The eyelid skin is very sensitive to the passage of time, which is why it is very common for it to accumulate bags of fat and excess skin that give an aged and tired appearance.
However, there is a cosmetic surgery operation capable of restoring vitality to the eyelids, eliminating fat bags and excess skin on both the upper and lower eyelids.
This procedure is called blepharoplasty and is a minimally invasive and affordable operation that offers immediate and very noticeable results.
What types of blepharoplasty are there?
Lower blepharoplasty
Operation on the bags formed in the lower eyelids, usually due to age, which give a tired and aged appearance commonly known as dark circles under the eyes or "crow's feet".
This procedure eliminates the accumulated bags of fat either by removing them surgically or by repositioning them between the eyelid and the cheek to avoid making an incision in the skin (transconjunctival). In addition, it can be combined with a specific treatment for wrinkles that can be done by surgery, laser, chemical peeling at the same time as the operation.
Upper blepharoplasty
This operation corrects the drooping of the skin from the upper eyelid to the eyes and eyelashes. The so-called palpebral fold is lifted and suitably reshaped, avoiding the tired look and discomfort on the eyeball.
There are cases in which it is the eyebrow that falls over the eye and not the excess eyelid skin. In these cases, blepharoplasty is complemented with an eyebrow lift.
Who is it recommended for?
It is especially indicated for people who have excess fat or skin on the eyelids and who develop wrinkles, swelling and sagging of the epidermis, which causes discomfort to their eyesight, lack of self-esteem and a feeling of ageing.
Blepharoplasty removes or reposition the skin, recovering the youth and vitality lost in facial expression.
The aim of the procedure is to restore naturalness to the eyelids, highlighting the eyes and eliminating excess skin and fat that cause drooping.
In addition, this procedure can be complemented with a facelift to remove wrinkles that have accumulated over the years to achieve greater rejuvenation.
Benefits of eyelid and bags operations in patients
Rejuvenation of the face
Patients regain their self-esteem, boost their self-confidence and enjoy a rejuvenated appearance that takes a noticeable amount of years off the face.
Improved quality of life
Peripheral vision is restored and the feeling of heaviness and tiredness in the eyes disappears.
Improved mood
The change is very noticeable on a personal and external level. Patients tend to improve their social relations and show a better disposition and mood.
Simple and affordable procedure
The operation is painless, the recovery is quick, there are no scars, the effects are immediate and it is a very affordable operation for all budgets.
How is a blepharoplasty operation performed?
Although there may be differences depending on the particularities of each case, basically the steps to follow are as follows:
- Evaluation of the position of the eyebrow
- Measurement of palpebral parameters to rule out associated palpebral ptosis.
- Evaluation of the lower palpebral position and associated laxity.
- Examination of corneal sensitivity
- Assessment of corneal surface biomicroscopy to rule out ocular pathology (dry eye) which will require special considerations.
- Fundus study.
- Administration of local anaesthesia if necessary.
- Making incisions that follow the natural lines of the eyelids.
- Separation of the skin from the inner fatty tissue and muscle.
- Removal of excess fat, cutting of sagging skin and muscle.
- Closure of the incisions with very fine sutures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the operation take?
Between 1 and 3 hours.
What is the recovery time?
The patient can return to normal life in 2-3 days.
However, for up to two months after the operation you should protect your face with large sunglasses and use a high factor sunscreen. In addition, it is recommended that you do not wear make-up for ten days after surgery.
Recovery after blepharoplasty is painless.
Some swelling and bruising is to be expected, mainly during the first week, so frequent use of cold packs is advised during the first few days.
The stitches are removed after a week.
What should I bear in mind before blepharoplasty surgery?
- Do not take aspirin or other medicines containing salicylate.
- Ophthalmological check-up.
- Wear dark glasses when leaving the clinic after the operation.
- Analysis and a prior medical examination.
Does blepharoplasty leave scars?
In the upper blepharoplasty
The incision is made in the tarsal fold: in the natural line of the eyelid skin where the eyelid folds when the eye is opened. This is why the upper eyelid scar is absolutely invisible.
On the lower eyelid
In cases where there is no excess lower skin, the incision is transconjunctival, without surgical intervention and therefore completely invisible.
If there is excess skin on the lower eyelid and surgery is necessary, the incision will be made at the level of the eyelash line to completely hide the scar.
How do I reduce swelling if it occurs?
- Keep your head elevated and sleep on your back.
- Relative rest and avoid physical activity.
- Wash the eye area with physiological saline solution.
- Apply cold to reduce swelling and bruising.
- Take painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs in case of pain or swelling.
- Apply eye ointments and eye drops as prescribed by a doctor.
- Do not use make-up during the first few weeks after surgery.
What is the postoperative period like?
During the first two days there will be some swelling of the eyelids and eye tension that can be relieved by using ice.
If there is itching or dryness in the eye, it will be sufficient to apply eye drops or wash the eye with saline solution. Other precautions to take are as follows:
- If there is itching or dryness of the eye, it is sufficient to apply eye drops or wash the eye with saline solution.
- Avoid hot environments that cause dryness in the eye.
- Shower with lukewarm water instead of hot water and without wetting your head so as not to wet the adhesive plasters.
- Try to sleep in a horizontal position and on your back to avoid irritating the area and lifting the stitches. Before going to sleep, it is a good idea to apply ointment and when you get up, if you feel dry, wash the eye with serum and apply eye drops or ice.
- Wear sunglasses to protect the eyes from the sun. Band-aids and bruises also help to disguise the eyes.
- Avoid high-intensity sports until after the first 20-30 days.
Patients return to their normal routine within 2 to 3 weeks.
Is it advisable to use any type of cream after an operation on eyelids or bags?
Creams such as Procicar, Novatrix, Cicaderm, Contractubex will facilitate healing and eliminate the pinkish colour of the skin in the early postoperative period.
Are there any contraindications?
One of the contraindications of blepharoplasty is that it is not recommended for people with any type of health problem that could increase the risk of the facial intervention.
It is also not recommended for pregnant women and for patients with dry eyes, hypertension, diabetes, retinal detachment, scarring problems, active infections or blood clotting problems.
How much does a blepharoplasty operation cost?
It will always depend on the diagnosis prior to the operation. However, it is one of the most affordable, safe and effective cosmetic surgery operations available.