EYELID REDUCTION – BLEPHAROPLASTY

Eyelid reduction involves removing loose skin from the upper eyelid.  Heavy upper eyelid skin not only gives a person the appearance of tiredness and lack of sleep but closes the opening of the eye so restricting vision.  The complaint of heavy eyelids gets worse with age and the effects of gravity but can be genetic and occur at any age.

The loose upper eyelid skin is like a blind coming down and becomes more annoying as the day goes on.  The overlapping layers of skin in the upper eyelids causes irritation of the skin, itchiness and red rashes.  The application of makeup becomes impossible.

Surgery involves the removal of the loose skin and fat if necessary in the fold line of the upper eyelid so that the scar cannot be seen when the eyes are open.  Removal of the excess skin opens up the eyes and greatly improves the tired look and feeling of heaviness.

The surgery is relatively simple and is frequently performed as an outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia.  In some cases where the heavy fold of the eyelid skin comes down onto the upper eyelashes and causes symptoms as outlined above the procedure does qualify for a Medicare Rebate.

Patients usually require about 6 days off work and the long term results are very pleasing.