EYELID SURGERY (BLEPHAROPLASTY) :

• ANAESTHETIC - LOCAL OR GENERAL
• STAY IN HOSPITAL ­ 1 DAY LOCAL / 1 DAY AND 1 NIGHT GENERAL
• INITIAL RECOVERY ­ 5 DAYS

The lower eyelids are also candidates for this type of surgery when unwanted ‘bags’ and wrinkles appear - sometimes also accompanied by darkish rings underneath the eye. If you are experiencing any of the above you will more than likely be a good candidate.

General Blepharoplasty can usually eradicate the problems mentioned ­ however in some cases additional procedures may be necessary in conjunction with this surgery. Your surgeon will make a thorough assessment of your individual requirements and advise you accordingly.

Your surgeon will also discuss the procedure or procedures he or she recommends for you in detail and you are encouraged to ask as many questions as you like prior to the procedure. How you can contribute pre-operatively to the successful outcome of this procedure will also be discussed with you, as will your desires and aspirations for the outcome of your surgery.

YOUR MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

HOW WILL I CHOOSE THE RIGHT SURGEON FOR MY PROCEDURE?

Although all South Africa’s leading cosmetic surgeons are highly trained and experienced in all cosmetic/plastic surgery procedures they naturally have individual, specialist areas of interest and expertise.

Once Surgical Attractions has assessed your particular desires and aspirations concerning the outcome of your procedure we will marry them to the surgeon best suited to your special needs. The surgeon’s CV details will then be sent to you for your perusal and acceptance.

HOW WILL MY SURGEON ASSESS MY PARTICULAR SURGICAL REQUIREMENTS?

When you complete the Medical History section of the General Enquiry Form you will be asked to submit it together with a clear and reasonably close-up digital photograph (in colour) of the area of your body requiring surgery.

Once your recommended surgeon has assessed your particular requirements along with your medical history and digital photo, Surgical Attractions will arrange an obligation free teleconference between the two of you.

At this stage your surgeon will not only be in possession of all the facts relating to your particular case but also be in a position to recommend the exact method to be employed to achieve the results you desire. Your surgeon will also be available at this point to answer any questions you may have as regards your procedure and the outcome.

You will be encouraged at all times prior to your eyelid surgery to continue getting to know your surgeon by asking as many questions as you like.

On arrival in South Africa Surgical Attractions will arrange a personal meeting between you and your surgeon. Once again the method of surgery and the desired outcome will be discussed along with any other questions you may have. If at this point you decide not to go ahead with the procedure your decision will be respected.

HOW WILL THE PROCEDURE BE PERFORMED?

UPPER EYELID: The incision commences in the natural crease of the upper lid and thereafter is extended into your natural expression lines around your eyes.

LOWER EYELID: If it is necessary to remove unwanted skin an incision is made just under the eyelashes. If there is fatty tissue only and no skin to remove the incision is usually made behind the eyelid.

WILL THE SCARS BE VISIBLE?

In both the upper and lower lids the incisions are made in natural creases and hidden areas resulting in them being unnoticeable after recovery from surgery.

WILL ALL MY WRINKLES AROUND MY EYES DISAPPEAR?

The very delicate skin around the eyes is more susceptible to constant expression changes and as a result the wrinkles that form in this area tend to become deeper than in other areas of the face. If however you wish to have them lessened a laser treatment can be employed in this area during your surgical procedure.

SHOULD I TAKE ANY PRECAUTIONS PRIOR TO THE PROCEDURE?

If you are going to have a general anaesthetic and are a smoker you will be asked to stop smoking before surgery to prevent any unnecessary complications.

Arnica tablets, Vitamin E in large doses, analgesics like Aspirin and even some anti-inflammatory drugs should also not be taken prior to surgery as they can promote bleeding during the surgery.

Your surgeon will however give you personal advice in this department.

HOW WILL I LOOK AND FEEL AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

You can expect bruising and swelling, the extent of which is dependant on the individual, after your surgery but generally speaking very little pain. If you do experience pain however this can quickly be overcome with the use of analgesics. In order to aid drainage and thereby speed up the healing process, avoid lying down or sleeping in a flat position for the first few days following your surgery. Anti-inflammatory medication is usually prescribed as well as eye gels or ointments for application three or four times a day. The additional application of cold compresses to your eyes will also aid in a quicker reduction of swelling.

Stitches that can easily be pulled out by your surgeon four to five days after the surgery are used in both the upper and lower lids.

WHEN WILL I BE BACK TO NORMAL?

As with all surgery it is advisable to take it easy after an eyelid procedure. Avoid any strenuous exercise, bending or jerky movements for up to five days after surgery so as not to disturb your stitches. You can plan to be back at work approximately fourteen days after the procedure by which time all your bruising and swelling should have subsided.

RISKS

As with everything else in life there are also risks involved in surgical procedures. No matter how good the Surgeon performing the Surgery may be, complications can arise. Therefore before proceeding with any surgery of any kind please discuss all your concerns with your surgeon and ask as many questions as you like so that you are in a position to make an informed decision.