Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) in Karachi

The skin around the eyes is particularly vulnerable to age-related changes. By the age of 35, most people notice that skin below the eyes becomes thinner and start to sag. Over the years, as the natural aging process continues, excess skin above the eyes and puffy bags below the eyes become more noticeable. These characteristics contribute to an aged and tired appearance, in addition to the excess skin on the upper eyelids which can cause vision problems. Eyelid surgery, technically referred to as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and reduces fat pockets, making the upper and lower eyelids smoother, contributing to a more youthful appearance. However, blepharoplasty does not eliminate black circles around the eyes and wrinkles commonly known as “crow’s feet”. Thus, it is possible to combine blepharoplasty with other procedures for optimal results – eyebrow lift, eye circles filling with hyaluronic acid or nano-fat or “crow’s feet” treatment with botulinum toxin. It can also be combined with brow lift to further improve the results of blephroplasty without any additional incision. Brow lift opens up the area around the eye and further contributes to the young and alert look.

There are different blepharoplasty types and techniques. There is no standard method for all patients and each case is treated individually. Blepharoplasty is a “tailor-made” procedure which allows the plastic surgeon to improve both the appearance and eyes function.

Upper blepharoplasty: it involves removing skin, fat, and upper eyelid muscle that cause the eyes to become saggy and heavy. The scar is hidden in the natural fold of the upper eyelid. Also known as upper eyelid surgery, blepharoplasty will provide a more alert and youthful look.

Lower blepharoplasty: it involves removing fat bags, excess skin and muscle that contribute to the appearance of puffy eyes. A lower blepharoplasty involves a small incision along the eyelash line on the lower eyelid or inside the eyelid if there is no excess skin to be removed.

• Looseness or excess skin on the upper eyelids which create folds / wrinkles and in more severe cases interfere with vision.
• Fat pockets in the lower eyelids.
• Excess skin and very thin wrinkles on the lower eyelids.

Good candidates for a blepharoplasty usually meet the following criteria:

• Unhappy with eyelid appearance: excess skin and/or fat pockets.
• Droopy eyebrows.
• Healthy patients without health problems which may interfere with healing process.
• Non-smokers.
• Mentally stable patients with realistic expectations about surgery results.
• Patients without serious optical conditions.

Note: The natural aging process can lead to separation or stitching of the muscle that lifts the eyelid, causing the eyelid to descend and cover part of the cornea. This condition is called eyelid ptosis and requires a different and specific approach. Your plastic surgeon will evaluate your case during the blepharoplasty consultation and will indicate the appropriate surgical treatment for your specific condition.

Blepharoplasty is performed for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Aesthetic blepharoplasty is a surgery which is performed without medical need, that is, it is only performed for cosmetic reasons – to improve the appearance of the eyelids. A functional blepharoplasty is performed for medical reasons, usually in cases where a patient starts to have vision problems caused by excess skin on the upper eyelids.

A blepharoplasty takes approximately 1 hour and it is performed in the following steps:

Lower blepharoplasty: if there are only fat pockets without excess skin, a transconjunctival blepharoplasty can be performed, in which a small incision is made in the inner part of the eyelid to extract the fat – the scar will not be visible at all. If there is excess skin to me removed, the scar will be in the lower eyelash line – it will fade away with time and become unnoticeable.

Upper blepharoplasty: When removing upper eyelid skin, the scar is hidden along the existing natural fold so it will only be visible when you close your eyes. It is a very fine line that will fade away with time and become unnoticeable.

Like in any other surgery, blepharoplasty also involves preparation. It is important to get ready and follow medical recommendations. The initial step to undergo an eyelid surgery is the first consultation with the plastic surgeon where the following will be evaluated:

Medical history: it is important to inform your plastic surgeon about any medical condition related to your eyes or other important issues such as medication you take, allergies, etc.

Expectations: you should share with your plastic surgeon your goals and expectations regarding the surgery. The plastic surgeon will be able to confirm if you are a good candidate for blepharoplasty and the appropriate techniques to achieve the desired results. It is important to be aware that surgery is not an exact science and the result depends on genetics and initial eyelids´ characteristics.

Here are some tips to better prepare for surgery:

• Medical tests must be performed in advance (it may include blood, eye and other tests).
• Stop smoking a few weeks before and after surgery as it may interfere with healing process. Smokers typically have more post operative bruising that’s lasts longer than in non smokers.
• Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatories which can thin your blood.
• Take 2 weeks off work.
• You will not be able to drive after the surgery so a family member or a friend should pick you up at the clinic.
• You should have someone to help you during the first 48 hours after the surgery.

After a blepharoplasty, you will remain in the recovery room for a few hours until you are able to go home – it is an outpatient surgery so you can return home on the same day. Blepharoplasty recovery is not particularly painful, but you may experience the following symptoms:

• Blurred vision.
• Double vision.
• Watery eyes.
• Light sensitivity.
• Swelling and numbness.
• Bruises.
• Discomfort.
• Mild to moderate pain.

As with any other surgery, full recovery from a blepharoplasty takes time. It is important to know what to expect and follow medical instructions for a quicker and more comfortable recovery. Here are some recommendations for a good recovery:

• Get organized to be off work for 2 weeks.
• Full rest for 24 to 48 hours.
• Sleep on your back with your head elevated.
• Use cold compresses in the eye area to reduce swelling.
• Do not bend and rub your eyes.
• During the first few days wear sunglasses when you go out.
• Take the prescribed medication.
• If you wear contact lenses, do not use them until your plastic surgeon gives you such indication.
• Avoid smoking.
• Avoid taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medication which increase the risk of bleeding.
• Attend the follow-up appointments.
• Avoid strenuous activities.
• Eat light meals and drink plenty of water.

Blepharoplasty results are long-lasting. In most cases, the removal of fat and excess skin is performed once is a lifetime. However, surgery does not stop the natural ageing process. As we age, eyebrow muscle strength diminishes which may lead to eyebrow descendance, forcing the eyelid to descend as well. In these cases, an eyebrow lift may be required, and not a second blepharoplasty. Maintaining a close relationship with your plastic surgeon is of utmost importance. Attend your follow-up appointments and get in touch whenever you have questions or concerns about your surgery results.

As with any other surgery, there are risks and complications associated with blepharoplasty but, fortunately, they rarely happen. Thousands of blepharoplasties are performed annually with a very low complication rate and with a very high satisfaction level. Here are some possible blepharoplasty complications:

• Reaction to anaesthesia.
• Hematoma or seroma.
• Bleeding.
• Changes in sensitivity.
• Unpleasant scarring.
• Allergic reactions.
• Although extremely rare, a hematoma can form under the eye (retrobulbr hematoma) and cause blindness if not treated immediately.

To minimize the risk of complications, you must follow your plastic surgeon’s recommendations before and after the surgery. During your consultation, all the eyelid surgery potential risks and complications will be discussed in detail and you will be able to ask all your questions.

The price of a blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) depends whether it´s lower, upper or both. No two blepharoplasties are the same and prices will vary on surgery complexity and surgery time required. In certain cases, blepharoplasty needs to be combined with other procedures such as facelift, browlift, laser resurfacing of the eyelid skin, fillers or botulinum toxin treatments for optimal results. However, the price of a blepharoplasty in Karachi starts at Rs 85.000 – includes medical and nursing fees, the cost of the surgery room and It also includes other costs, such as medical examinations, medication and follow-up consultations. The exact price of your eyelid surgery will be confirmed following your medical consultation with Dr Zia. To schedule your rhinoplasty consultation in Karachi or for more information on prices and conditions, please contact us today on the following numbers:

• Aga Khan Hospital: +92 21 111 911 911
• Cooper Consultants Clinic: +92 21 35 37 0671 4

Dr Zia is a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon from Karachi with over 10 years of experience in performing eyelid surgeries – aesthetic and functional approach. Blepharoplasty requires knowledge of facial anatomy and a keen eye for cosmetic details, but also the necessary skills to adapt techniques to each patient’s goals and genetic characteristics. A good result is a result that looks natural for patient´s gender, age, ethnicity and facial features.

• Dr Zia routinely performs blepharoplasties – both cosmetic and functional
• Proven results by before and after gallery
• Top rated blepharoplasty plastic surgeon in Karachi
• Performs blepharoplasties in state of art clinics with all the safety conditions for his patients – Aga Khan Hospital and Cooper Clinic in Karachi.