Is Blepharoplasty Reversible?

Undergoing any form of surgery is a significant choice, one that comes various considerations and apprehensions. This is also true of eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty. This procedure aims to modify the upper and lower eyelids, either for cosmetic or functional reasons. As with any surgical procedure, one question that often arises is whether the procedure is reversible. Understanding the permanence or reversibility of blepharoplasty can be crucial in making an informed decision.

In this blog post, we look into what blepharoplasty involves, explore its different types including upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, and double eyelid surgery, and discuss the extent to which it can be reversed.

Understanding blepharoplasty

Here are the main types you may encounter:

Upper eyelid surgery

This procedure focuses on the upper eyelid, often targeting sagging or drooping eyelid folds and skin that can affect your appearance and impair vision in extreme cases. The surgery generally involves the removal of excess skin and sometimes a little fat, resulting in a more ‘youthful and alert look’.

Lower eyelid surgery

Unlike upper eyelid surgery, the lower eyelid procedure aims to minimise puffiness or bags under the eyes. Typically, it involves removing or redistributing fat deposits, and sometimes also involves skin removal or tightening.

Double eyelid surgery

Also known as “Asian blepharoplasty”, this type of surgery creates a crease in the upper eyelid, which can make the eyes appear larger or more awake. Double eyelid surgery is popular in certain Asian countries, where it's often considered a beauty standard.

Why people opt for blepharoplasty

The reasons for undergoing eyelid surgery can vary from person to person, but here are a few common motivations:

• Cosmetic enhancement, such as wanting a double eyelid or a more defined upper eyelid crease.

• To address functional issues like impaired vision due to sagging upper eyelids.

• To remove excess skin or bags under the eyes for a rejuvenated appearance.

The surgical process

It's worth noting that blepharoplasty generally involves local anaesthesia and sedation. Incisions are usually made along the natural lines of your eyelids, along the creases of your upper lids and just below the lashes in the lower lids. This allows for the removal or repositioning of fat deposits, tightening of muscles, and removal of excess skin.

What changes does blepharoplasty bring?

Now that we've covered the basics of what blepharoplasty involves, let's delve into the specific changes this form of eyelid surgery can bring to your upper and lower eyelids. Understanding these changes is crucial if you're considering the procedure and want to weigh the options for its reversibility.

Effects on upper and lower eyelids

Upper eyelid

In the case of the upper eyelid, blepharoplasty often results in the removal of excess skin and may also involve removing or repositioning fatty tissue. This gives the upper eyelid a less saggy and more youthful appearance. A more defined upper eyelid crease can also be achieved, giving the eye a more "open" look.

Lower eyelid

For the lower eyelid, the surgery aims to reduce bags and puffiness by removing or redistributing fat. In some cases, excess skin might also be removed or tightened to give a smoother, younger look.

Alteration of the eyelid crease in double eyelid surgery

If you're considering double eyelid surgery, note that this procedure will create a new eyelid crease or define an existing one. This change is more pronounced and is usually permanent, barring any complications or further surgical interventions.

Is blepharoplasty reversible?

Having understood what blepharoplasty involves and the changes it can bring to the upper and lower eyelids, the natural next question is whether these changes can be reversed. It's an important topic to explore, particularly for those who are considering the procedure but have concerns about its permanence.

Blepharoplasty is permanent

The standard understanding is that blepharoplasty is generally a permanent procedure. Once excess skin has been removed or fatty tissues repositioned, reverting to the pre-surgical state is not straightforward. This permanence applies to changes in the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, and the eyelid crease in the case of double eyelid surgery.

Circumstances under which reversal might be possible

While the procedure is mostly permanent, there are exceptional circumstances under which partial reversibility might be possible. For instance, if a small amount of skin is left after an upper eyelid surgery, there is a slight possibility of stretching it to restore a more natural look. However, note that this is a complex procedure with its own set of risks.

Risks involved in attempting to reverse the procedure

Trying to reverse blepharoplasty is not without its challenges and risks. Additional surgery may result in complications such as infection, scarring, or an asymmetrical appearance. Moreover, finding a surgeon with the necessary experience and expertise in reversing eyelid surgeries is no small feat.

Therefore, while some aspects of blepharoplasty may be technically reversible, the risks and complexities involved often make it an impractical choice. If you have concerns about the permanence of the procedure, these should be thoroughly discussed with healthcare professionals during the consultation phase.

Consultation and second opinions

Given the complexity and generally permanent nature of blepharoplasty, the role of pre-surgical consultation cannot be overstated. If you are contemplating eyelid surgery for your upper and lower eyelids, or perhaps a more specific double eyelid surgery, you must first go through a thorough consultation.

Importance of consultation

Consultation serves as the cornerstone for any successful surgical procedure. During this time, you'll discuss your expectations, medical history, and any concerns you may have about the surgery. A qualified healthcare professional will walk you through the risks, benefits, and alternative options available to you. This conversation is particularly important when considering a procedure like blepharoplasty, given its permanent nature.

Why a second opinion can be beneficial

While your initial consultation will provide you with a wealth of information, seeking a second opinion is often a wise move; it not only reassures you but also presents a broader perspective. Different surgeons may have different techniques, and a second opinion can offer insights into alternative methods that may better suit your specific needs or concerns, including those about reversibility.

Furthermore, a second opinion can serve as a valuable point of comparison, helping you to make a more informed decision. Given the permanent changes that blepharoplasty can bring to your upper and lower eyelids, you must not neglect collecting all the information you can .

Questions to ask during consultation

To maximise the benefit of your consultations, here are some questions you should consider asking:

• How much experience do you have in performing blepharoplasty?

• What is your approach to ensuring natural-looking results?

• What is your policy on revisions or reversals?

• What alternatives to surgery could achieve similar results?

Understanding the full scope of the surgery, including its risks and its potential for reversibility, will better equip you for the decisions you need to make.

Contact us

If you have experienced problems following eyelid surgery and think they are the result of negligence, talk to our expert cosmetic surgery negligence team today. Call 0808 189 7708 or request a callback by completing the contact form.