Blepharoplasty

Technique

Blepharoplasties are carried out in the clinic and their duration depends on the problem at hand. In upper blepharoplasty surgery, an incision is made along the crease of the eyelid while lower blepharoplasty incisions are made directly below the lash line leaving no visible scar. Incisions are usually made within wrinkles caused by facial expressions (crow’s feet).

However, apart from the classic technique, there are more approaches that can be implemented depending on the case. In younger people with fatter, lower eyelids and elastic skin, a transconjunctival blepharoplasty is recommended. The transconjunctival technique utilizes an incision hidden inside the lower eyelid that leaves no visible external scars. Through this incision the surgeon exposes and trims the excess fat. This approach can be combined with laser resurfacing of the eyelid skin to reduce lines and wrinkles.

Apart from the eyes and cheeks, the naso-labial crease can also be lifted by blepharoplasty surgery. Also, raising the eyebrows can be beneficial in combination with a browlift technique so as to produce even better results.

What to expect after surgery

• Applying cold compresses or ice packs after the procedure will reduce swelling. The patient can go home on the day of the surgery.
• The pain is usually minimal and easily controlled with painkillers.
• It is recommended to use eye drops during the day and an ointment to prevent dryness during the night.
• During the first postoperative days some swelling and bruising is to be expected, while sutures are removed four or six days after the procedure. After that, you can return to work.
• You can start using makeup a week after surgery, however you will not be able to wear contact lenses for at least 2 weeks.
• Small scars fade with time.

Risks and Side Effects

There are no complications following blepharoplasty surgery. However, having dry eyes or experiencing difficulty closing the eyes completely, dryness, increased tear production or possible delays in the healing process are expected side effects.

Protecting scars from sun is essential due to the fact that the sun makes them more prominent. Therefore, you should always wear sunglasses.

Useful Information

• It might take one to three weeks until you feel comfortable to go out in public or return to work. However, we should always bear in mind that healing is a gradual process.

• Normal fat that helps support the eyes may move into the lower eyelids producing bags which either shows up early in life, or are the result of aging.

• The best period for undertaking this procedure is during a winter break, since exposure to the summer sun should be avoided.

• For fine lines around the eye area, you can turn to non-surgical treatment solutions such as eye skin peeling or special laser treatments, such as the V-beam laser, which treats skin lesions made up of small superficial benign blood vessels in the skin. This results in the selective destruction of blood vessels, while leaving the surrounding tissues intact, thus minimizing wrinkles and helping collagen production.

• The longevity of the results depends upon several factors. Patients who do not smoke, sleep well and do not consume alcohol will experience the longest and best possible results.