Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure used to remove excess and sagging skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. We also associate the removal of fat bags in both the upper and lower eyelid area.
Blepharoplasty can correct drooping of the upper eyelids and bags in the lower eyelids, characteristics that make us look older and more tired than we are and that, in some cases, can interfere with vision, decreasing visual acuity and causing eye problems such as constant tearing, eye irritation, etc.
It is important to clarify that blepharoplasty does not remove “crow’s feet” around the eye area or other wrinkles or sagging eyebrows.
Who needs blepharoplasty?
The ideal candidates to undergo blepharoplasty are those who are looking for a better image, not absolute perfection, in their appearance. It is necessary to be in good physical and mental health as well as being realistic about expectations.
Pre-surgical visits
Good communication between you and your plastic surgeon is essential. In the first consultation, a complete medical history will be taken. You should inform your surgeon if you take any medication, if you smoke and if you are allergic to any medication. The different techniques and the type of anesthesia (local and sedation, general anesthesia) to be used, where surgery will be performed, the risks and the cost of the intervention will be explained to you. The Social Security service portfolio does not include cosmetic blepharoplasty.
It is important to stop smoking at least one or two weeks before surgery. Careful compliance with the medical indications makes the surgery to be performed in better conditions.
Blepharoplasty is performed in the operating room, in a hospital. Normally, you will stay in the hospital for a few hours after the procedure.
The procedure usually lasts between one and two hours. If all four eyelids are to be performed, the upper eyelids are usually started. Most of the time the incisions are placed in the creases of the upper eyelids and just below the eyelashes in the lower eyelids; in some cases they may extend to the crow’s feet. Through these incisions, excess fat and sometimes excess skin and muscle are removed. The incisions are closed with very fine sutures.
In other cases, in young patients in whom there is only excess fat and no excess skin, a transconjunctival blepharoplasty of the lower eyelids can be performed; the incision is placed inside the lower eyelid leaving no visible scar.
After surgery, an ointment will be applied to your eyes to lubricate them, and in some cases, a soft bandage with steristrips. You may have mild discomfort over your eyelids that is easily relieved by the painkillers prescribed. If you have severe or persistent pain, you should inform your surgeon as soon as possible. The head of the bed should remain elevated about 45 degrees for about 5-7 days after surgery. It is important to apply cold compresses or bags of fresh peas to reduce swelling and bruising. You should maintain relative rest for 3-5 days and avoid strenuous activity for 3 weeks.
Possible risks
When this procedure is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon complications are infrequent and minor. However, there is always a possibility of complications, such as infection or anesthetic reactions. Risks can be minimized by carefully following your plastic surgeon’s instructions both before and after surgery. Minor complications that may occur after blepharoplasty include double or blurred vision for a few days, transient swelling of the eyelids, and mild asymmetry in healing. Difficulty in closing the eyelids completely during sleep may occur transiently after surgery. Another rare complication is ectropion, which may require surgical correction. In any case, it will be in the pre-surgical visits where your plastic surgeon will detail the possible complications and clarify any doubts that may arise.
Results
The scars may have a pinkish appearance for the first few months. They will progressively lighten to an almost invisible clear line. At first the scars may be visible, as fine reddish lines located in the crease of the upper eyelid and below the eyelashes on the lower eyelid, extending a few millimeters to the outside of the eye in one of the wrinkles of the “crow’s feet”. The results of blepharoplasty offer a more youthful and awake appearance and in many cases, the results are permanent, in general, the eyelid bags do not usually reappear.
The information contained in this page in no way replaces the information provided personally by your plastic surgeon. In case of doubt, your plastic surgeon will provide you with the appropriate clarifications. It is essential that your surgeon is a qualified specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. Consult the list of surgeons of the SECPRE.
