Blepharoplasty is seeing an uptake in New Zealand. Here’s what you need to know about the eye opening procedure

Blepharoplasty, also known as blepharoplasty, is the most sought-after plastic surgery procedure in the UK in 2024 and, according to a reconstructive surgeon here in New Zealand, it’s a treatment that’s growing in popularity here too. But what exactly does the operation involve, asks Viva contributor Lucy Slight, and why are so many people seeking it? It turns out that all those Zoom meetings could be to blame…

“I closed my eyes. You can say? I think it’s important to look awake.” Although many celebrities are rumored to have had eyelid surgery, George Clooney is one of the few to openly admit it, making this statement during a 2007 Oprah Winfrey interview with Julia Roberts.

But blepharoplasty, or blepharoplasty as it’s officially known, isn’t just a procedure for Hollywood’s elite. In fact, so far in 2024, the surgery has been found to be the most sought-after cosmetic procedure in the UK, with a study conducted by LilacSt.com documenting 253,000 online searches.

“In recent years, I’ve seen a steady increase in patients seeking eyelid and brow rejuvenation treatment,” says Dr Kathleeya Stang-Veldhouse, who is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Auckland at a boutique aesthetic clinic in Epsom. Clinic 42.

“While celebrities and social media have brought about some fads such as the ‘foxy brow lift’, I have also noticed a noticeable increase in interest in eyelid and brow surgery from younger generations following the Covid lockdown. The work-from-home scenario and the shift to online meetings meant that many of us were spending far more time staring at our faces on screens, confronting our own signs of ageing.’

Excess skin on the eyelids, known as dermatochalasis, is the main factor that causes people to seek blepharoplasty. Changes in skin and soft tissue elasticity may be responsible for the condition, but Stang-Veldhouse says the eyebrows also have a role to play. As we age, bone loss and the descent of fat pads, along with drooping brows, can contribute to the appearance of hooded eyes.

“Often patients come to the clinic saying to me, ‘I’m tired of looking tired.’ Others say their eyes look ‘sleepy’ all the time, no matter how rested they may be,” says Stang-Veldhouse.

“Some people notice the appearance of skin folds in the outer corners of their eyes, describe a heavy feeling in their upper lids, or begin to struggle with applying eye makeup because of the excess skin,” explains Stang-Veldhouse, who sometimes says the skin may touch or press over the eyelashes to the point of obstructing peripheral vision.

A blepharoplasty can achieve a noticeable reduction in excess skin, which can result in a fresher, more refreshed appearance.

“If there is significant eyelid coverage, surgery can help allow more light into the eyes and even improve peripheral vision.”

While excess eyelid skin tends to be the common natural factor in heavy-looking eyes, the surgery itself can also involve removing muscle and sometimes fat from the eye area. In the upper eyelid, surgery is performed either through a natural eyelid fold incision, or through an incision designed by the surgeon based on the patient’s desired outcome.

When patients are concerned about bags under the eyes, which Stang-Veldhouse says in most cases is caused by fat prolapse, there may also be excess skin on the lower eyelids. For the lower eyelids, the procedure involves removing or resurfacing fat and sometimes removing excess skin.

In some cases, patients may need brow ptosis correction, a procedure used to raise the position of the eyebrows.

“It can be done through hairline incisions, just above the forehead to remove excess skin and muscle (called a direct brow lift), or through an eyelid crease incision (called an indirect brow lift) to create an improved position eyebrow and contour. Indirect brow lift can be combined with upper eyelid blepharoplasty to give long-lasting results,” explains Stang-Veldhouse.

Each of these surgeries can be performed in an outpatient setting, and the cost can vary greatly depending on each person’s individual needs and concerns.

In New Zealand, Southern Cross will reimburse the cost of blepharoplasty and ptosis surgery if certain criteria are met. These include a clinically validated objective visual field assessment that demonstrates visual field loss and the presence of upper eyelid skin that hangs or rests on the upper eyelid lashes.

What are the risks associated with blepharoplasty?

The main risks associated with blepharoplasty and brow lift include bleeding and infection, over or under correction, scarring and dry eye symptoms. Stang-Veldhouse emphasizes the importance of seeking care from an experienced surgeon who understands the delicate anatomy and function of the periocular region.

“Other concerns may involve changing the general shape and contour of the eyes. That’s why it’s also important to have an in-depth and honest discussion with your surgeon about your overall aesthetic goals,” she adds.

After the procedure, patients can expect bruising and swelling for up to two weeks, and antibiotic ointment is often prescribed as the wounds and eyes are not covered.

Surgeries like this can be cost-prohibitive, but money aside, going this route isn’t for everyone. These days, there are a few non-invasive options to consider if you want to achieve a refreshed look without going under the knife.

For something more semi-permanent, botox and other botulinum toxin injections can be given to target and relax the muscles that push the brows down, which Stang-Veldhouse says can cause a slight brow lift and mild improvement in drooping eyelid skin low. .

“Botulinum toxin injections at the base of the crowns can sometimes help open the outer corner of the eyes as well,” she says.

As with all medical appearance procedures, be sure to do your research and visit a reputable clinic that offers an in-depth, no-obligation appointment before committing to any treatment. Asking to see before and after photos of the procedures your esthetician has done can provide further reassurance.

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