The eye region is considered an important focal point when it comes to the effects of facial aging. It is the first area we see and appreciate when conversing with others.

When our brows and upper eyelids become droopy, it may portray a tired, sad or aging appearance. A direct brow lift, where skin is removed from just above the eyebrow, and upper eyelid reduction, where excess skin and fat from the upper eyelid is removed, can effectively ‘open up’ the eye region and deliver a fresher and more youthful persona. These procedures can usually be performed under a local anaesthesia (numbing injection only), either in rooms or in a hospital facility.

“With our ever increasingly busy lives, I’m seeing a trend toward plastic surgery procedures that deliver appreciable gain with minimal recovery or downtime,”

explains Dr Raymond Goh, specialist plastic surgeon and co-founder of Valley Plastic Surgery. “These include upper eyelid reductions (blepharoplasty), direct brow lifts, surgery to correct prominent ears, cheek (buccal) fat removal, and lip lifts.”What is blepharoplasty?Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the eyelids. Surgery can be performed on the upper lids, lower lids or both. Whether you want to improve your appearance or are experiencing functional problems with your eyelids, eyelid surgery can rejuvenate the area surrounding your eyes.What eyelid surgery can treat:

• Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision
• Fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the eyelids
• Bags under the eyes
• Drooping lower eyelids that reveal white below the iris
• Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid

Am I a good candidate for eyelid surgery?

• Healthy individuals with no medical conditions that can impair healing
• Nonsmokers
• Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic goals
• Individuals without serious eye conditions

Remember that the eyelids are part of the face. The appearance of a drooping upper lid may also be due to relaxation of the forehead skin and eyebrow. Sometimes stretching out of the upper eyelid muscle may cause a drooping eyelid. This is called eyelid ptosis and requires a different surgical treatment.Your plastic surgeon will evaluate your facial anatomy thoroughly and will discuss what procedures might best remedy your concerns.No matter how big or small the procedure, plastic surgery involves potential risks as well as recovery and we encourage you to come to your initial consultation prepared with questions for your surgeon.

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Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.