Blepharoplasty Brisbane (Eyelid Surgery)
Dr. Konrat operates in Brisbane and Sydney.
Blepharoplasty Brisbane
Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin folds in the upper eyelids and excess fat pads which become prominent with age and skin laxity both above and below the eyes. Patients undergo this procedure for a variety of reasons, hence why the procedure can be considered either medical or cosmetic eye surgery, and the decision should be made after carefully evaluating all the factors involved. Further details are available below for blepharoplasty Brisbane or Sydney patients.
The following are some of the reasons that patients seek advice:
Excess skin and fat which can hang over the bikini line or pubis following weight loss or pregnancy
- Separated or weakened abdominal muscles experienced after substantial weight loss or pregnancy
- Delicate skin that has gathered stretch marks over the abdomen
You should never make a decision by reading a web page alone, no matter how comprehensive the information is. We encourage you to book a personal consultation with Dr Konrat, where she will assess you, explain the procedure in detail, and help you to understand all the options as well as the risks and complications of surgery in general and eye lift surgery in particular.
Blepharoplasty is routinely preformed as day surgery under sedation with long acting local anaesthetic but in some cases will be performed under general anaesthesia. The procedure takes one to two hours. You will be required to stay in the recovery room under observation to ensure that no unexpected swelling or bleeding occurs, and that normal vision is present. You must have a responsible adult to drive you home and care for you for the first 24 hours following your surgery.
In upper eyelid blepharoplasty, the ‘ellipse’ of extra skin (the skin to be removed) from the upper eyelid is marked in the sitting position. The bottom edge of the ellipse follows the line of the natural eyelid crease and extends from the area just above the tear duct along to the outer edge of the eyelid opening, where it then angles slightly up and outward into an existing laugh line.
Incisions are carefully placed so that within several months, they will hardly be noticeable. On the upper lids, the incision is about an inch long and lies in the fold of the eyelid. On the lower lids, the incision is made just under the lashes in the natural crease.
The skin above the incision is gently pinched while the eyes are closed to determine the maximum amount of skin that can safely be removed without pulling up on the upper eyelid margin or down on the brow. To avoid a ‘stark’ outcome, the actual amount of skin and/or fat removed is always a little less.
In upper eyelid blepharoplasty, the upper eyelid skin is removed using a radio-frequency device with a fine needle point to perform the surgery. This results in reduced swelling and bruising and causes less heat damage to surrounding tissues routinely resulting in a finer less noticeable scar. Very occasionally, the underlying orbicularis muscle might be overdeveloped or stretched: if this is the case, some slight trimming may be required. If there is ‘orbital’ fat bulging, a structural layer known as the orbital septum is opened. One or both fat pads will be thinned slightly (over-thinning would lead to hollowing.) The upper eyelid’s opening muscle (levator muscle complex) is located below the fat. It is identified and then carefully avoided during surgery. Eyelid surgery which penetrates the orbital septum must be performed in an accredited and licensed day hospital.
Lower eyelid Blepharoplasty is a more complex operation compared with upper eyelid surgery. It is performed in an accredited and licensed day hospital under general anaesthesia and also takes up to two hours. To achieve optimal results with this type of eye lift surgery may require a combination of procedures removing excess skin and/or fat from the lower eyelid fat pads.
Bleeding is meticulously controlled. The skin incision is closed using very fine stitches in the skin. If there is no fat bulging, the orbital septum is left intact, and no fat is removed from the middle pocket. At Brisbane Cosmetic Clinic, “Tissue-sparing Blepharoplasty” has become the rule rather than the exception as we aim for the most natural result possible.
Before deciding to proceed with surgery, please review our Consent for Surgery form about this surgery.
Patient Journey for Abdominoplasty Surgery
Pre-Operation
An initial consultation with Dr Georgina Konrat (lasting approximately 45 minutes) will include a comprehensive discussion of all the key information regarding Abdominoplasty / Tummy tuck surgery. She will attentively listen to your motivations for going through with the procedure and the outcomes you seek.
Dr Konrat will delve into your health and medical history to allow for a completely informed decision regarding the procedure.
Dr Konrat is dedicated to providing you with the best possible care by carefully evaluating your abdominal area and its surrounding features, ensuring that all details are taken into account when devising a tailored Abdominoplasty plan.
Following the initial consultation, you will be given an information brochure and a quote for the surgery.
To ensure that you have a proper understanding of the details discussed in your consultation, we suggest taking notes as soon after the meeting as possible. Alternatively, bring a trusted family member or friend who can help recall and remember important information from the conversation with Dr Konrat. We encourage you to call or email Dr Konrat with any concerns or questions you may have about the surgery.
Before making a decision to proceed with surgery, please review our Consent for Surgery form about this surgery.
At least one week before your abdominoplasty surgery, blood tests will be taken as a preparatory measure. We also advise that you take time before your surgery to get your antibiotic and pain relief medication prescriptions filled to allow for a smooth process on the day of your surgery.
We encourage everyone undergoing this procedure to incorporate a diet full of vegetables, fish, fruit and salads into their lifestyle to keep your body healthy during recovery. Additionally, we suggest taking essential vitamins such as C & D, plus the minerals Zinc & Selenium.
Drugs
Avoid taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications 14 days leading up to and following your surgery unless otherwise advised by your doctor. Doing so could increase your risk of bruising, bleeding, or more serious complications during recovery.
Before undergoing surgery, it is important to chat with Dr Konrat about any recreational drugs you use, as this might influence the outcome of your procedure.
You must cease smoking for at least 6 weeks before your procedure, and for one month following your surgery.
Pre-operative and post-operative instructions are sent to you once you have booked a date for your surgery.
At Brisbane Cosmetic Clinic, our knowledgeable staff can provide you with helpful advice after your consultation. We not only welcome any questions that may arise following the session, but also encourage follow up consultations to ensure all your needs are met before surgery.
Abdominoplasty Operation
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery is conducted in a licensed and accredited day surgery hospital under general anaesthetic, which is administered by a specialist anaesthetist and lasts from one to three hours. During your procedure, careful measures are being taken to provide you with the best possible care. A combination of general and local anaesthetics ensure that not only is blood loss minimized, but also to reduce post-operative pain as best as possible.
During the procedure, a fine incision of approximately 10 – 30cm is made across the lower skin crease of the abdomen (usually just above the pubic area and extending from hip to hip). By doing this, the doctor is able to access the muscles of the lower abdominal wall and tighten them where required. Excess skin and fat are removed from the lower abdomen after the abdominal muscles (rectus sheath) have been tightened. In most patients, the navel is repositioned.
The skin is then lifted off the deep muscle layer as far up as the ribs. The abdominal muscles may then be tightened. Finally, the skin is pulled down, and excess fat and skin are removed. Stretch marks in the remaining skin usually have an improved appearance. Surgical drains are positioned and exit in the pubic region. The major scar lies in a horizontal line across the lower part of the abdomen and a smaller scar around the navel. It may be necessary to make a vertical incision in the midline in cases with severe skin laxity such as if you have lost a great deal of weight.
It is usual that very thin, soft silicone drains are inserted into the space in front of the muscles and underneath the skin to collect any fluid that may accumulate. Initially this fluid is a pinky-red colour and gradually changes to a straw colour over the ensuing 3-7 days.
When this change in the drainage fluid has occurred, the drain tubes are removed. Once the drain tubes are removed, you will be required to wear a compression or support garment to reinforce and support your abdomen in the early post-operative period.
Liposuction of the waist, flanks, and hips may be done in association with Abdominoplasty.
Post Operation
Post operative pain can be effectively managed as long as the patient precisely follows recovery instructions during the postoperative period. Following surgery and recovery in hospital, you will be discharged home on antibiotics and pain relief prescribed by your doctor. At Brisbane Cosmetic Clinic, the team is committed to providing you with the best postoperative care possible. During your recovery period, we will monitor and assess your progress at 24 hours, 7 days, then again in week 2, 3, 4, and 6 weeks. These important post operative appointments allow the provision of precise instructions on how much activity or exercise is appropriate, as well ensuring any required modifications to your recovery plan, along with dressing changes and care which we will implement.
Taking the recommended amount of time for healing and rest is essential when returning to work, especially in a role that requires physical labour. Generally, a break ranging from 2 to 4 weeks helps facilitate optimal recovery after the procedure. Gentle walking is normally suggested after a week to ten days, however more strenuous activities such as swimming or gym workouts should be avoided for at least 6 weeks post procedure.
NORMAL SYMPTOMS: Remember, it is normal to experience soreness, bruising, swelling, tightness and some degree of pain for the first few days following surgery. These conditions will lessen each day. It is common to experience loss of, or diminished skin sensation after surgery. This will resolve for the most part within 6-12 weeks except for the area under the belly button. Residual skin irregularities at the ends of the incisions may be elevated and swollen, but this will improve with time.
POST-OPERATIVE CARE/DRAINS: A drain will be placed in the lower abdomen to help remove the fluid that can be present after surgery. This drain is removed after 5-7 days. There will be an attachment to collect the fluid. You will need to record the drainage amount daily by marking the height of fluid in the bag with a texta pen, and detailed instructions will be given to you regarding the proper care of the drain.
BATHING: Keep your incisions dry. Do not shower or bathe until after your first postoperative appointment when you have your drains removed. A sponge bath with minimal water can be appropriate. Do not have a bath, spa or swim or completely immerse yourself until advised.
DRIVING: Securing a trusted ride home after surgery and to your first follow-up visit is essential for healing. Be sure Dr Konrat gives you approval before getting behind the wheel of any vehicle.
ACTIVITIES: When released from the hospital, you must REST! Absolutely NO strenuous activities. These include pushing, pulling, lifting or general exercise. You may walk the day of surgery. Put pillows behind your back and under your legs to keep your waist slightly flexed. This flexed position decreases back discomfort. You may walk up the stairs with assistance, one step at a time, and no more than twice a day. When at rest, flex and extend your feet to help decrease leg swelling. Walking is an excellent form of exercise. You should change your position and walk around the house every hour on the hour. Absolutely no sexual intercourse or sit-ups for six weeks after surgery as this increases intra-abdominal pressure, which may be detrimental to the abdominal muscle sutures.
MEDICATIONS: A carefully tailored course of antibiotics and pain medication will be prescribed to you following surgery. However, be wary that it is essential in the first few weeks after surgery not to strain on the toilet. Kelloggs Guardian Flakes for breakfast every day will assist with softening the stools.
GARMENTS: After your surgical procedure, an abdominal garment will be provided to you for both comfort and optimum post-op recovery. This specialized piece of apparel offers support by reducing swelling during the healing process.
SCARS: Incisions for surgery are strategically placed in the panty or underwear lines to reduce the visibility of scars. However, scarring is still an unavoidable outcome of the procedure. While some scars may not require a procedure, others may find improvement through the use of silicone sheets or creams specially formulated to diminish the look of surgery-related scars.
You should never make a decision by reading a web page alone, no matter how comprehensive the information is. We encourage you to book a personal consultation with Dr Konrat, where she will assess you, explain the procedure in detail and help you to understand all the options as well as the risks and complications of surgery in general and abdominoplasty surgery in particular.
The decision to undergo a surgical procedure is based upon the risks of surgery versus the benefits of the procedure.
Abdominoplasty is conducted under general anaesthesia. Despite the safety protocols of using professional specialist anaesthetists, modern facilities and equipment to reduce risks associated with anaesthesia, it is important that you are counselled on any potential risks.
Despite being infrequent, allergic reactions to anaesthetic and medications can still occur. Prior history of allergies must be discussed with Dr Konrat as well as the anaesthetist prior to the procedure.
Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism
There is a small risk that blood may accumulate in the large veins in the lower legs and may clot once the patient starts to move and walk post-surgery. These clots may then move from the calf into the lungs where they may cause severe breathing problems, or occasionally death. The oral contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy can increase the risk of deep venous thrombosis. If you are taking such medication, you should discuss this with Dr Konrat and your anaesthetist prior to surgery.
Poor wound healing
Occasionally, despite an uneventful operation and normal postoperative course, you may experience problems with the healing of your abdominal wound. Patients who do not adequately rest post-surgery, patients who are diabetic, and patients who continue to smoke are more likely to experience wound healing problems. It is most important, therefore, that you don’t smoke, and that you allow time for sufficient rest after your operation. In most instances, the areas of delayed wound healing are treated with simple dressings, which we apply in our clinic rooms. Surgical repair may be required if the wounds are more severely affected, or if there is tissue damage. A diet rich in protein such as meat, fish and poultry, and legume along with greens, fruits and nuts will nourish your body and provide nutrients needed for recovery and healing following surgery.
Smoking
Due to cigarette smoke constricting the small blood vessels within the tissue, smokers have a higher incidence of wound healing problems and are much more likely to develop wound breakdown. For this reason, it is extremely important to stop smoking before the operation and for 6 weeks postoperatively.
Bleeding and Haematoma (bleeding into the tissues)
Even following the implementation of drains post surgery, fluid and blood may collect in your wound. Rarely, this may require a return to the operating theatre, or even a blood transfusion. Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as aspirin up to 2 weeks prior to surgery, regardless of the dosage size, can increase the risk of bleeding. Multivitamins can also have an impact on post surgery bleeding, therefore it is essential to avoid aspirin or multivitamins in the 2 weeks leading up to your procedure unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
Seroma
This is mentioned last but it is possibly more common than all other events post surgery. Seroma is a special fluid produced by your body post surgery that can sometimes collect in the abdominal space between the skin and the muscle surface of the abdomen. It contains immune factors, inflammatory factors and growth factors along with albumin (a protein involved with healing). This fluid routinely helps with healing but may also collect and feel a little like a water bed of fluid under your skin. If the fluid build-up is too large, Dr Konrat performs an aspiration or drainage of the fluid. This usually occurs at the end of weeks 2/3 after your surgery and rarely may need drainage a second time. Rarely, a patient will experience persistent collection of fluid and will need a corrective procedure.
Information about Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty Surgery
Blepharoplasty is routinely preformed as day surgery under sedation with long acting local anaesthetic but in some cases will be performed under general anaesthesia. The procedure takes one to two hours. You will be required to stay in the recovery room under observation to ensure that no unexpected swelling or bleeding occurs, and that normal vision is present. You must have a responsible adult to drive you home and care for you for the first 24 hours following your surgery.
In upper eyelid blepharoplasty, the ‘ellipse’ of extra skin (the skin to be removed) from the upper eyelid is marked in the sitting position. The bottom edge of the ellipse follows the line of the natural eyelid crease and extends from the area just above the tear duct along to the outer edge of the eyelid opening, where it then angles slightly up and outward into an existing laugh line.
Incisions are carefully placed so that within several months, they will hardly be noticeable. On the upper lids, the incision is about an inch long and lies in the fold of the eyelid. On the lower lids, the incision is made just under the lashes in the natural crease.
The skin above the incision is gently pinched while the eyes are closed to determine the maximum amount of skin that can safely be removed without pulling up on the upper eyelid margin or down on the brow. To avoid a ‘stark’ outcome, the actual amount of skin and/or fat removed is always a little less.
In upper eyelid blepharoplasty, the upper eyelid skin is removed using a radio-frequency device with a fine needle point to perform the surgery. This results in reduced swelling and bruising and causes less heat damage to surrounding tissues routinely resulting in a finer less noticeable scar. Very occasionally, the underlying orbicularis muscle might be overdeveloped or stretched: if this is the case, some slight trimming may be required. If there is ‘orbital’ fat bulging, a structural layer known as the orbital septum is opened. One or both fat pads will be thinned slightly (over-thinning would lead to hollowing.) The upper eyelid’s opening muscle (levator muscle complex) is located below the fat. It is identified and then carefully avoided during surgery. Eyelid surgery which penetrates the orbital septum must be performed in an accredited and licensed day hospital.
Lower eyelid Blepharoplasty is a more complex operation compared with upper eyelid surgery. It is performed in an accredited and licensed day hospital under general anaesthesia and also takes up to two hours. To achieve optimal results with this type of eye lift surgery may require a combination of procedures removing excess skin and/or fat from the lower eyelid fat pads.
Bleeding is meticulously controlled. The skin incision is closed using very fine stitches in the skin. If there is no fat bulging, the orbital septum is left intact, and no fat is removed from the middle pocket. At Brisbane Cosmetic Clinic, “Tissue-sparing Blepharoplasty” has become the rule rather than the exception as we aim for the most natural result possible.
Before deciding to proceed with surgery, please review our Consent for Surgery form about this surgery.
Patient Journey for Blepharoplasty Surgery
Blepharoplasty (eyelid) surgery is a day surgery procedure, which means you go home on the same day. It is a legal requirement for your safety to organise someone to drive you home and to stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery. It is not possible to take a taxi, Uber or public transport of any kind.
You should expect mild discomfort, which can be controlled with prescription oral pain medication. After about three days, you may possibly no longer require prescription pain medication.
Swelling and bruising improve within 7 days, depending on the extent of the surgery. The bruising first moves down into the cheek and even the neck before fading. Light camouflage creams containing ‘green’ colour help to hide bruising on the cheeks, but you should not apply this to the eye area for the first 10 – 14 days. Bandages are not needed.
Glasses may be worn immediately, but you should wait 14 days to wear contact lenses. You must wait 14 days before using eye makeup. Your stitches will be removed between day 9 – 12 following your procedure.
You will be presentable in public in 7 – 14 days, depending on the extent of the surgery. You may feel capable of returning to work in 7 days, but your appearance may be a limiting factor. You may resume exercise in two weeks. You must wear sun protection for at least six months, although we encourage you to use it permanently (SPF 30+).
You should see your final result in 6-12 weeks, and the scars should fade significantly within six months.
Reducing Swelling and Bruising:
- If you leave the operating theatre without an eye pad, begin applying your ice pack as soon as possible after you get home.
- Sit upright as much as possible during the day, and sleep propped up to about 45 degrees for the first few days after surgery. This improves circulation, reduces swelling and aids lymphatic drainage.
Ice Pack:
- Specially designed masks are available from chemists. You need to purchase several so there is always one cooled and ready for use. Alternatively, a small bag of frozen peas or similar wrapped in a clean cotton cloth will make a good ice pack. If ice cubes are used, they need to be in a non-leaking clear plastic bag.
- While sitting upright, put some clean damp gauze over the eyelids, then apply the ice pack. This can feel very cold, and you need to hold a cloth in your hand, or wrapped around your head in order to secure the pack.
- Try to keep the ice pack applied to your eye for 10-15 minutes of every hour during waking hours if possible. If you cannot manage this, anything longer than 5 minutes every hour is satisfactory.
- Continue the ice pack applications for three days after surgery.
Warm Compresses
- On the fourth day after surgery, switch to warm flannel applications for 15 minutes every hour until the swelling and bruising has settled. Use boiled water, cooled to comfortable hand temperature, applied on a clean flannel or sterile gauze swabs.
- Continue for four days, or until the bruising has subsided.
Eyelid Cleaning:
- Always wash your hands first!
- The first eyelid clean is done the morning after surgery.
- Use damp gauze squares or saline solution. Either purchase sachets of saline or make up a simple solution with one teaspoon of salt in a litre of water that has been boiled. Leave to cool before use and make up a new batch for each use.
- Soak the gauze swabs in the saline and place on the eyelids to remove superficial debris.
- Dab the eyelids, moving the gauze horizontally across the eyelid, avoiding the eye. Move from the nose end (medial) to the outside corner (lateral). Clean the eyelashes from their base to tips.
- After the first clean, continue twice daily cleans for one week, then once daily for the second week.
Sutures (Stitches):
- The stitches used are quite secure, but still be gentle!
- If ‘absorbable sutures’ have been used, these may not require removing.
- If ‘permanent’ or ‘non-absorbable’ sutures are used, Dr Konrat will remove them between 9 and 14 days after surgery.
- If a stitch breaks and the wound opens, or your vision blurs, or there is bleeding, discharge or excessive pain, please contact Dr Konrat immediately.
Risks & Possible Complications of Blepharoplasty
Blurred Vision
This is also a very rare problem. It can be caused by irritation, swelling or damage to any of the muscles that surround the eyeball and coordinate its movement. Even if these symptoms occur, they are usually temporary.
Dry Eye Syndrome
A variety of circumstances could cause dry eye syndrome, but it is most often related to lack of lower eyelid support following eyelid surgery, leading to a lower than optimal lower eyelid.
Inability to Close the Eyes
At times, the removal of too much upper eyelid skin can cause dry eye syndrome. In severe cases, skin grafting may be necessary to correct this problem. Dr Konrat prefers to take less skin than measured, to help avoid this eventuality.
Corneal Abrasion
This can occur during any eyelid operation, whether it is on the eyes, or any part of the body, because the eyes may sometimes open during surgery, rendering them susceptible to being scratched by a member of the operating team. Corneal abrasion may also result from inadvertent splash of antiseptic solution or other chemicals in the eye. Care involves taping the eye shut while it heals and applying appropriate eye drops.
Hollow (Sunken) Eyes
This can usually be prevented by the conservative approach advocated by Dr Konrat. With the development of Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, hollowing around the eyes may be treated.
Bruising
Blindness
This is extremely rare: it occurs in fewer than 1 in 10,000 people who undergo blepharoplasty and is reported mostly in people having lower eyelid Blepharoplasty and is thought to be due to excess bleeding causing pressure behind the eye.
Not sure where to start?
Do you live in Brisbane, Sydney, the Gold Coast, or “out of town?” and still have questions about Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery?
Get in Touch.
Dr Georgina Konrat and her team are here to help you become fully informed about Abdominoplasty surgery and empower you with the knowledge you need to make important decisions about surgery. We welcome enquiries from patients in Brisbane, Sydney, the Gold Coast, and Australia wide.