What is blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery?
Blepharoplasty, better known as eyelid surgery, is a surgical technique of oculoplastics that focuses on removing excess fat, skin and muscles of the upper and lower eyelids. It also focuses on some characteristics that give the appearance of aging and fatigue and can even affect vision.
Blepharoplasty surgery does not correct wrinkles or other symptoms caused by time, however, although it can sometimes be reported on its own, it can complement other aesthetic facial techniques aimed at, for example, correcting relaxation or rejuvenating the face, such as removing old spots.
Who is the ideal candidate for blepharoplasty?
Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is intended for those patients who want to improve, and not drastically change their appearance and facial appearance, either for aesthetic or other reasons.
Patients who undergo this procedure are usually older than 40 years. There may be exceptions in those younger patients who are due family genetics more prone to have dark circles and bags under the eyes.
If the patient suffers from thyroid disease, lack of tears, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, glaucoma or diabetes, you should consult with your ophthalmologist about the feasibility of performing blepharoplasty, because such health conditions can create some complications.
Types of blepharoplasty
Upper blepharoplasty
Upper blepharoplasty is an operation performed using micro incisions on the natural fold of the upper eyelids to remove skin and excess fat caused by aging. The goal of this intervention is to restore the appearance of a more rested and rejuvenated face.
Lower blepharoplasty
Lower blepharoplasty is an operation that serves to remove the excess part of the skin of the lower eyelid.
It is an operation that removes bags under the eyes and which in some cases can even improve under-eye wrinkles by repositioning fat, with the goal of achieving a clearer and more youthful appearance.
There are different techniques for performing this intervention and the ophthalmologist must choose the most appropriate one depending on the patient’s needs.
Transconjunctival blepharoplasty
The main difference from subciliary blepharoplasty is the place where the incision was made. For transconjunctival blepharoplasty, the surgeon makes an incision between the eyelid and the eyeball.
This technique is more common in those patients in whom there is no excess laxity in the skin or in the eyelid muscles, and whose sacs are not very pronounced. Recommended for younger patients.
One of the advantages of this procedure is that the skin is not damaged during the operation, so it does not require suturing, which means the absence of scars on the skin and faster recovery. The conjunctival access is closed without sutures.
It is becoming more common in lower type blepharoplasty surgeries. This operation will be reported under local anesthesia and admission to the hospital is not necessary.
Subciliary blepharoplasty
An incision for subciliary blepharoplasty is made below the lash line. The goal of this intervention is to reduce the bags of the lower eyelids by removing the part of the accumulated fat that is inside. This approach is also suitable in those cases that require skin removal.
It is usually performed under local anesthesia plus a sedative and does not require hospital admission.
Diagnosis of blepharoplasty
The first consultation assesses the clinical parameters necessary for an accurate indication. A doctor-patient relationship is established in which both parties create an image of pathology and expectations through interaction. The doctor will explain in detail to the patient what the mentioned procedures consist of.
- The position of the eyebrows will be assessed
- Eyelid parameters will be measured to rule out associated eyelid ptosis
- The position of the lower eyelid and the associated weakness will be assessed
- Corneal sensitivity testing
- Corneal surface assessment – biomicroscopy: to exclude the existence of ocular pathology (dry eye) that requires special consideration in surgical planning.
- Fundus study.
How long does eyelid surgery take?
Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty takes approximately one hour. In the case of surgery on all four eyelids, the oculoplastic surgeon will always start with the upper one, making an incision in order to remove the excess skin and tighten the orbicularis oculi muscle.
When there is excessive looseness on the lower eyelids, the incision is usually under the lashes with very fine sutures that heal without problems and are practically invisible for three months after the intervention. In addition to removing grease and sometimes the skin, the lower lid is repositioned to reduce eyelid loosening.
Postoperative blepharoplasty
Your eye plastic surgeon will prescribe the appropriate medication to relieve the first symptoms of pain that may appear. Depending on the preference of each surgeon, compression occlusion of both eyes may be indicated during the first 24 hours.
Ophthalmic ointment and bandages with cold saline are usually applied to reduce discomfort and inflammation.
The main symptoms after eyelid surgery are usually excessive tearing, hypersensitivity to light and some change in visual acuity that disappears in a few days.
The patient can return to normal life in 2-3 days. However, up to two months after the operation, you should protect your face with big sunglasses, as well as use a high-factor sunscreen.
In addition, it is recommended ten days without makeup after surgery. Blepharoplasty is a type of surgery whose results are long-lasting and last for years.
Blepharoplasty: before and after
Over the years, our smooth and vibrant appearance can lose clarity due to loss of skin elasticity, which turns into an obvious increase in skin on the eyelids or the appearance of oily bags on the lower eyelids and / or upper surfaces that darken and reduce the beauty of our eyes.
In some cases, the amount of excess skin is such that our field of vision can also be compromised.
Sometimes excessive sun exposure, some skin diseases or hereditary factors can speed up this process. This is the case with young people between the ages of 20 and 30 who undergo surgery when the sacs appear due to genetic predispositions.
However, blepharoplasty achieves very good results, restoring a younger and fresher look with a long-lasting effect.
In short, it is one of the most sought after orbital-palpebral surgeries in cosmetic eye surgery that helps rejuvenate your eyes and eyes.
The price of blepharoplasty
The price of blepharoplasty depends on the type of technique that the specialist ophthalmologist (oculoplastic) evaluates for each patient. Therefore, after the necessary preoperative tests and adequate diagnosis, the clinic will make a personalized budget for the type of surgery chosen by the doctor.
If you also want information on non-surgical aesthetic facial treatments, you can contact us and we will give you complete solutions to your problem.
Plastic surgery specialists
Schedule a consultation
The next step is to schedule a consultation. During your consultation, our team will answer all your questions, talk to you about all your worries and wishes before the operation, so that your expectations become realistic. You can call our office +41225017665 to schedule a consultation or you can fill out the form below and someone will contact you to schedule an appointment. Or contact us via Viber Whatsup application.