Eyelid surgery (also known as blepharoplasty) is used to remove excess skin around the eyes and to reduce sagginess (‘bags’) above or below the eyes. This procedure will reduce heaviness around your eyes, resulting in a more youthful, refreshed look.
Beyond its cosmetic appeal, this procedure can also help with some common health complaints. As we get older and our faces change, our eyelids can begin to feel heavy and droop, in some cases even impairing vision. These symptoms are often described as worse in the evenings. Blepharoplasty can be an effective surgical solution.
Importantly, if you are considering upper eyelid surgery, Dr Timms will carefully evaluate the surrounding facial structures in your assessment. Often the position of the eyelid must be considered alongside other factors (e.g. a drooping brow) to develop an effective surgical plan to achieve your desired result.
You will wake after your surgery with dressings over your surgical site/s. Depending on the nature of the procedure you may also wake up with drainage tubes coming from your surgical site. These are removed with little discomfort when Dr Timms feels they are ready to be removed after your surgery. Nurses looking after you are trained to ensure that your recovery is smooth and that you are as comfortable as possible postoperatively. Our clinic nurse is always available to answer any questions or concerns you may have whether you are recovering at home or within the hospital setting.
Dr Timms undertakes regular ward rounds, so he will be monitoring you very closely postoperatively.
Your anaesthetist will have prescribed medication for you to keep you comfortable – you will have pain relief medication prescribed for you for discharge also.
An appointment will be made for you to be reviewed by Dr Timms nurse in the rooms 7-10 days after your surgery. This appointment is usually arranged for you at your consultation appointment with Dr Timms. Sometimes it is arranged by the nursing staff that discharge you from hospital. This depends on the nature of your procedure and the duration of your stay in hospital.
A soft surgical grade compression garment is usually indicated for breast, body and some facial procedures. These garments are to be worn for 24/7 for six weeks and can be removed for showering. These are specialised garments and we will advise you where to purchase these garments, how to wear the garments and what type you require when you book your procedure with Dr Timms. Many garments are claimable via your private health insurance depending on your level of cover and whether your procedure is medical or cosmetic.
You will need to be prepared to avoid driving for a period of anywhere between 1-3 weeks post surgery. The duration of this time depends on the nature of your surgery, medications you are taking for pain relief and your level of confidence behind the wheel post-surgery. It is advisable that you refrain from heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for 6 weeks.
Most activities can be recommenced after your 6 week review with Dr Timms.
If you are unhappy with a procedure you’ve received from another surgeon we are happy to consult and let you know, the best way to correct those procedures using Dr Timm’s excellent surgical expertise.
“Nothing makes me happier than the confident smile, my patients give me, when they see their results”
Dr Ian Timms