problems with tear formation or dry eye may result. This requires the use of artificial tears.
Ectropion - the lower eyelid appears pulled down too far. The skin below the lower eyelid may not be as smooth as desired.
Weakness of the lower lid, for up to two weeks. This usually settles without treatment, but if it doesn't settle, it may require further surgery.
Formation of small lumps in the lower eyelid. These generally disappear over a few months. During this time, there may be temporary corneal irritation and abrasions.
Excessive tear formation and sensitivity to bright light for the first few days.
Blurring of vision, due to swelling and use of ointment in the eye.
Double vision, which lasts for a day or two after the operation. This usually recovers spontaneously and is a result of the bruising.
Wound infection, bruising and fluid collecting under the skin. This may require drainage of any tissue fluid that is infected or accumulated under the skin. This may delay the speed of wound healing and may cause disfigurement.
Blindness is an extremely remote and rare possibility.
If you are considering Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery I can certainly guide and advise you. I want your
new look to be as attractive and appropriate for you as possible. All cosmetic procedures have limitations. Therefore, if for any reason I feel that I am unable to fulfill your expectations I will tell
you immediately. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss this procedure.
Dr Jayne Bambit
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