Top 11 Eyelid Surgery Questions Answered By Dr Naveen Somia

1. What is Blepharoplasty?

In 1818, Dr Von Graefe a German Surgeon coined the term ‘Blepharoplasty’ to describe surgical techniques used to repair eyelid deformities following eyelid cancers.

But in 2016, Blepharoplasty refers to cosmetic eyelid surgery or eyelift.

2. What can I expect to achieve after surgery?

The surgery will rejuvenate your eyelids and give you a fresh and rested look. It reverses the signs of ageing by getting rid of loose and excess eyelid skin, as well as correcting droopy or weak upper eyelids. It also gets rid of the tired look by removing eyebags and wrinkles around the upper and lower eyelids.

The surgery can be combined with the following procedures for a total facial rejuvenation treatment:• Eyebrow lift• Midface or cheek lift or• Fat grafting to the area around the

eyelids and the face

3. What is an eyelift and is it the same as a brow lift?

No they are two different operations. An eyelift typically refers to upper eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty whereas a brow lift refers to surgery to stabilise and lift the eyebrow. In some patients it may be necessary to perform both of these operations in order to improve vision and appearance.

4. If I’m thinking about eyelid surgery, what should I do first?

Doing your own research on the internet is advisable.

You can also discuss the surgery with your GP, and they may be able to recommend a good Plastic Surgeon.

Another option is to attend one of my free information evenings where you can come and ask me directly any questions you have about this surgery or any other cosmetic treatment.

The evenings are held at my practices in either Bondi Junction or Bella Vista in an intimate group setting.

5. There is so much information on the web, where do I start?

Most plastic surgeons will have basic information about the surgery on their websites.

The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (www.plasticsurgery.org.au) and the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (www.asaps.org.au) also have some helpful information.

My favourite site is www.realself.com, which is like the trip advisor of cosmetic surgery. Complete with patient stories, experiences and enough information that can help your decision making process. You can view my profile on there too.

6. Is the surgery covered by Medicare and private health funds?

The surgery may attract Medicare benefits and private health fund cover if it satisfies certain stringent criteria and is classified as medical, not cosmetic. For example if your vision is impaired due to malposition of the upper lids, excess skin resting on your eyelashes or a droopy eyelid (Eyelid Ptosis), Medicare and private funds may cover part of the costs.

If the surgery is performed for the following reasons then it is considered medical and will attract a Medicare benefit and private health cover:• Reconstruct cancer defects• Improve accidental injuries• Improve birth deformities • Improve eyelid malpositions such as entropion

and ectropion

You should check with your private health fund if your plan covers you for the procedure. Health funds have varying levels of cover and if the surgery is for cosmetic purposes, it’s not covered.

7. Will I look different after the surgery? I hate the pulled look.

The focus of a well designed and well executed surgery is to give you a natural look. A natural look is what I specialise in. I focus on restoring normal eyelid anatomy and respect good aesthetics and facial balance, to avoid the stretched, surprised or pulled look.

8. Will my wrinkles disappear after the surgery?

If you have skin only blepharoplasty then it is unlikely the your wrinkles will disappear. However, if you have a blepharoplasty combined with ptosis correction, some of your forehead wrinkles will soften and may disappear after the surgery.

If you combine corrugator muscle resection with the surgery, you can get rid of the frown lines.

Crows feet wrinkles can also be reduced after the surgery, but may not be abolished totally.

9. Can I have upper and lower eyelid surgery at the same time?

Yes they can be done at the same time. The operation will take longer but this way you have one operation, one recovery period and one anaesthetic.

10. How much time off work will I need post surgery?

Upper eyelid surgery = Two weeks off

Lower eyelid surgery = Three weeks off

11. Do I need to spend the

night in the hospital after the surgery?

You may choose to go home the same day, provided there is an adult at home who can care for you. However, If it doesn’t cost you extra, I recommend you stay overnight and leave in the morning when you are rested. This will allow you to relax in a controlled environment for the crucial 12 hours after the operation.

The trained nurses can provide focused eye care by:• Monitoring your vision• Administering eye drops and eye

ointment • Providing refreshed ice packs • Ensuring you remain pain free

If you have any unanswered questions on eyelid surgery but are not yet ready to commit to a one on one consultation, I invite you to attend a free information evening with me. Click on the button below to learn more and reserve your seat.

Dr Naveen Somia MBBS, PhD, FRACS+61 2 9387 2110

www.naveensomia.com.au

Visit my blogwww.naveensomia.com.au/myblog

Follow me