Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)

Blepharoplasty - is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, fat pockets, or muscle from the eyelids. As we age, the skin of the eyelids gradually loses its elasticity, and the muscles that support it weaken. This can cause excess skin and fat to accumulate above and below the eyelids, which can impair peripheral vision, especially in the upper and lateral parts of the visual field. Blepharoplasty can reduce or eliminate these vision problems. This surgery can also make the eyes look younger, brighter, and more energetic.

Who is a good candidate for blepharoplasty?

Your doctor will help you decide if you are a suitable candidate for blepharoplasty and which procedure is best for you. Blepharoplasty is most commonly performed on patients over the age of 35, but in cases of significant eyelid changes, this procedure can be performed on patients as young as 18.

Be realistic about your expectations for blepharoplasty. Blepharoplasty can improve your appearance and help boost your self-confidence. However, you should not expect the surgery to drastically change your appearance.

Detailed information about blepharoplasty

How should I prepare for blepharoplasty?

Your doctor will provide specific instructions on how to best prepare. It is recommended that you avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or anticoagulants for a week before the procedure, as these can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. It is also necessary to inform your doctor before the planned surgery if you smoke, take medication, or suffer from arterial hypertension, blood clotting disorders, endocrine system diseases, or eye diseases.

What happens during blepharoplasty surgery?

Depending on your goals and your doctor's recommendations, upper, lower, or both eyelids may be treated.

Upper blepharoplasty

The doctor will mark the planned incision sites with a special skin marker. Local anesthetics will be injected into the surgical site so that you do not feel any pain and the procedure is as gentle as possible. Next, using a scalpel or electrode, the doctor will make an incision in the natural crease of the upper eyelid. After removing the excess skin and/or fat pockets, the wound is sutured with special stitches and secured with a plaster. During the operation, you may feel slight discomfort and pressure in the incision areas.

Lower eyelid surgery

The doctor will mark the planned incision sites with a special skin marker. Local anesthetics will be injected into the surgical site so that you do not feel any pain and the procedure is as gentle as possible. The doctor will then use a scalpel or electrode to make an incision in the natural crease under the eyelashes. After removing excess skin and/or fat pockets, the wound is sutured with special sutures and secured with a plaster. During the operation, you may feel slight discomfort and pressure in the incision areas.

How long does blepharoplasty take?

Upper eyelid surgery takes 30-60 minutes. If both upper and lower eyelid surgery is performed at the same time, it takes 60-90 minutes. Additional procedures usually extend the duration of this surgery.

What happens after blepharoplasty?

After the surgery, the doctor may monitor you for 15-30 minutes to make sure you do not experience any side effects, including bleeding, dizziness, nausea, or an allergic reaction.

After the operation, it is recommended to:

• Apply cold locally;
• Keep your head elevated (sleep with your head higher than your chest for a few days);
• Wear dark sunglasses to protect the skin of your eyelids from the sun and wind;
• Medication for pain relief.

These recommendations must be discussed in detail with the surgeon who performed the operation. The surgeon will also schedule a follow-up consultation approximately one week after the operation to evaluate the results.

What are the side effects or complications of blepharoplasty?

Like any intervention, eyelid surgery can carry certain risks. The complications that may arise are as follows:

• Redness, swelling, and pain;
• Dry eyes, tightness;
• Bleeding;
• Infection;
• Difficulty closing the eyes;
• Changes in skin color;
• Asymmetry;
• Skin sensitivity issues;
• Vision problems;
• Scars.

The risk of complications is increased by smoking, obesity, diabetes, endocrine disorders, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions.

What is the healing period after the surgery?

The healing period depends on your overall health and the healing process. It is likely that healing after eyelid surgery will take 1 to 2 weeks. During this period, you will be able to engage in daily activities, but you may experience slight discomfort. To promote faster healing and avoid complications, you should follow your doctor's instructions.

Is the effect of blepharoplasty long-lasting?

Eyelid surgery will not stop the natural aging process, but the cosmetic effect is usually long-lasting. The cosmetic effect of upper eyelid surgery can last for years or decades, and lower eyelid surgery rarely needs to be performed more than once.

Is blepharoplasty painful?

Eyelid surgery is one of the least painful cosmetic procedures. On the day of the operation, you may feel slight discomfort, which should disappear after 12-24 hours.

At what age is it best to have blepharoplasty?

Eyelid surgery is most often performed on patients over the age of 35, but in cases of significant eyelid changes, this surgery can be performed on patients as young as 18.

When should I see my doctor after the surgery?

It is recommended to have a follow-up consultation with your doctor about a week after the eyelid surgery. The doctor will examine your eyes and discuss the results with you.