Eyelid Surgery

Understanding eyelid/eye bag surgery

Patients often think the upper eyelid is the problem, when in fact it’s the brow and fore-lid sagging down. Unfortunately for some patients, they not only have heavy eyelids, but also a heavy brow. Some wish to only address one area, but realistically this is not addressing the whole problem. This will be explained during the consultation as it’s an extremely important concept to understand.

The lower eyelid also has some peculiarities you should understand. Many patients think they have eye bags, when in fact they have tear troughs. This hollowness below the eyelid makes the actual eyelid look baggier. When these troughs are filled by fat or injectable filler the eye bag often looks much better. In most patients, a combination is needed – the tear trough needs to be filled and the bag needs to be reduced in size. Simple issues can be more complex than they seem.

What happens on the day of the procedure?

You must arrive on time to be fully admitted by the medical team. Smoking and illicit drug use must be avoided before the procedure. Blood pressure must be under good control, and all other medical conditions must be stable. Blood thinners must be avoided if possible.

The procedure is performed under light sedation with local anaesthetic to make the area numb. This procedure is usually completed within 1-2 hours. Many patients will have the upper and lower eyelid surgery at the same time, and potentially other procedures such as fat transfer and forehead thread lift. Expect to be drowsy after the procedure, but in no pain.

You must be picked up by a competent supervising adult and observed the first night. Any severe pain or swelling must be immediately reported to us. The following day you’ll be reviewed by our team and all aftercare instructions reinforced.

What happens after the procedure?

You’ll need to rest for at least 5 days and avoid any strenuous activity. Smoking must be avoided. The sutures are removed at day 5, and many patients can return to work by approximately day 8. This may be longer, depending on bruising and swelling.

Exercise should be avoided for 2 weeks, followed by a gradual cautious return. The scars from the upper eyelid should fade over 1-3 months, although (infrequently) laser resurfacing may be needed to improve these. This scar is purposely placed in the crease of the eyelid so it can’t be seen.

Often, the lower eyelid will require no suturing whatsoever. Bruising in this area can last longer and be more severe in some cases. Thread lift to the forehead will require small sutures, and these are usually removed between 5-7 days. Fat transfer to the cheeks to decrease the tear troughs can cause some swelling and bruising, but this usually settles within 1 week.

Are you a good candidate for eyelid surgery?

To be suitable, you must be realistic about the results – and in good health. Anti-inflammatories, aspirin and blood thinning medications must also be avoided. A history of thyroid disease or glaucoma can limit your options in some circumstances.

Other inflammatory conditions can also interfere with the procedure. A full eye examination will be conducted, including the degree of laxity to the lower eyelid. This is an especially important feature to be aware of.

Dr Glenn Murray

Cosmetic Surgeon and Medical Director

Dr Glenn Murray completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Western Australia. He continued his training with the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery (ACCS); undertaking both cosmetic medicine and cosmetic surgery training. Dr Glenn Murray has trained with some of the best Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeons in the US and around the world. He is the past president of the Cosmetic Physicians of Australasia (CPSA) and has attended a Maser Symposium for Blepharoplasty and Upper Facial Rejuvenation. Dr Murray has a special interest in repairing botched oversees surgery and more information on this can we found here.

Dr Murray, our Medical Director, at Absolute Cosmetic Medicine is committed to providing exceptional care to every patient.  His full resume can be seen here.

Why choose Absolute Cosmetic for this procedure?

• We work with a team of FRACS and non-FRACS doctors for eyelid surgery and related cosmetic conditions.
• We are a full-time cosmetic clinic, dedicated to the aesthetic field.
• We are a WA Health Department licensed day surgery.
• Our aim is for subtle, natural results.

*Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.