Subtle changes can make significant differences, both cosmetically and functionally. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a testament to this — by modifying the upper lids, lower lids or both simultaneously, the procedure can have an impact on your eye appearance, overall facial aesthetic, physical comfort, field of vision and more.
Learn more about the potential benefits of eyelid surgery below and enquire here to meet with Dr Ellis Choy.
What Types of Eyelid Surgery Are Available?
Eyelid surgery encompasses many techniques, each targeting different areas and issues. Your procedure will be customised to your specific needs and goals. Dr Choy regularly performs the following types of blepharoplasty:
Upper Blepharoplasty
Upper blepharoplasty targets skin and fat in the upper eyelids. Dr Choy makes an incision along the natural crease of the upper eyelid, allowing for the removal or repositioning of fat and the excision of excess skin. The result is a less puffy or droopy appearance, with smoother skin and a more defined eyelid crease.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower blepharoplasty focuses on reducing bags underneath the eyes. By making an incision either just below the lash line or inside the eyelid, Dr Choy can remove excess fat and sometimes excess skin. This procedure smoothes the under-eye area. It is not intended to remove fine lines, wrinkles or dark circles under the eyes.
Double Eyelid Surgery
Popular among Asian patients, double eyelid surgery (also known as Asian blepharoplasty) creates a crease in the upper eyelid when one is not naturally present. Dr Choy can perform Asian eyelid surgery with either a non-incisional “suture technique” or an incisional “open technique” depending on the patient’s circumstances and preferences.
Ptosis Correction
Ptosis correction is aimed at patients who have drooping upper eyelids that impair their vision or cause physical discomfort. This condition is often caused by a weakening of the forehead muscles that lift the eyelid. The surgery typically involves tightening the muscle to elevate the eyelid to a more open position. This expands the visual field while enhancing overall eye aesthetics.
Key Cosmetic Benefits of Eyelid Surgery
Most people consider eyelid surgery for cosmetic reasons. Over time, the skin around our eyes loses elasticity, and the muscles supporting our eyelids weaken, which may cause heavy skin to accumulate on our upper lids. We may also develop puffy bags beneath our eyes.
Blepharoplasty targets these concerns by removing excess skin and fat, tightening the underlying muscles and reshaping the eyelids. The potential cosmetic benefits include:
- Lifting drooping eyelids
- Smoothing “crepey” eyelid skin
- Reducing under-eye bags
- Enhancing eye shape and proportions
- Giving the eyes a more open appearance
- Reducing puffiness around the eyes
- Improving symmetry between the eyes
- Creating a more defined eyelid crease
- Revealing more of the mobile lid for makeup application
- Creating the illusion of longer eyelashes
While aesthetic improvements are often the initial draw, eyelid surgery may also provide practical benefits that can enhance daily living and eye health.
Key Functional Benefits of Eyelid Surgery
For some people, the primary motivation for eyelid surgery isn’t cosmetic — it’s functional. Excess skin can weigh down your upper eyelids and droop dangerously low, impeding your peripheral vision. By removing this overhanging skin, eyelid surgery can broaden your visual field and make everyday tasks like reading and driving easier.
Dr Choy also sees patients who experience various types of discomfort and irritation as a result of having excessive upper eyelid skin. In these cases, blepharoplasty can help improve eye health and comfort. The potential functional benefits include:
- Expanding peripheral vision
- Reducing eye and forehead strain
- Alleviating headaches or migraines
- Reducing irritation, itching, redness or inflammation
- Lowering the risk of infection
- Improving tear distribution and eye lubrication
- Making it easier to apply medical eye treatments or wear contact lenses
Eyelid surgery performed for functional reasons may be considered medically necessary and could be covered by Medicare or private health insurance. If you believe this may be the case for you, you should consult with your insurance provider and Dr Choy’s team to determine your level of coverage, your eligibility and the relevant MBS item numbers.
RELATED: What Is the Cost of Eyelid Surgery in Sydney?
Comparing Eyelid Surgery With Other Facial Procedures
Is eyelid surgery the procedure you’re looking for? If you’re unsure, it may be helpful to compare it with similar aesthetic procedures:
Eyelid Surgery vs. Brow Lift
While both procedures take place in the upper face, a brow lift targets the forehead to elevate drooping brows and reduce horizontal creases across the forehead. This sometimes reduces heavy upper eyelid skin, but that is not the primary purpose of the procedure.
Eyelid Surgery vs. Facelift
A facelift addresses signs of ageing in the lower region of the face. It targets concerns such as jowls, loss of jawline definition, deep nasolabial folds and descent of the skin and fat in the cheeks. Dr Choy performs many types of facelift, including the advanced deep plane technique.
Eyelid Surgery vs. Nonsurgical Procedures
With the growing popularity of nonsurgical cosmetic treatments, you may wonder if there’s an option that can achieve the same results as eyelid surgery without needing a surgical procedure. Treatments such as skin tightening devices can provide some improvements in the eye area, however, they often have limitations and shorter-lasting results compared to blepharoplasty.
Choosing a Sydney Specialist Plastic Surgeon for Eyelid Surgery
One of the most critical steps of any surgery is selecting a qualified and experienced surgeon. In Australia, patients should seek out a specialist plastic surgeon. This title indicates that the doctor has accredited specialist training and specialist registration in plastic and cosmetic surgery.
As you conduct your search, you may come across the term “cosmetic surgeon”. This is not an official designation. Physicians who are not registered as specialists in plastic surgery may give themselves this title. They are allowed to do so, but it can be misleading regarding their credentials and specialist training in plastic surgery.
Dr Ellis Choy is a fully qualified, Australia-trained specialist plastic surgeon, as well as a member of the Australasian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) and the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Book Your Blepharoplasty Consultation With Dr Ellis Choy
Dr Choy believes in building strong, trusting relationships with his patients. He will take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide guidance and support throughout your experience. His commitment to patient satisfaction, combined with his surgical expertise, has earned him a reputation as a leading choice for eyelid surgery in Sydney.
Schedule your consultation with Dr Choy today. Contact his offices on (02) 8962 9388 or enquire here to get started.
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