What is Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that rejuvenates the appearance of the upper and/or lower eyelids by removing excess skin, fat, and muscle. At Nairobi Sculpt Aesthetic Centre, Dr. Mukami Gathariki specializes in creating natural, refreshed results that enhance the eyes’ appearance while maintaining facial harmony. This procedure is ideal for addressing drooping eyelids, under-eye bags, or puffiness that can make you appear tired or older than you feel.

Dr. Mukami employs precise techniques to ensure minimal scarring and a natural look, tailoring each procedure to the patient’s unique anatomy and aesthetic goals. Blepharoplasty can also improve vision in cases where sagging upper eyelid skin obstructs the field of view.

Benefits of Eyelid Surgery

• Youthful Appearance: Eliminates drooping eyelids and under-eye bags for a refreshed, vibrant look.
• Improved Vision: Corrects sagging upper eyelid skin that impairs peripheral vision.
• Enhanced Confidence: Aligns your appearance with your self-image, boosting self-esteem.
• Minimal Scarring: Incisions are discreetly placed in natural eyelid creases, becoming nearly invisible over time.
• Long-Lasting Results: Offers durable outcomes, typically lasting 5–10 years or more with proper care.

Who is a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

Ideal candidates for blepharoplasty include individuals who:

• Are in good overall health with no uncontrolled medical conditions.
• Have excess skin, puffiness, or bags around the upper or lower eyelids.
• Experience vision obstruction due to drooping upper eyelids.
• Are typically aged 35 or older, though younger patients with hereditary eyelid concerns may qualify.
• Have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes.

During your consultation, Dr. Mukami will assess your eyelid anatomy, discuss your aesthetic and functional goals, and determine whether upper, lower, or combined blepharoplasty is best for you.

Types of Eyelid Surgery

Dr. Mukami offers various blepharoplasty techniques to address specific concerns:

• Upper Blepharoplasty: Targets sagging skin and excess fat in the upper eyelids to open up the eyes and improve vision if needed.
• Lower Blepharoplasty: Removes or repositions fat and skin under the eyes to eliminate bags and smooth the lower eyelid area.
• Combined Blepharoplasty: Addresses both upper and lower eyelids for comprehensive rejuvenation.
• Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty: A scarless technique for lower eyelids, removing fat through an incision inside the eyelid, ideal for patients with good skin elasticity.
• Asian Blepharoplasty: Creates or enhances a natural eyelid crease while preserving ethnic characteristics.

The Eyelid Surgery Procedure

Eyelid surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the case. The process includes the following steps:

1. Consultation: Dr. Mukami evaluates your eyelid structure, discusses your goals, and develops a customized surgical plan.
2. Anesthesia: Administered to ensure comfort during the procedure.
3. Incisions: For upper eyelids, incisions are made in the natural crease; for lower eyelids, incisions are placed just below the lash line or inside the eyelid (transconjunctival).
4. Tissue Adjustment: Excess skin, fat, and muscle are removed or repositioned to achieve a smooth, natural contour.
5. Closure: Incisions are closed with fine sutures, designed to minimize scarring.
6. Duration: The procedure typically takes 1–2 hours, depending on whether upper, lower, or both eyelids are addressed.

Dr. Mukami’s meticulous approach ensures precise results with minimal tissue trauma, promoting faster recovery and natural-looking outcomes.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from eyelid surgery is generally straightforward, with the following timeline:

• First Week: Mild swelling and bruising are common, and sutures are typically removed within 5–7 days. Most patients resume light activities within 7–10 days.
• Two Weeks: Swelling and bruising significantly subside, and you may return to non-strenuous work or social activities.
• One Month: Most residual swelling resolves, and the eyes’ refreshed appearance becomes more apparent. Avoid strenuous exercise for 3–4 weeks.
• Full Recovery: Final results are visible within 1–3 months as scars fade and the eyelids fully settle.

Dr. Mukami provides comprehensive aftercare instructions, including:

• Applying cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising.
• Keeping your head elevated to minimize swelling.
• Avoiding rubbing the eyes or wearing contact lenses for 1–2 weeks.
• Protecting incision sites from sun exposure to reduce scarring.
• Attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

Combining Eyelid Surgery with Other Procedures

For comprehensive facial rejuvenation, blepharoplasty can be paired with:

• Facelift or Necklift: Addresses sagging in the midface, jowls, or neck for a cohesive, youthful look.
• Brow Lift: Elevates a drooping brow to complement eyelid rejuvenation and enhance the upper face.
• Non-Surgical Treatments: Botox or fillers to smooth wrinkles or restore volume in areas like the cheeks or tear troughs.
• Chemical Peels or Skin Resurfacing: Improves skin texture around the eyes for a polished result.

Dr. Mukami will recommend complementary procedures based on your goals and facial anatomy during your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long do eyelid surgery results last? Results typically last 5–10 years or more, though natural aging will continue. A healthy lifestyle can prolong outcomes.
• Will I have visible scars? Incisions are placed in natural eyelid creases or inside the eyelid, making scars nearly invisible once healed.
• Is eyelid surgery painful? Most patients experience mild discomfort, managed with prescribed medications. Swelling and tightness are temporary.
• Can eyelid surgery improve vision? Yes, upper blepharoplasty can remove excess skin that obstructs vision, improving both function and appearance.
• When will I see the final results? Initial improvements are visible within weeks, with final results appearing within 1–3 months as swelling fully resolves.