Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Key Points In Eyelid Surgery Treatment

• Dr Lanzer was in the first group of surgeons to use cosmetic laser
• Removes heavy upper eye lids without “startled” appearance
• Laser removes fat bags and shadows from under eyes without stitches
• Key element to facial rejuvenation
• Dr Lanzer completed a hands on preceptorship with the founders of Laser resurfacing and Laser eyelid blepharoplasty in the USA in 1994.

Blepharoplasty is the medical term for what is more commonly known as eyelid surgery. The term applies to treatment on the upper or lower eyelid or both. While blepharoplasty is a relatively conventional surgical procedure, Dr Lanzer finds that using a laser gives him better and safer results. Eyelid surgery can be performed alone or in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures.

Laser Eyelid surgery is carried out to eliminate or minimise bags and wrinkles under the eyes as well as removing the excess skin on the upper eyelid:

• Dr Lanzer was featured on national television explaining this new development of eyelid surgery.

• Dr Lanzer trained in the USA with the surgeons who developed this method. Dr Lanzer has extensive experience and has been performing Laser eyelid surgery / eyelid rejuvenation since 1994.

• Dr Lanzer was one of the initial Dermatologists to first use laser eyelid surgery in Australia. With his colleagues they arranged hands on conferences to teach others.

• Dr Lanzer explains that the changes around Laser eyelid surgery, eyelid rejuvenation is that the eyes can have a dramatic effect on the aged appearance of the face. A procedure that just removes 3 mm of skin on the upper lid or 3 ml of fat under the lower lid skin can make a person look more youthful.

Laser Eyelid Surgery Treatment – Lower Lid

In most cases the lower lid develops a swollen convex appearance with ageing. This is due to the collection of fat in this area. These are often referred to as ‘bags’ under the eyes. The bags cause a shadow below the eye and this makes the patient always appear tired. Once the fat is removed from this the lower lid the skin sits better on the underlying structures and the wrinkles are also improved. The Laser eyelid surgery is performed from the inner surface of the lower eyelid. This method ensures that there are no visible scars on the outside eyelid surface. Erbium laser resurfacing can be performed at the same time on the outer surface of the lower lids for smoother results.

Laser Eyelid Surgery Treatment – Upper Lid

In females, ideally there is a visible upper eyelid platform to which makeup may be applied. With ageing and sun damage the skin in the upper lid begins drooping and sagging and this overhangs covering the upper eyelid. In more severe cases the skin can actually press onto the eyelashes and obscure some upper vision. Patients can also develop a bulge of fat in the upper inner corner of the eyelid. With the laser blepharoplasty, the excess skin and fat of the upper eyelid is removed leaving a fine scar that is usually not visible as it lies along the crease line of the upper eyelid. Occasionally, the scar may be slightly visible for the first few weeks or months deep in the upper lid crease. In most cases makeup can be applied lightly to the upper eyelid after a few days.

Eyelid Surgery Treatment – Technique

Laser is a form of light that has been altered in order to produce a powerful beam. The laser can be focused to a pinpoint so that it cuts like a scalpel. It can also be de-focused so that it can remove unwanted surface defects from the skin by working in a vapourising fashion. In eyelid surgery, the laser is first used to cut the skin. It is then used to remove any fat from the area being treated. This produces multiple advantages for cosmetic surgery of the eyelids. The laser is also used to vapourise the fine wrinkles of the skin around the lower eyelids and on the sides of the eyes (Crows feet).

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

Sutures on the upper eyelid are usually removed after 8-10 days. Bruising may be visible for 7-10 days. Makeup can be used immediately after the sutures are removed. The use of contact lenses can be resumed after a week. Slight residual swelling may appear for 2-3 weeks. Sun exposure (with sun screen) is allowed after 2 weeks.

When to consider Eyelid Surgery Treatment / Eyelid Rejuvenation?

• When you have bags under your eyes
• When your eyes are drooping
• When people are always saying you look tired – even if you are not
• When your vision is obstructed
• When you cannot apply eye lid makeup easily
• When you have a shadow on your lower lid

Advantages of Eyelid Surgery Treatment / Eyelid Rejuvenation

The laser beam seals blood vessels as it cuts. This means that bleeding and bruising is almost non-existent. Dr Lanzer finds that this improves his results and produces a more rapid and satisfying cosmetic effect.

In rare cases where serious complications have occurred after eyelid surgery, this has been related to bleeding of blood vessels. With Laser Eyelid Surgery this would generally be an extremely rare problem. Also bleeding causes bruising around the eyes and if the blood vessels are sealed as the skin is cut then there is less bruising and the patient may be able to return to their normal duties much more rapidly.

Commonly Asked Questions

Do I need to be asleep during the eyelid surgery treatment ?

Most patients elect to be sedated or have a light general anesthetic.

Where Is The Surgery Performed?

The surgery is performed in Dr Lanzers fully accredited operating theatre located in Malvern in conjunction with a specialist anesthetist.

What Happens After The Operation And Will I Have Any Dressings?

Ice packs should be used for 24 hours to help reduce the swelling and bruising. (20 mins on and 20 mins off – whilst you are awake). This is a day procedure so you will go home with a responsible adult that you have organised to stay with you once you feel well.

How Long Does The Procedure Take?

The laser procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes.

Does The Laser Surgery Hurt?

The procedure is painless when the light general anesthetic is administered. Usually there is no pain after the procedure.

What Risks Are Involved With Surgery Around The Eyelids?

With all surgery there are risks. Dr Lanzer has performed this procedure since 1994 without any serious complications. The most serious risk with eyelid surgery is redness or damage to the eye itself. This problem is generally uncommon and Dr Lanzer protects the eye with a shield for the entire procedure. As with all surgery, there are risks of bleeding, infection, inflammation and visible scarring. Temporary side effects due to the inflammation associated with the procedure include blurred vision, inability to completely open or close ones eye, dryness of the eyes or excessive teary eyes. Rarely a second follow up procedure may be required.

When Will I Be Able To Return To Work?

As the likelihood of swelling and bruising is much lower with laser blepharoplasty most patients can return to work quickly when the lower lid bags are removed. The healing time of the upper lid is generally 10-14 days due to the use of sutures.

How Long Do The Effects Last?

The effects are usually for many years – around 5-10 years.

Do I Need To Take Any Medication?

You will need to take a course of antibiotics to prevent infection and also a course of medication for swelling. Eye drops and ointments are prescribed for the lower lid procedure.

Do I Need To Have Sutures Removed?

There are a few very fine self-absorbing sutures used on the upper eyelid that may need to be removed 7 to 10 days post surgery. These are placed deep along the crease line and are usually not visible together with the scar along the crease line. No stitches are used for the lower lids.

Why Doesn’t Every Surgeon Use The Laser?

The laser machine is very expensive and the operator needs specialised training in order to be able to use it. It is recommended that any surgeon who performs laser surgery around the eyes should have performed at least one hundred laser procedures on the other areas of the body.

Will I Have A Startled Appearance?

The laser eyelid surgery that Dr Lanzer performs does not usually produce that change. A brow lift is sometimes an alternate procedure that is required if the eyebrow is sagging and in this situation the eyes may appear startled. This is something that should be discussed with your surgeon. Some patients need a brow lift as the brow shape is dropping too low.

Dr Lanzer completed a hands on preceptorship with the founders of Laser resurfacing and Laser eyelid blepharoplasty in the USA in 1994.

All photographs represent one person’s experience, and results may vary for each patient. All photographs are of actual patients of Dr Lanzer. The visible change in these photographs has occurred as a result of the procedure/s undertaken. Best results are obtained when the procedure is combined with a balanced diet and exercise.

Heavy eyelids and bags under the eyes are common signs of ageing and could be tackled with a blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery. Of course, the blepharoplasty is still a surgical procedure, which means that the patient must consider his or her cosmetic surgery facility carefully. To ensure you get the best care possible, it is advised to choose a clinic with a good reputation and a surgeon you are comfortable with. To make sure that your cosmetic surgery facility meets your requirements, it is always best to visit the clinic for an initial consultation and evaluate their services when you get home. Based on your findings, you can determine if a clinic is right for you or not.

At the Dr Lanzer Clinic, patients receive all the information they need before the surgical procedure takes place; this includes information regarding the procedure itself, risks accompanying the procedure and the aftercare required after your procedure. It is important to read through this information before your treatment takes place, since fully understanding the procedure and the aftercare can make a difference. Of course, if you have any additional questions after obtaining the information about your clinic, be sure to call your cosmetic surgery facility to get the required info.

“Click the image for the before and after photos”

We offer a FREE, No Obligation Cosmetic Surgery Consultation and a detailed explanation of the procedure.

Dr Lanzer can email all patients a detailed consent form which provides information related to the surgery. This information is made available to all patients before surgery, allowing enough time for the patient to ask any questions they may have.