How new plastic surgery techniques are transforming cosmetic eyelid surgery

For the upper eyelid, a new volume enhancing technique has been developed that preserves the muscle and fat around the eyes, restores fullness, and improves lid crease definition.

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) continues to be a very popular cosmetic surgery procedure and is one of the most effective ways of providing facial cosmetic enhancement.

Usually a relatively minor operation, it provides patients with a rejuvenated

appearance, turning back the clock on the signs of ageing.

Traditionally, eyelid surgery is performed through the removal of skin, muscle and/orfat, with the objective of slimming down the upper and lower lids and reducing sagging skin. Unfortunately, although still widely practiced, these procedures can have negative effects in the longer term. By simply removing excess tissue, traditional techniques alter the natural balance between fat and muscle in the area surrounding the eye, which can result in a hollowed appearance characteristic of ageing, rather than the fullness indicating youth.

However, cosmetic eyelid surgery has recently undergone a fundamental change. In order to address some of the shortcomings of the traditional procedures, new methods are being utilised, which aim to enhance volume and conserve tissue.

New and improved techniques for eyelid surgery:

Volume enhancing upper eyelid surgery

For the upper eyelid, a new volume enhancing technique has been developed that preserves the muscle and fat around the eyes, restores fullness, and improves lid crease definition. Maintaining the balance between fat and tissue, this approach resolves the issues surrounding the effects of further ageing, and is my recommended approach for cosmetic upper eyelid surgery. Furthermore, the procedure can also be adapted to individual patient needs, such as for the correction of asymmetries.

Muscle-conserving lower eyelid surgery

For the lower eyelid, there are two approaches to surgery: the traditional method, in which incisions are made just below the lashes on the outer skin, and a newer

technique, which involves cutting along the inside surface of the eyelid, known as a trans-conjunctival blepharoplasty. The trans-conjunctival approach has an advantage in that it creates no visible scarring and improves the surgeonʼs ability to evaluate levels of fat removal. More important, accessing the eyelid from the inside means it is possible to maintain the structural integrity of the eye muscle and keep its nerve supply intact. For these reasons, it is my preferred approach to treating lower eyelids. Moreover, this approach is a high-precision, minimally invasive procedure, with little down time that delivers long-lasting natural results.

Volume enhancement

Another new technique that is of value to facial surgery is fat grafting. Volume

enhancement by transplanting fat from elsewhere in the patient’s body is an efficient and safe method of restoring the fullness and contours lost in the ageing process. It is especially useful for restoring cheek contours and minimising creases around the eyes and nose. Furthermore, there is some evidence that grafted fat contributes to the healing process and improves the condition of the overlying skin, properties which are attributed to the fats high stem cell content and its ability to form new blood vessels. I highly recommend this technique as it is a long-lasting and natural alternative to dermal fillers, which are commonly used.