Eyelid surgery

Also known as blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery can be performed on either upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both.

One of the first areas of the skin to show signs of aging is the eyes. Skin around the eyes is naturally thin, and gets thinner and less elastic the older you get. Dr. Chartchai will show you how the redundant skin and excess fat in your upper eyelids may create a tired look and a heavy feel to the lids.

Years of frowning create eyelid folds that droop over the eyes and in extreme cases interfere with your sight. Dr. Chartchai will also demonstrate to you how the fatty deposits under your eyes fall and create the bagginess that makes you look sad and old.

What do you want to change?
If you have redundant skin or excess fat on your upper eyelids or lower eyelids, these are easily removed without a need to stay overnight in hospital, and result in a more open expression and fresher look.

In Bangkok, Dr. Chartchai's Thai and other Asian patients often request to have a "western fold" created in their upper eyelids.

Eyelid surgery can be a standalone outpatient surgery or can be combined with other plastic surgery procedures.

Procedure

• Lower lid
  Excess skin, fine lines and puffiness below the eyes are reduced by removing (or redistributing) excess fatty tissue, skin and muscle. This is done with a scalpel through an incision made just below the lower eyelashes or sometimes through the conjunctiva.
  
• Upper lid
  Excess skin is marked in the fold of the upper lid where the incision will be made. The resulting scar will fall into the fold and be nearly invisible.

Recovery time
Stitches are removed after 4 or 5 days. Contact lens must not be worn for one week or longer post surgery.

For several weeks you will experience bruising and swelling. Ice packs will help alleviate the swelling and bruising after surgery. No heavy exertion or strenuous activity should be undertaken for 2-3 weeks. Sunglasses are required when you go outside in the sun.

Possible complications
Dryness, burning, itching or excessive tearing, sensitivity to light and possible blurred vision are a temporary inconvenience after eyelid surgery. Temporary eversion (a turning down of the lower lid) may occur but should be back to normal in a few weeks. Dr. Chartchai routinely does a tarsal suspension to prevent this complication. Bleeding and infection are the main risks, but are preventable.