Am I Suitable?

If you have realistic expectations regarding this procedure, are healthy and stable, then you could be suitable for Blepharoplasty.

Blepharoplasty is designed to remove the excess fat, skin and wasted muscle from the upper and lower eyelids.  In cases where vision is affected, for example, sagging upper lids, or excessive wrinkling on the lower lids then blepharoplasty can rectify these problems. 

There are several factors to be taken into account when assessing your suitability, which will be carefully discussed in your initial consultation with your surgeon.

These include good overall health, ensuring that any
pre-existing medical conditions will have been mentioned to your surgeon well in advance.  All surgery carries with it a very small risk and so your surgeon needs to be fully informed regarding your physical health so that any potential problems can be dealt with beforehand.  Also, if you are fit and well, your recovery will be so much quicker than if you are out of shape.

There are certain medical conditions which can increase the risk of complications from blepharoplasty.  These are:

  • Hyperthyroidism.
  • ‘Dry Eye’ or problems with your tear ducts.
  • Graves Disease (a thyroid disorder).
  • Hypertension.
  • Diabetes.
  • Cardiovascular disease.
  • Glaucoma.
  • Detached Retina.

The age limit for this procedure is usually 35 years upwards though it is not unusual for younger people to undergo this type of surgery, particularly if they have large bags under the eyes or extreme drooping of the eyelids.  

Your reasons for wanting blepharoplasty will be discussed with your surgeon with the aim of ensuring that your expectations can be realistically met.  He/she will outline the benefits, risks and outcome of this surgery, ensuring that you fully understand what this procedure entails.  And in order to determine the best possible outcome for you, your surgeon will give you advice on how to prepare for this procedure, for example, avoiding certain medications. 

Your surgeon will also perform an eye test in order to assess your vision and your ability to produce tears.  If you have been for an eye test recently, please bring the results of that test to your consultation.