Cosmetic eyelid surgery, blepharoplasty
Introduction
The ageing of area around eyes in manifested by the skin excess, skin loosening on the eyelids and by storing of fat in the fat pads. These changes cause the formation of cosmetically unfavourable skin excess and protruding fat pads in the area of upper and lower eyelids. Moreover, the changes which follow from ageing in the neighbouring areas – sagging and descent of eyebrows and cheeks are projected into this area.
What is a cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical rejuvenation of eyelids. Blepharoplasty si used to remove the excessive skin and muscle of the upper and lower eyelid and to remove the excessive fat pads. The aim of the surgery is the rejuvenation of the eyelids. Blepharoplasty of the upper and lower eyelids can be performed at the same time or within two surgeries, depending on the significance of the alterations.
For what reasons is the cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) performed?
It is an elective surgery performed due to following reasons:
- skin excesses on the upper and lower eyelid which forms overhangs
- protruding fat pads on the upper and lower eyelids
- reinforcement of the saggy suspension of the lower eyelid which causes weakening of the eyelid and makes the eye gap round and uncovers the sclera under the pupil
Is it appropriate to combine the cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) with other surgeries?
Eyes are very important aesthetic unit of the face. After the eyelid surgery, eyes gain more youthful and relaxed appearance. It is often appropriate to combine blepharoplasty especially with the surgery of the dropping eyebrow (brow-lift) and saggy cheeks (face-lift). It is possible to perform these surgeries before or after the blepharoplasty or at the same time with blepharoplasty.
Who are suitable candidates for cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)?
Ideal candidates for blepharoplasty are adults who are healthy, without life threatening illness or health status which could worsen the healing and recovery, with positive life attitude, clearly defined aims of the surgery and who are well motivated. Higher incidence of complications occurs in smokers.
What can you expect from cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)?
Surgery is performed in order to remove the excessive skin on the eyelids. It reduces the fat prolapses as well (fat pads protruding). It is not possible to remove wrinkles which are outside the area of upper eyelids, under the eyelids and it is not possible to improve the eyebrow drop which is manifested as a skin overhang in the outer part of the upper eyelid. We can partly correct the dark eye circles.
Complete or local anaesthesia?
It is possible to perform the surgery under local anaesthesia or under complete anaesthesia as well. The local anaesthesia is used more often, it is more appropriate for the patients as well. If it is a wish of the patient, we can choose general anaesthesia. We prefer general anaesthesia, if the procedure is combined with other surgeries (e.g. face-lift, eyebrow-lift).
What is the procedure of the surgery itself like?
The upper eyelid surgery:
Surgical incisions are made according to the carefully drawn pattern on the skin. We choose the location of the incision in order to hide the scars under the natural eyelid skin fold if possible to do so. The excess of the skin and the orbicular muscle is removed on the upper eyelids. Afterwards 2 fat pads are to be preserved and the excessive fat is removed. Surgical incision is closed by sutures.
The external approach to the lower eyelid surgery:
An incision is made right under the edge of an eyelid. The skin is slightly pulled and the tissue is preserved in order to allow the access to fat pads. After the identification of 3 fat pads, the excessive fat is removed. Then the rest of the skin is slightly pulled, the excessive skin is removed and the orbicular muscle of the lower eyelid is suspended. At the end, the wounds are closed by fine sutures.
The internal approach to the lower eyelid surgery:
This approach can be used only in selected patients, who do not need the excessive skin removal, just the removal of the excess of fat. The incision is made from the inner part of the lower eyelid. During the preservation 3 fat pads are found on the lower eyelid. The excess of fat is removed. The surgical incision is usually left to heal spontaneously without suturing of conjuctiva. In selected patients it is possible to remove the skin excess with the help of another short incision on the outer side of lower eyelid.
How long does the surgery take?
Length of the upper or lower eyelid surgery is about 35-45 minutes. If we perform the surgery of upper and lower eyelids simultaneously, it takes about 1,5 hour.
What is the post operative treatment like?
Sutures are usually left for 4-6 days. After the surgery haematomas and swelling occur very often, they can remain for week or more. Therefore we recommend to apply cool poultices, firstly every 2-3 hour, later only at night for approximately 2 weeks. Patients are usually able to resume almost all normal activities after the first 1-2 weeks. It is advisable to restrict sport and physical activity for 1 month after the surgery. The final result of the surgery is noticeable in approximately 3 months, after the swelling subsides completely.
If you have any question or comment, do not hesitate to contact us.