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Sydney, NSW Upper Eyelid Lift (UPPER BLEPHAROPLASTY)

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Upper Eyelid Lift (UPPER BLEPHAROPLASTY) with dr turner

Upper blepharoplasty, also known as upper eyelid lift surgery, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, muscle, and fat deposits in the upper eyelids. During the procedure, incisions are created along the natural crease of the upper eyelid. Through these incisions, the excess tissue can be accessed which allows the removal or repositioning of the tissue.

As you age, your eyelids tend to drop down partially which can cover the eyes. Excess skin on the eyelids can interfere with your eyesight and peripheral vision. If performed for medical reasons, such as correcting vision problems caused by excess eyelid skin, and certain criteria are met, upper eyelid surgery may be subsidised by Medicare.

What is an Upper Eyelid Lift?

An upper eyelid lift, also called an upper blepharoplasty, is a facial procedure that lifts the upper eyelid. It involves removing excess skin, muscle, and fat deposits in the upper eyelids.

Ageing causes a low positioning or displacement of the upper eyelid. This is medically called “eyelid ptosis” or “ptotic eyelids”. It happens when eyelid skin becomes lax as the years pass, and the upper eyelid starts to drop into a low position. This commonly affects the outer half of the eye which can lead to vision problems.

Blepharoplasty can help address eyelid ptosis. During the procedure, excess fat and a small amount of skin are precisely cut out from the upper eyelids. This in turn removes the excess skin that is obstructing your vision.

Suitable Candidates for an Upper Blepharoplasty

Suitable candidates for the procedure are looking to address:

  • Excess upper eyelid skin that is obstructing their vision
  • Physical symptoms such as pain, redness, or irritation caused by excess upper eyelid skin that are affecting their ability to perform daily activities.

In addition, suitable candidates must also be in good overall health with no bleeding or clotting disorders. Moreover, they must be non-smokers or are willing to quit smoking before and after the procedure. They must also have realistic expectations regarding the procedure.

How is Upper Eyelid Lift Performed?

Here’s what to expect during an upper eyelid lift surgery:

  • You will be asked to sit in an adjustable surgical chair and extend your head backward on a head supporter.
  • Dr Turner will ask you to close your eyelids.
  • He will mark the area of incisions.
  • The eyelids will be cleaned with a cleansing solution and a small drape will be applied to keep the surgical field sterile.
  • A local anaesthetic will be injected into the eyelid skin.
  • A blepharoplasty incision is created across the upper eyelid, from one corner of the eye to the other. The incision is elliptical and the width depends on how much fat and skin needs to be removed.
  • Dr Turner will remove the excess skin in your upper eyelid along with any underlying fat pads.
  • He will then bring the wound edges together to lift the eyelid and tighten it.
  • Dr Turner will use sutures to close the incisions.
  • The other eyelid will be lifted in the same manner.
  • The eyes will be cleaned and you can open them after blepharoplasty is done.

Depending on your eyelid condition and the surgeon’s skills and techniques, an upper blepharoplasty can take 15-30 minutes to perform.

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Specialist plastic surgeon

Dr Scott J turner

Dr Turner FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons – Plastic Surgery) is a Sydney Plastic Surgeon with clinics in the Eastern Suburbs at Bondi Junction and Northern Beaches at Manly.

Dr Scott J Turner has over a decade of experience in private practice solely focused on performing cosmetic surgery.

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Dr Scott J Turner Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Recovery after Upper Eyelid Lift

After an upper blepharoplasty, you will experience symptoms such as:

  • Double vision
  • Burning sensation in the eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Watery eyes
  • Itching of the eyes
  • Pain

Depending on your health condition and the surgeon’s recommendations, you can go back home after an upper eyelid lift or you might need to stay overnight. It’s not recommended that you drive after the procedure. Your vision might be compromised due to post-operative pain and swelling so you’ll need to have someone pick you up.

Depending on your recovery progress, you can go back to work 2-3 days after blepharoplasty. Keep in mind, however, that bruising and swelling will be apparent and will gradually decrease over 3 weeks following eyelid surgery. You can wear sunglasses to keep your eyes protected and hide the bruising for the first few days after the procedure.

Risks & Complications Associated with Upper Blepharoplasty Surgery

Upper blepharoplasty surgery has risks and complications, such as:

  • Wound infection
  • Bleeding from the wound
  • Prolonged eye irritation
  • Inability to properly close the eyes (if the eyelids are lifted too much)
  • Problems with eye movement (due to eye muscle injury)
  • Sustained vision problems (rare)

Reasons for Having an Upper Eyelid Lift (Upper Blepharoplasty)

An upper eyelid lift, also known as upper blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids. Patients may choose to undergo this procedure to address signs of ageing, such as descending eyelids. By removing the redundant tissue, the surgery reduces the appearance of this aesthetic concern.

Another reason for undergoing an upper eyelid lift is to address vision obstruction related to excess upper eyelid skin. Over time, the descending skin of the upper eyelids can extend over the eyelashes and obstruct one’s field of vision, impacting everyday activities like reading, driving, or using a computer. By correcting this issue, an upper eyelid lift addresses both aesthetic and functional concerns related to excess upper eyelid skin.

In addition to these reasons, patients choose an upper eyelid lift to change overall facial aesthetics. The eyes play a pivotal role in facial expression and aesthetics, and changes to this area can affect overall facial balance and appearance. An upper eyelid lift can adjust the appearance of the eyes. This procedure can remove the excess skin and fat that cause the eyelids to descend and obscure the natural eyelid crease.

Our Philosophy on Upper Eyelid Lift

At FacePlus Aesthetics, our philosophy on upper eyelid lift surgery is built around achieving results that complement the patient’s inherent facial features. Dr Scott Turner focuses on subtle alterations rather than dramatic changes, aiming to treat the eye area while preserving the authenticity of the patient’s natural appearance.

During consultations, Dr Turner takes the time to engage with each patient, understanding their unique concerns and objectives. He explains what can realistically be achieved through upper blepharoplasty, ensuring that expectations are aligned with achievable results. This detailed and personalised discussion helps to tailor each surgical plan to address both the aesthetic desires and functional needs of the patient, ensuring that the outcomes can integrate with their overall facial structure.

Our dedication to patient care is comprehensive, encompassing all stages of the surgical process. We offer extensive pre-operative and postoperative support to assist patients in preparing for their surgery and to aid in their recovery. Detailed guidance is provided to help manage post-surgical care and to promote healing. Our team maintains open lines of communication throughout the patient’s journey, providing ongoing support.

How the Procedure is Performed

Upper eyelid lift surgery at FacePlus Aesthetics is conducted under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on the patient’s comfort and the procedure’s specific requirements. Dr Scott Turner initiates the process by making precise incisions in the natural creases of the upper eyelids. This strategic placement helps ensure that any resulting scars are concealed within the natural folds of the skin.

During the procedure, Dr Turner meticulously removes any excess skin and, in some instances, muscle and fat. The removal is carefully measured to maintain the natural contour of the eyelid. Dr Turner may also tighten the underlying muscles.

After making the required adjustments, the incisions are closed using fine sutures. These sutures are generally removed within a week following the surgery. The duration of the surgery can range from one to two hours, depending on the complexity and the goals of the procedure.

Recovery Period

The recovery period following an upper eyelid lift is an essential phase that supports the healing and final outcomes of the surgery. After the procedure, it is common for patients to experience swelling, bruising, and some discomfort around the eyes. These are typical responses of the body to the surgical intervention. Dr Scott Turner provides comprehensive instructions tailored to help manage these symptoms effectively and ensure proper care for the eyes during this time.

Patients are usually advised to schedule approximately one week away from work or academic responsibilities to allow sufficient time for the initial stages of healing. It’s crucial during this period to avoid any activities that might strain the eyes or elevate blood pressure, which can exacerbate swelling and place tension on the incision sites. Keeping the head elevated, especially during sleep, and applying cold compresses can reduce swelling and provide relief from discomfort.

The majority of swelling and bruising tends to subside within the first two weeks after the surgery. However, the complete settling of the eyelids into their new position might take a few months as the tissues adjust and fully heal. Dr Turner arranges regular follow-up appointments to observe the recovery process and address any adjustments or concerns that may arise. These appointments are critical for monitoring the patient’s progress and ensuring that the healing is on course. Patients are strongly encouraged to keep these follow-up visits and maintain open communication with Dr Turner to discuss any ongoing symptoms or concerns throughout the recovery period. This ongoing care is crucial for managing the healing process and supporting the patient through their recovery.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, an upper eyelid lift carries potential risks and complications. Common side effects include swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which typically resolve with proper care. There is also a risk of infection, which can be minimised by carefully following Dr Turner’s postoperative care instructions.

Less common complications may include scarring, asymmetry, and changes in sensation. Scarring is an inevitable outcome of any surgical procedure, but its visibility can be reduced by placing the incisions within the natural creases of the eyelid. In some cases, it may be more noticeable in some patients who are more prone to scarring. Asymmetry can occur if the eyelids do not heal evenly, and changes in sensation are usually temporary but can sometimes be permanent.

In rare cases, patients may experience more serious complications such as dry eyes, difficulty closing the eyes, or vision changes. It is important for patients to follow all postoperative instructions and attend follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and address any issues promptly. At FacePlus Aesthetics, Dr Turner takes every precaution to minimise these risks and provides high standards of care throughout the upper eyelid lift process.

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Dr Scott J Turner Specialist Plastic Surgeon “We are equally as passionate about cosmetic plastic surgery as we are about you and your experience with us. We are here to listen, educate, and support you throughout your cosmetic surgical journey.”

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Suite 504, Level 5 39 East Esplanade
Manly NSW 2095

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Suite 1902, Level 19 Westfield Tower 2 101 Grafton Street
Bondi Junction NSW 2022