EYELİD SURGERY (BLEPHAROPLASTY)
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the eyelids. Surgery can be performed on the upper lids, lower lids or both.
Whether you want to improve your appearance or are experiencing functional problems with your eyelids, eyelid surgery can rejuvenate the area surrounding your eyes.
What can eyelid surgery treat:
Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision
Fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the eyelids
Bags under the eyes
Drooping lower eyelids that reveal white below the iris
Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid
The procedure aims to:
Reduce the excess skin and fat on your upper or lower eyelids
Improve your vision if excess skin on your upper eyelid is impeding it
Give your eyes a more youthful and awake appearance
Boost your self-esteem.
Types of Eyelid Surgeries
There is not only one standard technique used to perform blepharoplasty surgeries. The technique is decided based on your current problems and needs and your doctor’s preference. There are mainly two types of eyelid surgery carried out :
Upper Blepharoplasty
Micro-incisions on the natural crease of the upper eyelids to remove skin and excess fat caused by aging or heredity. The objective of this intervention is to give patients a more rested and rejuvenated appearance.
Lower Blepharoplasty
It is an intervention that is performed to remove under-eye bags. It is carried out through an external incision along the lash line, which effectively prevents scarring.
In cases where patients have both sagging upper eyelids and under-eye bags, upper and lower eyelid surgery abroad can be performed at the same time as a combined surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
+ What is eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure generally done for cosmetic reasons to improve appearance removing bagginess and droopiness in your eyelids.
+ Am I a good candidate for an eyelid surgery?
Anyone without any medical condition to impede healing process, non-smoker and willing to improve their eye area appearance is considered as a good candidate for eyelid surgery.
+ What are the steps of a eyelid surgery procedure ?
An eyelid surgery procedure includes the following steps:
Step 1 – Anesthesia
General anesthesia.
Step 2 – The incision
The incision lines for eyelid surgery are designed so the resultant scars will be well concealed within the natural structures of the eyelid region.
The upper eyelid can be corrected through an incision within the natural crease on the eyelid. This allows for removal or repositioning of fat deposits, tightening of muscles and removal of excess skin.
Conditions of the lower eyelid may be corrected with an incision just below the lower lash line. Through this incision, excess skin in the lower eyelid is removed. Again, the excess fat can be repositioned or removed.
A transconjunctival incision, created on the inside of the lower eyelid, is an alternate technique to correct lower eyelid conditions and redistribute or remove excess fat. With this technique, no skin is removed.
Step 3 – Closing the incisions
Eyelid incisions typically are closed with sutures or skin glue. Sutures are removed within one week.
Your surgeon may also suggest use of a laser or chemical peel to reduce discoloration of the lower eyelids.
Step 4 – See the results
The results of eyelid surgery will appear gradually as swelling and bruising subside to reveal a smooth, better-defined eyelid and surrounding region, and a more alert and rejuvenated appearance.
+ Can I wear makeup after eyelid surgery?
Most surgeons advise that you do not wear any eye make up until your eyelids have fully healed following surgery. Generally, this will be around 6 weeks. Your surgeon will give you specific advice on when you can resume wearing makeup.
+ Do I need to wear anything over my eyes?
We recommend that you wear dark glasses for the first week following your procedure. This will help protect your eyes from the sun and wind and also prevent you from touching your eyes. Dark glasses are also a good way to keep your procedure discreet if you do not wish to discuss it. They will also hide the bruising and swelling of your eyelids.
Aftercare for Eyelid Surgery
The following instructions are general information to be followed before and after an eyelid surgery.
Pre-Operation Instructions
Stop taking any medications or any vitamin supplements containing aspirin, ibuprofen (e.g. Advil, Motrin, Aleve etc.), all herbal medicines and all diet pills because they can affect blood clotting and may cause complications about blood pressure heart rate and respiratory.
Stop smoking before at least 4 weeks. Nicotine slows the healing period down.
Stop drinking alcohol at least 2 days before your surgery.
Do not use any kind of medication without your doctor’s permission.
Night/Day of the Surgery:
Do not eat or drink anything 6-8 hours before your surgery.
Prefer clothing (button-top and pull on pants, zipped shirt, sweatpants etc.) that does not need to be pulled over your head.
Leave your valuables at your hotel.
Do not wear contact lenses.
Do not wear make-up or apply any kind of lotion, cream etc. to your face.
Post-Operation Instructions
Bruising and swelling can be normally expected after eyelid surgery. It may last 2 weeks or longer depending on your body and aftercare.
Strictly avoid excessive facial movements especially sneezing and coughing for the first week.
Restrict your movements after your surgery.
Strictly avoid sun exposure.
Sleep and rest in an upright position. (Like on 2-3 pillows)
Keep away from bending down and heavy lifting for at least 1 month.
Keep away from strenuous activity for at least 4 weeks.
Sex is not recommended for at least 2 weeks after your surgery.
Apply ice and cold compresses on your eyes based on the instructions of your surgeon.
Procedure time
60 to 90 mins
Hospital stay
0 – 1 night
Anaesthetic
General or local with sedation
Final results
3 – 6 weeks
