Eyelid surgery
How is the skin around the eyes aging? Symptom 1: tissues and small fat pockets accumulate on the upper and lower eyelids, making the eyes look swollen and tired. Symptom 2: the progressive flaccidity of the skin makes the eyelids droop and hang down. Some patients even complain of changes in the field of view as a result of the falling upper eyelid. The good news is that blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) can solve all these problems, refreshing the face and restoring a more youthful look. Different techniques of blepharoplasty surgery, and sometimes their combination, allow to tailor the treatment to the individual needs of the patient.
For whom?
Blepharoplasty is performed in relatively healthy Patients whose signs of aging are concentrated around the eyes. The operation is decided by people who have observed one or more symptoms at home:
- Drooping the upper eyelid that affects the field of view
- Loose skin on the upper eyelid that makes makeup difficult
- Small pockets of fat that make the eyes look swollen
- Lower eyelid drooping
- Bags or deep grooves under the eyes
The symptoms are thoroughly analyzed by a plastic surgeon who assesses whether the eyelid surgery is a procedure that can solve the patient’s problems.
Eyelid surgery – before surgery
Pre-consultation before surgery involves discussing signs of skin aging around the patient’s eyes and his aesthetic goals after the procedure. Your doctor will assess your current health and medical history to make sure that the surgery will be safe and effective. He also answers any questions and concerns that the Patient can make the final decision about undergoing an operation.
Ways of eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
Upper eyelid surgery
This operation focuses on smoothing the upper eyelid, removing drooping skin and creating a refreshed contour of the upper eye. The incision is made in the natural folding of the eyelid to minimize visible scars. It also allows you to remove extra fat and skin, and if necessary to shorten the muscle responsible for raising the eyelid.
Lower eyelid surgery
Lower eyelid surgery focuses on the area under the eye – removing unnecessary skin and fat twists. Incisions with this procedure can be performed inside the eyelid or along the eyelash line, making scars after the surgery almost invisible.
Simultaneous surgery of the upper and lower eyelids
Thanks to the simultaneous performance of lower and upper eyelid plasty, the most effective results can be obtained. Admittedly, the discomfort is slightly larger than in the case of a single plastic surgery of the eyelids, while the convalescence time remains the same. An additional benefit is one-time anesthesia.
What does the blepharoplasty surgery (eyelid surgery) look like?
The operation is usually performed using local anesthesia. In some patients general anesthesia is indicated. Eyelid surgery usually takes 1 to 2.5 hours. After surgery, the patient stays on observation for a few hours and then is discharged home. It is important that the patient stay under someone’s care for the first 24-48 hours so that he can rest and regenerate peacefully. Wound is closed with very thin sutures which are removed 6-7 days after the surgery.
Recovery
After the eyelid surgery, the patient can expect swelling and bruising, in which ice packs will be helpful. Possible pain after the procedure can be minimized by means of prescription medications prescribed by the doctor. The patient also receives eye drops that keep the eye moisture during convalescence. It is also important to sleep with your head raised for several nights. Most Patients find that recovery after eyelid surgery is faster and less severe than they expected. You can return to regular activities within two weeks, although bruises and swellings may still be visible. After a few weeks you can start more intensive exercises.
The results of eye surgery will be visible immediately, but the final effect should wait until the swelling subsides. In most cases, the results of blepharoplasty are very long-lasting. The results can be extended by protecting the eyes from the sun and using high quality skin care products.