Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Upper eyelid correction (blepharoplasty) is the most common eyelid surgery, ideal for anyone looking to rejuvenate their face by opening up their eyes. Since eyes are often the first feature people notice and the first thing we see in the mirror, blepharoplasty significantly enhances our overall appearance.
This procedure removes excess skin that droops over the upper eyelid and sometimes the eyelashes. This excess skin typically develops with age, although some individuals experience this issue earlier in life. Additionally, if necessary, fat pads can be removed or redistributed during the surgery.
Post-surgery, the eyes appear more prominent, brighter, and larger. The youthful radiance and beauty of the eyes are restored, eliminating the ”heavy eyelid” look that not only affects aesthetics but can also impair the field of vision.
Upper eyelid correction is often combined with brow lifts or temporal lifts because drooping eyelids can result from heavy or sagging eyebrows. It’s crucial for the plastic surgeon to determine if both corrections are needed, especially for women, whose eyebrows should ideally be positioned above the orbital arch. This procedure can also be performed alongside a surgical facelift.
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
In addition to upper eyelid issues, some individuals, particularly older patients, experience under-eye bags, excess skin, or fat pads on the lower eyelid. These concerns disrupt the eye’s aesthetics and create additional wrinkles. In such cases, lower eyelid blepharoplasty is performed.
Lower eyelid correction involves a combination of surgical procedures to address irregularities, primarily focusing on:
- Removing under-eye bags
- Eliminating excess lower eyelid skin
- Removing or redistributing fat pads
The most common reason for this surgery is ”baggy” under-eye bags, which make the face appear much older and more tired. The goal is to restore a youthful and rested appearance to the eyes.
Unlike ”hollow” under-eye bags that can be treated with hyaluronic fillers or lipotransfer, or dark circles that benefit from mesotherapy or PRP treatments, baggy under-eye bags often require surgical intervention.
It is important to note that if necessary, both upper and lower eyelids can be corrected simultaneously. If this need is identified during consultations with the plastic surgeon, a comprehensive intervention plan is created.
Like upper eyelid correction, lower eyelid correction can be combined with other procedures, primarily temporal lifting or Cat Eyes.
Procedure and Recovery
Blepharoplasty takes about half an hour and is performed under local anesthesia or analgosedation if needed. Hospitalization is not required, and the recovery period is 5 to 7 days, though most patients can resume daily activities the next day. The stitches are placed in the eyelid creases, making them nearly invisible, and are removed about 5 days after surgery.
Eyelid surgery rarely needs to be repeated, but if necessary, it is usually many years later. The aging process around the eyes can be managed with non-surgical treatments.
Patients can watch TV and work on a computer the day after surgery, and contact lenses can be worn after 14 days.