Eyelid Surgery Ireland

Upper blepharoplasty aims to preserve the volume and optimizing the upper eyelid folds and its definition leading to an aesthetically pleasing and youthful appearance. There are 3 main areas that are being addressed surgically during blepharoplasty: a) the excess skin (laxity), b) the orbicularis oculi muscle and c) the fat compartment beneath. The decision to excise or remove either one of the three components or all of the three components is determined by the severity and appearance of the peri-orbital area. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is a much more challenging procedure compared to upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Specifically, excision of skin and Orbicularis Oculi muscle tissue is conservative. Excessive removal of the three fat compartments during lower eyelid blepharoplasty can lead to hollowness and further revealing the aging peri-orbital area. Fat injection and the appropriate use of a small amount of filler can be beneficial to treat the lower eyelid hollowness but over-use and excessive amount will create severe and unwanted complications such as contour irregularity, changing the eye shape, asymmetry and severe prolonged swelling or oedema which can be very difficult to treat. The small area of transition from the lower eyelid to the cheek, which is known as the ‘lid-cheek junction’ which is best appreciated in profile view. It is smooth with a good contour in youth but becomes attenuated or loss with the aging process. Besides addressing the above 3 components (skin, muscle, fat) as in upper eyelid surgery, the restoration of smooth lid-cheek junction is of paramount importance in order to achieve great outcomes with facial harmony. In lower eyelid surgery, the surgical incision can be placed at the eyelashes margin or through the conjunctival (transconjunctival approach).