Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
Eyelid Surgery, or blepharoplasty, is used to remove the fat deposits and loose skin that may form on the lower eyelids with age. Many factors, including heredity and sun damage, accelerate these changes. Younger people also elect to have this procedure done to eliminate puffiness of the eyes from congenital excess fatty tissue.
Blepharoplasty is frequently done at the same time as other procedures, such as facelift or forehead lift, and can be combined with laser or chemical resurfacing to smooth skin wrinkles. When overhanging of the upper lids interferes with peripheral vision, the eyelid surgery may be covered by insurance.
If you are considering eyelid surgery, the following information will provide you with a good introduction to the procedure.
Most common benefits
Eyelid Surgery can make a remarkable difference in the appearance of the face, alleviating the appearance of tiredness and old age by eliminating the excess, wrinkly skin beneath the eyes. The eyes appear fresher and more youthful, and the results may last for many years. The degree of improvement varies from patient to patient.
Important note: Eyelid surgery will not eliminate dark circles, fine lines or wrinkles around the eyes, or alter sagging eyebrows. To enhance the results of your eyelid procedure, your doctor may also recommend: 1.) a brow lift to correct a drooping brow and smooth the forehead, 2.) a facelift for saggy jowls, and/or 3.) skin resurfacing to eliminate fine lines.
Initial consultation
During the consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss the changes that you would like to make in your appearance. He/she will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, and its risks and limitations. He/she will also explain the kind of anesthesia required, surgical facility, and costs.
Your surgeon will begin with a complete discussion of your medical history, and he/she will examine the skin and fat around your eyes. He/she may also examine your eyesight, peripheral vision, and tear ducts. You should tell him/her about any related symptoms you may have, including any dryness of the eyes, changes in vision or eye pain.
Be sure to as all the questions you have about the surgery, and ask to see photos of the doctor’s recent patients, before and after eyelid surgery. Also, ask for, and follow up on, patient references. Learning everything you can about your options, risks, and benefits is the key to making an informed decision.
How is eyelid surgery performed
For traditional eyelid surgery:
- An incision is made along the lash line, smile creases
- Excess fat, muscle, and skin are removed
- Fine sutures are used to close the incision
- Permanent stitches will be removed 3-5 days after the procedure
If you have a pocket of fat beneath your lower eyelids, but do not need to have any loose skin removed, your surgeon may recommend a transconjunctival eyelid surgery. In this procedure, the incision is made inside your lower eyelid, leaving no visible scar. It is usually performed on younger patients with fatty lower eyelids. Transconjunctival blepharoplasty does not tighten the skin, it reduces the puffiness in the lower eyelid region.
For transconjunctival eyelid surgery:
- Incision is made on the inside of the lower eyelid
- Excess fat and muscle are removed (no tightening or removing of skin)
- Incision is closed with self-dissolving sutures or they will heal naturally without sutures.
Expectations after eyelid surgery
After surgery, the physician will lubricate your eyes with ointment to reduce dryness in this area. Your vision may be blurred temporarily from the ointment. The first evening after eyelid surgery, you should rest quietly with your head elevated. It will help to apply cold compresses to your eyelids. (Avoid any compress heavier than one ounce. A Ziploc bag with a few frozen peas works well.) Your blood pressure should be monitored to avoid bleeding complications that can affect vision. And, although you can be up almost immediately, you should limit your activities.
Recovery period
At first, the incisions will probably be red and somewhat bumpy. Eventually, the resulting scar should become flat and inconspicuous. Your sutures (stitches) will be removed sometime within the first week. The swelling and discoloration around your eyes will gradually subside, and you’ll start to look and feel better each day. Swelling and bruising varies considerably from person to person. Bruising typically disappears within seven to ten days. Within the first week you will be permitted to use makeup, if desired, to conceal any discoloration.
Your vision may be somewhat blurry for a few days or longer. Your eyes may be temporarily sensitive to light, and you may experience excess tearing or dryness. You may receive eye drops to help relieve any burning or itching.
For the first week after blepharoplasty, you’ll need to avoid activities that dry the eyes, including reading, watching television, wearing contacts, and using a computer. Also avoid excessive blinking, which leads to increased swelling. You should also wear dark sunglasses for a couple of weeks to protect your eyes from wind and sun irritation. The eyes may tire easily for several weeks; frequent naps are helpful.
For the first three or four weeks, you should avoid any activity that increases blood flow to the eyes, including bending, lifting, crying, and sports. Your surgeon will let you know when you are ready for exercise. Also, avoid drinking alcohol, which can lead to fluid retention and delay recovery.
Price in Croatia: 1.320 – 2.040 eur
