Younger looking eyes

The first thing people notice when they look at a face are the eyes. Why ? The eyes reveal your age, give an indication of your state of health, make a comment on your lifestyle and, of course, they may make you appear more or less attractive. What is it about the eyes that reveals all of this ?

If you analyse many eyes, it is clear that the eye itself is expressionless, but rather the tissues around the eye that make all the difference.

Most commonly, heaviness and tiredness around the eye is due  to excess skin. By removing this skin by a procedure known as upper lid blepharoplasty, the normal function of the eye is maintained, but the eye appears more open, fresher, younger. At the Alia Clinic, the skin is completely numbed with local anaesthetic and  the carbon dioxide laser is used to accurately cut the arch of skin above the eye. The carbon dioxide laser also vastly reduces bruising with the skin excision as the laser seals off the small veins and arteries traversing the cut skin. Once the skin is removed, a small amount of the underlying muscle is also taken away and also any excess fat. Very fine sutures are placed in thes kin to hold it together for 7-10 days, but it is possible to return to work while these are in position.

Upper eyelid skin removal is a very commonly performed procedure as it not only helps from a cosmetic perspective, it may be necessary to maintain vision as well. Skin that droops over the eyelid can obstruct vision. Accordingly, if the skin touches the eyelashes or affects vision the  procedure may attract a Medicare and Medicare Safety Net rebate, covering most of the cost of the procedure. It is probably best to have a consultation at the clinic to determine if this is the case.

After removal of the skin of the upper eyelid is performed what can be done with the lower lid ?

Many people have bags under their eyes. These bags may be due to excess fat deposits or they can also be due to loss of volume beneath these area ( a so-called negative vector) A solution to the problem can involve removal of the fat pads, filling in the areas below the fat pads or both. In addition ,at the Alia Clinic gentle resurfacing of the skin, with either the Sciton or Derma K laser beneath the eyes can even out fine wrinkles and improve texture to the skin.

And the crow's feet ?

Anti-wrinkle injections can be given at the same time as the other procedures to reduce wrinkling at the side of the eyes and in the brow and forehead as well, if necessary.

Common questions about eyelid procedures at Alia Clinic.

Eye rejuvenation is one of the most successful forms of facial rejuvenation. If the eyes appear heavy, then reducing this can often make a difference in apparent age of 5-10 years. Skin around the eye may also be less irritable and peripheral vision may improve.

Who is a suitable candidate ?

There is a very large age range for people concerned about the appearance of their eyes. For people in their late 20s to 30s, most procedures are done to make the eyes less heavy. As people age excess skin in the top lid can affect vision and it is more common to do the procedures for medical reasons as well as apearrance alone. It is not uncommon to treat people in their 60s, 70s and even 80s. Crepey skin over the lower eyelids and fat bags can be treated at any age.

Is anyone not a good candidate for eyelid skin reduction?

It is important to assess whether the problem is due to excess upper eyelid skin and not a droopy brow. Some conditions such as thyroid disease may make this surgery inadvisable.

Is it permanent ?

Yes, the reduction in the amount of skin in the upper eyelid is permanent. Very occassionally, some people will need further upper eyelid reduction many years after the original surgery.

How long does it take ?

This depends on what procedures are done. If skin is removed from the upper eye alone, the procedure takes just over and hour. If fat is removed from the lower eyelid and the skin of the lower eyelid is lasered then the procedure takes about 2 hours.

What is the recovery ?

Sutures are placed in the skin incision in the top eyelid. These are very small, but need to be in place for 7-10 days. There will be some swelling and bruising for about this length of time. After the sutures are removed make-up can be applied a few days later. Likewise if the skin of the lower lid is lasered, make-up at the tenth day after the procedure is normal.

What about driving and work ?

If you wish you can drive the following day for short distances. Most people wear wide sunglasses when they go outside, which protects the eye and disguises the surgery. If you are happy to tell people at work that you had the surgery done then return to office work is usually 2-3 days after the procedure.

Can I get a Medicare benefit ?

There is a Medicare item number for reduction in the skin of the upper eyelid if the skin is sitting on the eyelashes. If this is the case, the Medicare Safety Net combined with Medicare will give you over 50 percent of the total fee as a rebate. All procedures at the Alia Clinic are performed on an out-patient basis. This is why people can benefit from the Medicare Safety Net for these procedures.

What preparation do I need to do ?

Usually a simple blood test is performed before the procedure and antibiotic tablets are prescribed. Aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications which are blood thinners are stopped at least a week before surgery, and fish oil and some vitamins are stopped for the same reason. It is not usual to have to stop any other prescription drugs.

What happens on the day ?

People  arrive for the surgery about half an hour before surgery. Sometimes a small dose of sedative is given then. After photographs are taken and the procedure fully explained ( this is also done at the consultation), accurate measurements are made of the skin to be removed and the patient reviews this with the doctor. The patient is relaxed with some more sedation. A small amount of strong local anaesthetic is used to numb the skin and tissues and allowed to work for about 10 minutes. The surgery takes 45 minutes to 90 minutes and after it is complete, the patient rests in recovery for about 45 minutes. It is not possible to drive home, but a taxi can be called if you do not have anyone who can drive you home.

And after the surgery ?

It is important to rest at least overnight following the surgery. A special antibiotic cream ( supplied at the time of surgery) is applied twice a day.Usually the patient returns on the second day and the 10^th day to have the stitches removed. At about 4-6 weeks the surgery is reviewed.

And the cost ?

Most procedures cost between $1800 and $7000 plus depending on just what is being done. For an accurate costing, please use the online consultation or make an appointment.

What do I do from here?

If you would like more information, please call the clinic on 99061555 to make a time for an appointment or alternatively, fill I the online skin consultation form. You will get a response usually within a day ( sometimes much sooner).