Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a procedure that removes excess skin from the eyelids for aesthetic or functional concerns. The procedure can also address vision problems related to excess skin in the eyelids.
Differences Between a Blepharoplasty Surgery for Men and Women
It’s essential to recognise that achieving clinical outcomes for both men and women requires an understanding of their unique anatomical differences. These gender differences require a different approach to male blepharoplasty based on the features of a male face and eyelids:
- Males have a lower eyelid crease, the natural fold of skin in the upper eyelid.
- Male eyelids are heavier with thicker skin.
- Male eyebrows are thicker and lower across their foreheads without the typical arching or tapering that is typical of women’s eyebrows.
Thus, when Dr Turner performs a male blepharoplasty, he is extremely careful to limit the amount of fat and skin he removes to avoid the risk of overcorrection.
Suitable Candidates for a Male Blepharoplasty
Good candidates for male eyelid surgery are men with:
- Good overall health
- Aesthetic or functional concerns due to excess eyelid skin
- An ideal body weight or BMI (<29)
- Realistic goals for the procedure and its recovery process
Male Blepharoplasty Surgery
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic. However, if a combined upper and lower eyelid procedure is planned, you may need general anaesthesia.
Dr Turner’s preference in male patients is a ‘no-touch blepharoplasty’ where the incision is hidden on the inner aspect of the lower eyelid to reduce the appearance of scars. The excess fat is then removed or redistributed. However, in older male patients with excessive lower eyelid skin, a skin incision on the lower eyelid may be required.
Eyelid surgery is often combined with aesthetic facial treatments for volume loss or a silicone malar implant to add volume to the treated area.
Recovery after a Male Blepharoplasty
You may experience some discomfort over the first week. Swelling and bruising around the eye area for 2 weeks may occur. To address these discomforts, you will need to take the prescribed medications. It is recommended to sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling.
You should avoid any activities that will strain your eyes for the first few days. After two weeks, you can drive and return to work. You can wear sunglasses to keep your eyes protected and hide the bruising for the first week after the procedure.
Learn more about Recovery After Blepharoplasty Surgery
Risks and Complications of Male Blepharoplasty
Male blepharoplasty has risks and complications, such as:
- Wound infection
- Bleeding or haematoma
- Inability to properly close the eyes (if too much skin is removed)
- Problems with eye movement
- Dryness of the eyes
- Ectropion (outward rolling of the lower eyelid)
- Entropion (inward rolling of the lower eyelid)
- Loss of eyelashes
- Asymmetry
- Temporary or permanent changes in vision
- Revision surgery
- Changes in eyelid skin pigmentation
Certain medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, Grave’s Disease, dry eye or lack of tears, high blood pressure, circulatory disorders, and glaucoma can increase the risks of complications from a male blepharoplasty.
