EYELight360™ Blepharoplasty

This 360-degree eyelid surgery is performed under local anaesthetic and oral sedation in a sterile operating room.

The EYELight360™ is a bespoke treatment which means that the sequence of procedures would only be determined after Dr Wilkinson has assessed the per-orbital area.

Firstly, the hooding of the upper eyelid skin is addressed with an upper blepharoplasty. The incision for the upper eyelid is hidden in the upper lid crease. Dr Wilkinson then removes skin and/or fat from the eyelid, tightening the skin as the wound is stitched closed.

The most important step of the procedure is replacing the volume in a 360-degree approach, creating youthful, soft contours that lift and illuminate the whole face.

A small syringe is utilised to suction the subcutaneous fat of the abdomen, knees or medial thigh area; these are donor sites with high stem cell concentrations and contents. The fat is then purified using specialised techniques to create lipografts and nanofat.

Secondly, a multi-plane technique precisely transplants the fat and stem cells to the periorbital area at different levels and layers to improve orbital contours and create an uplifting effect. 

Next, the nano fat is layered very superficially under the skin, harnessing the potential of the rich stem cells to improve skin quality.

The last surgical procedure is CO2RE fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing. Essentially, the upper layers of the skin are vaporised, removing the superficial skin layers. This direct photothermal effect, therefore, removes the dull upper layers of the skin, stimulates new collagen and enhances the survival of the fat injections. This leaves the targeted area of the lower eyelid skin feeling tighter and rejuvenated.

The final touch in the procedure is the injection of muscle relaxing injections to relax the depressor muscles that contact the periorbital area. This results in a wide, uplifted and relaxed peri-orbital complex surrounding the eyelids.

The EYELight360™ creates a complete periorbital rejuvenation and uplifting effect, replenishing youthful contours while improving the quality of the skin for a real 360 approach to modern eyelid surgery. As stem cells are nature’s way to regenerate new cells in targeted areas, the results are noticeable in a firmer and more youthful appearance of the eyes.

 EYELight360™ is an intricate procedure that combines multiple modalities for a comprehensive rejuvenation and typically requires about 2 to 3 hours to complete. 

This timeframe allows Dr Nerina Wilkinson to meticulously perform eyelid surgery, targeted fat grafting, laser resurfacing, and other steps as needed, ensuring precise and harmonious results. 

The duration may vary slightly depending on the individual’s specific needs and the extent of the procedure.

For most individuals, the enhancements achieved with the EYELight360™ offer permanent results, contributing to a lasting rejuvenation of the eye area. 

However, it’s important to note that the longevity and satisfaction from this procedure greatly depend on having a comprehensive understanding of what EYELight360™ entails and maintaining realistic expectations about the outcomes. 

This alignment of knowledge and expectations is crucial for a fulfilling post-surgical experience.

EYELight360™ Blepharoplasty: Before and After

EYELight360™ at Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates is the first step in your journey towards revitalised and youthful eyes. It’s essential to adhere to the pre and post-procedure guidance provided, to optimise your experience and enhance the outcomes. Following these carefully tailored instructions will prepare your eyes for the transformation and ensure the longevity of your refreshed, vibrant look.

What to do before EYELight360™ 

Embarking on the EYELight360™ journey with Dr. Nerina Wilkinson + Associates is a step towards rejuvenating your eye profile. Proper preparation is key to optimising the procedure’s success and ensuring a smooth recovery. Here’s how to prepare:

• Complete preoperative tests: Schedule and complete any tests Dr Wilkinson requests to ensure you’re ready for surgery.
• Cease smoking: Stop smoking 4 weeks before and after your surgery as nicotine hampers blood flow and healing.
• Medication and supplements: Pause taking aspirin, anti-inflammatories, herbal supplements, and diet pills 2 weeks prior to surgery to reduce bleeding risks.
• Eyelash care: Remove eyelash extensions or false lashes to prevent eye damage or wound contamination.
• Arrange recovery essentials: Prepare everything you’ll need during recovery, such as meals, comfortable pillows, and entertainment.
• Transportation: Organise someone to drive you to and from the clinic, considering you won’t be able to drive for 24 hours post-surgery.
• Pre-operative consultation: Book a consultation with Dr. Wilkinson one week before surgery for a final check and discussion.

Importance of your initial consultation:

Your initial consultation is crucial. Bring your complete medical history, relevant ophthalmologist reports, and glasses or contact lenses. 

This visit includes a thorough examination, possibly with Visia Skin Analysis and Next Motion photographs, to tailor the treatment plan to your specific needs.

Discuss expectations:

Openly discussing your expectations with Dr. Wilkinson and understanding the procedure’s scope, risks, and potential outcomes is vital. This ensures you’re well-informed and your expectations are aligned with what the surgery can realistically achieve. 

Comprehensive documentation provided by Dr. Wilkinson’s assistant will guide your pre- and post-operative preparation.

Day of the EYELight360™ 

On the day of your EYELight360™ surgery at Dr. Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, your journey towards eye rejuvenation reaches a key milestone. To ensure a smooth process do the following:

• Medication: Continue with your routine medications for conditions like blood pressure or diabetes, taking them in the morning with a small sip of water.
• Attire: Dress in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and easy-to-slip-on flat shoes for your convenience and ease post-surgery.
• Personal items: Bring sunglasses and a hat or scarf to protect your eyes and maintain privacy as you leave the clinic.
• Pre-discharge consultation: Dr. Wilkinson will review your condition before you are discharged to ensure everything is as expected.
• Staff support: Our team will cater to your needs throughout your stay and ensure a follow-up appointment is scheduled with Dr. Wilkinson before you leave.

What to bring:

• Medications: Carry all postoperative medications as prescribed.
• Essentials only: Leave valuables and jewellery at home to avoid the risk of loss.
• Communication: You may bring your mobile phone along with your charger and adapter, which can be securely stored in the cupboard at your bedside.
• Post-surgery pickup: Confirm that you have arranged for someone to collect you from the clinic, as driving will not be advisable immediately after the procedure.

After the EYELight360™ 

Following your EYELight360™ surgery with Dr. Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, expect to stay around an hour for initial post-operative care. You’ll be under the attentive care of Dr. Wilkinson and her team, who will ensure your comfort and schedule a follow-up appointment.

Post-surgery experience:

• Immediate aftercare: Your eyes will be treated with ointment, and micropore tapes applied to the incisions. It’s normal to feel a sensation similar to sunburn, which could last a few hours.
• Healing process: Within the first few days, expect peeling of dead skin, leading to a secondary flaking phase that could last up to 10 days. Any discomfort should be manageable with prescribed medication but report any severe pain immediately.
• Follow-up care: Your first follow-up will include a special cleansing treatment and a Dermalux LED light therapy session to aid healing. Swelling and redness are typical, gradually subsiding over 6 weeks.

Important post-surgery instructions:

• Sun exposure: Avoid direct sunlight for 6 weeks to prevent hyperpigmentation. This is particularly crucial in the early recovery phase, marked by sensitivity to light and potential temporary vision changes.
• Care and maintenance: A pack of post-treatment creams will be provided, with instructions for optimal use to support the healing process.
• Scheduled appointments: Post-operative visits are critical, scheduled for approximately 2-4 days post-surgery for dressing changes, one week for stitch removal, and 6 weeks for a comprehensive surgical follow-up.

Adhering to these guidelines is crucial to the success of EYELight360™ surgery and smooth recovery.

EYELight360™ is a sophisticated procedure designed for those seeking a significant, one-time solution for rejuvenating tired eyes. Recovery varies by individual, but here’s a general timeline to guide expectations:

• Immediate post-surgery: Sutures from upper eyelid surgery are typically removed 7 days post-operation. Initial swelling and redness are expected to last 7-10 days, with the majority of patients observing significant improvement within 3 weeks. To camouflage any lingering signs of the procedure, cover makeup may be necessary for up to 6 weeks.
• Early recovery: Activities such as reading and watching TV are possible 2-3 days after surgery. However, contact lens users may need to wait up to 2 weeks before resuming wear, and even then, some discomfort may be experienced.
• Eyelash care: Avoid eyelash extensions or false lashes for at least 2 weeks post-surgery to ensure proper healing of the sutures.
• Sensitivity: Post-procedure, you’ll likely be more sensitive to sunlight, wind, and other environmental factors. Wearing sunglasses and applying sunblock is advisable when going outdoors to protect your newly rejuvenated eye area.
• Activity restrictions: To facilitate a smooth recovery, limit physical activity for the first 5-7 days. More strenuous activities should be avoided for about 3 weeks, particularly those that could elevate blood pressure, such as bending, lifting, and intensive sports.
• Alcohol consumption: It’s recommended to avoid alcohol during the recovery period as it can lead to fluid retention and exacerbate swelling.

One of the significant advantages of the EYELight360™ procedure is its durability, with results that are not only more permanent but also enhanced by the regenerative potential of stem cells. 

This makes EYELight360™ an optimal choice for individuals looking for enduring improvements to refresh and revitalise the appearance of their eyes, far beyond what can be achieved with less invasive treatments.

The cost of the EYELight360™ procedure depends on the surgical time and the

amount of muscle relaxing injections required; estimated at +/- R 60 000 –

R 68 000.

The extent of the surgery will only be determined once you have seen Dr Wilkinson

for a full assessment/consultation.

Additional costs to expect:

• Consultation fee: R 2 450
• Medication required for surgery: +/- R 1 200 – R 1 500
• Additional overnight at our facility, other than recommended by us: +/- R 7 000
• Other assessments advised by Dr Wilkinson

(Please note that these fees are only estimates and can change once you have

seen the doctor for your first assessment)

Yes, there are several surgical alternatives to EYELight360™ for those seeking to rejuvenate their eye area or overall facial appearance:

• Traditional eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty): This surgical procedure focuses on removing or repositioning sagging skin around the eyelids, aiming to reduce the hooded appearance of the upper eyelids and bags under the lower eyelids, thus mitigating a tired look.
• Facelift (Rhytidectomy): A facelift addresses signs of ageing by lifting sagging facial tissues. Dr. Nerina Wilkinson employs modern facelift techniques, often combined with volume replacement like her signature StemCell4DLift, to achieve a refreshed, natural appearance without the windswept look associated with more traditional techniques.
• Lipofilling (Facial Fat Grafting): This procedure enhances facial features by using your own body fat to fill in wrinkles, sunken cheeks, and other areas with lost volume, promoting a rejuvenated effect.
• StemCell4DLift™: A cutting-edge procedure that offers a scarless facelift by combining fat grafts, adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC), CO²RE® fractional laser resurfacing, and muscle relaxing injections. This approach focuses on both volumising and improving skin quality for a comprehensive rejuvenation.

Each of these alternatives has its unique benefits and can be tailored to meet individual needs and goals. To determine the most suitable option, book a consultation with Dr. Nerina Wilkinson.

Yes, EYELight360™ is considered safe when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon in a controlled clinical setting. However, like all surgical procedures, there are potential risks. Typical side effects may include temporary vision changes and bruising; minor complications could involve skin issues or asymmetry; rare but serious complications might include significant eyelid problems or, in very rare cases, blindness.

Prior to the surgery, Dr Wilkinson conducts thorough assessments to customise the treatment, ensuring its safety and effectiveness for each patient. With her expertise and a detailed preoperative evaluation, patients can expect a high standard of care throughout their EYELight360™ journey.

While EYELight360™ Blepharoplasty, under the expertise of Dr. Nerina Wilkinson, is designed to be a safe and transformative procedure, it’s important for patients to be aware of the potential risks and complications, as with any surgical procedure. These include:

• Common postoperative side-effects: Patients may experience temporary double or blurred vision, eyelid swelling, and bruising. These are typically short-lived and resolve within the initial postoperative period.
• Minor complications: Some individuals might notice tiny whiteheads near the stitch removal sites, which can be easily treated. There’s also a chance of slight asymmetry in healing or scarring.
• Rare complications: Although uncommon, complications such as difficulty closing the eyes during sleep, ectropion (downward pulling of the lower eyelids), or even very rare instances of blindness can occur.
• Laser resurfacing effects: The use of Syneron Candela fractional CO2RE® laser resurfacing may result in erythema (skin redness) and inflammation, leading to a moderate amount of swelling and hyperpigmentation. These effects typically improve significantly within weeks following the procedure, aided by specific aftercare treatments.

To minimise these risks, it’s crucial to follow Dr. Wilkinson’s pre- and post-surgical advice closely. A detailed discussion during your consultation will help address any concerns and ensure you are fully informed about the procedure’s benefits and potential side effects, allowing for a safe and effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.