Eyelids surgery – blepharoplasty
What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a surgery that removes excessive tissue, skin and fat from the upper and lower eyelids, reshapes the eyelid area and as a result improves the overall appearance. Plastic surgery of the eyelids is effective for reducing puffy, baggy, tired eyes look but it will not eliminate “crows’ feet” or other wrinkles. Blepharoplasty can be performed on upper, lower or both eyelids. It can also be combined with facelift, browlift, photorejuvenation and other procedures.
First thing we do when meeting a person is look into each others eyes so it is hard to overestimate the importance of this part of the face. It is natural that we all want our eyes to look young and attractive, and we at RomiTal pay a lot of attention to performing blepharoplasty at high professional level to give you the results you want.
Cautions and limitations
Some medical conditions may impose additional risks on performing blepharoplasty; these include thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism and Graves’ disease, dry eye or lack of sufficient tears, a detached retina or glaucoma, high blood pressure or other circulatory disorders, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. For each of these conditions you will need additional check with respective specialists before making a decision about having a
blepharoplasty.
Before the surgery
Plastic surgeon should examine you carefully, including testing your vision and assessing your tear production, and create an individual treatment plan reflecting your personal needs and expectations. You should be able to ask your questions and discuss the outcomes and limitations of the procedure.
How is blepharoplasty performed?
Blepharoplasty is usually performed in a day patient facility or requires hospitalization for one day. In most cases general anesthesia and some sedatives are used. The surgery takes from one to three hours depending on the scope of the changes made.
The surgeon makes incisions along the natural lines of your eyelids, in the creases of your upper lids and right below the lashes of the lower lids. The skin is separated from the underlying tissue and muscles. Extra fat is removed and the doctor may also trim sagging skin and muscle to lift the skin around the eyes. At the end the incisions are closed and their ends are stitched together.
What can be expected after the surgery?
Right after the surgery a bandage will be applied to the operated area on top of an ointment. The bandage will be removed shortly. You may experience some pain which can be controlled with pain medications. In about three days the pain should subside. For faster and less painful recovery keep your head elevated when resting and use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising.
Some temporary changes in vision may occur but they should not last for over a week. Stitches will be removed in 2-4 days, the swelling will be subsiding gradually and you’ll start feeling and looking better. Protective stickers on suture lines are used for several days. Blepharoplasty positive results become visible as early as 1-2 weeks after the surgery.
Most patients can get back to work after 7-10 days. In about this time you may start wearing contact lenses and apply hypoallergenic decorative make-up. It is recommended to use sunglasses for 1-2 weeks after the operation and wear sun protection (SPF 15 or higher) for six months. Exercise may be resumed in two weeks.
Main result of blepharoplasty is a younger, more energetic and rested look. It will be seen in several months when full healing and rehabilitation is finished. Reliable result that corresponds with your desire can be achieved only if you turn to qualified specialists that are highly experienced in performing eyelids correction surgeries.
Will any cicatrices remain?
Cicatrices are an inevitable consequence of incisions and the following healing. However cicatrices after blepharoplasty are located in the natural skin folds and are virtually unnoticeable. In addition they turn pale some time after the surgery and may practically disappear.
If you have more questions about a blepharoplasty, feel free to contact us.