Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty Cape Town: A Simple Guide

Eyes really take on a role in making the face look refreshed, rested and youthful. Though changes in the eyelids are a part of natural aging, puffiness, excess skin or eye bags may affect someone making them look tired while feeling fine. Upper blepharoplasty Cape Town and lower blepharoplasty Cape Town target concerns on different parts of the eyes. It must be noted that though both procedures focus on the eyes they are different and are for different indications. Understanding the difference would give one a better grasp as to what to discuss when meeting an eyelid specialist.

What Is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is eyelid surgery to alter the appearance of either the upper or lower eyelid or both. Depending on the indications, an individual may undergo removal of excess skin, repositioning of the fatty tissue, or both. Blepharoplasty seeks to create symmetry and balance in the face by restoring a youthful, rested look to the eyes. Sometimes a person may undergo the upper eyelid surgery if excessive skin around the upper eyelids interferes with vision. A consultation is mandatory as the underlying causes may differ and treatment needs to be tailored according to the person.
 

Upper Blepharoplasty Cape Town

As the age progress, the skin of the upper eyelids can lose elasticity resulting in a sagging appearance or folds over the natural crease of the eyelid. Some patients experience the development of fullness around the upper eyelids due to aging of the tissue. This can lead to smaller or heavier eyes, among other concerns.
Upper blepharoplasty can be a treatment for concerns like:

* Upper eyelid droopiness
* Heavy-looking upper eyelids 

* Excessive or lax upper eyelid skin
* Skin folds encroaching towards the corners of the eyes 

* Fullness or bulging around the eyes 

* An aged or weary look in and around the eyes. 

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty can be performed in a variety of ways to address specific concerns, and the approach depends on your individual anatomy.

Lower Blepharoplasty Cape Town 

Lower blepharoplasty Cape Town involves the lower part of the eyelids and also to a certain extent, the under-eye region. Skin quality reduces as the age advances making the supporting tissue of the lower eyelids weak. Puffiness and the formation of under eye bags are the common issues faced by many. Sometimes excess skin too can result in a creased appearance. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty might be done to correct:
* Prominent under-eye bags 

* Excess lower eyelid skin 

* Puffiness under the eyes
* Contour irregularities along the lower eyelid
* Tired-looking eyes due to aging of the lower lids

Proper care is taken in planning a lower eyelid surgery as they have functional importance in protecting the eyeball. 

Upper vs Lower Blepharoplasty: What Is the Difference? 

The only difference between the upper and lower eyelid surgery lies in the part of the eyelids being targeted. The upper eyelid blepharoplasty addresses the aging concerns that involve primarily excess skin or puffiness along the upper portion of the eyelids making them look saggy or heavy. The lower blepharoplasty targets aging signs in the lower part of the eyelids or the under-eye area that manifest as bags or wrinkles and excessive skin under the eyes. Some patients have issues in only one area of the eyelids whereas, some may have concerns in both the upper and lower eyelids. A single surgical procedure can be done when concerns are in both areas, after evaluation. Age or photograph should not be the sole reason to choose for surgery; instead, the indication must be assessed individually before planning the surgery. 

Can Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty Be Combined?

Yes, depending on the indication, an individual can have an upper and lower blepharoplasty done together. This will enable correction of concerns on both the upper and lower eyelids in a single session. This is, however, not ideal in all situations and is decided on case-to-case basis by the eyelid specialist considering the age, type of aging, and expectations of the patient. You would need to tell the surgeon regarding what worries you the most – the upper eyelid droop, or the bags under the eyes or both. 

What Happens During a Consultation? 

During the consultation, you will be asked regarding all your queries, your specific concerns will be addressed, and your eyes and the entire facial structure will be examined and evaluated. The surgeon will also inquire about any past eye surgery, your medical history, allergies, current medications and any eye symptoms you may be experiencing. Based on these, he will determine whether you are a candidate for upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both. You will also have a discussion on your expected outcomes and results. Eyelid surgery does improve the appearance of aging eyes but does not stop the aging process. 

Recovery After Eyelid Surgery 

After undergoing an eyelid surgery, swelling and bruising are normal and expected in the initial few days. These symptoms usually reduce gradually over a period of few weeks and the final results are noticeable only after the swelling subsides completely. The recovery period can vary from person to person and also depend on the extend of the surgery performed. Your surgeon will provide you with special post-operative instructions on how to keep the area clean, protect eyes, and physical activities to avoid. Adhering to instructions is crucial for better healing.

 
In conclusion

An upper blepharoplasty is indicated when excess skin or fullness on the upper eyelids bothers a person, whereas lower eyelid surgery is carried out for under-eye bags, puffiness or lower eyelid skin laxity. For some patients, a combination may be desired, but it all boils down to individual assessment and recommendations from an experienced eyelid surgeon. If you are worried about your eyelids, set up consultation with the professional to know all about your options and you know what will suit you and will give you a natural feel look.