Blepharoplasty: Making the Eyes the Protagonists of the Face
Am I a suitable candidate for blepharoplasty?
However, there are cases where aging shows the upper and lower eyelids as “hollowed.” Is the problem still treated the same way?
How can I better prepare for my blepharoplasty?
Can blepharoplasty also improve my vision?
Are there factors that contribute to faster recovery after blepharoplasty?
When can I use contact lenses again after my blepharoplasty?
How long does the aesthetic result of blepharoplasty last?
Invasive & Bloodless Blepharoplasty: Achieving a Captivating Gaze
Upper and lower blepharoplasty: the procedure, techniques, recovery, cost, results of blepharoplasty, bloodless blepharoplasty – blepharoplasty without a scalpel, Asian blepharoplasty, and everything you want to know in the text that follows.
Blepharoplasty: get a refreshed, “lively,” bright gaze and a more youthful face thanks to the popular facial plastic surgery procedure.
For many centuries, eyes have been the focus of great attention. Eyelids and the skin around the eyes have been the subject of endless variations in shades, shape, and grooming in every culture in world history. The fact that we express emotions, convey messages, and flirt with our gaze explains why so many men and women seek the help of blepharoplasty when the signs of aging appear in this particular area of the face.
Blepharoplasty is performed to improve the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Specifically, it addresses the sagging skin of the upper eyelids, removing excess skin and fat, as well as “bags” from the lower eyelids, tightening the skin. Additionally, it eliminates swelling, “hollowing,” or “dark circles” around the eyes.
Blepharoplasty is also a very common procedure for the Asian population, who may have a lack or incomplete formation of creases in the upper eyelids.
Composite Blepharoplasty of the Five Points
The technique of composite blepharoplasty of the five points has the great advantage of reconstructing the eyelids naturally and harmoniously. This is achieved by redistributing – not removing – fat, lifting the cheekbones through suspension of the relaxed and drooping tissues with accompanying fat injection, reinforcing the relaxed orbicularis muscle with stitches at the outer corner of the eye (canthoplasty) while strengthening the optical diaphragm, the membrane that, when relaxed, shows the “bags” under the eyes, and minimal to no skin removal. Thus, in addition to the sagging, the distance of the pupil from the lowest point of the orbicularis muscle of the lower eyelids is corrected, as well as the shape and tone of the eyelids. The result is youthful eyes without the stigma of surgery, in contrast to classic methods that leave “hollow” and “oval” eyes or the so-called “miraculous” lasers and radio frequencies with their scientifically unproven aesthetic results.
Blepharoplasty is painless, lasts 1-2 hours, and uses local or general anesthesia. It has no complications, and with this technique, complications from previous failed interventions are corrected. Usually, discharge is given on the same day (day surgery), and return to work occurs in 5-7 days.
Cost of the procedure
The cost of blepharoplasty is affordable for everyone, as it often does not require general anesthesia or expensive pharmaceutical materials. Additionally, the cost of upper blepharoplasty, in some cases, can be covered by insurance when vision is proven to be affected.
The Outcome of the Procedure
The aesthetic result of blepharoplasty lasts many years, possibly permanently. Successful blepharoplasty restores the freshness and brightness of the gaze, resulting in eyelids that harmonize with the other features of the face. However, in cases of severe and extensive facial sagging, it is expected that it alone cannot provide a more attractive appearance. For example, if we have an overall aged face, blepharoplasty will give a result that will be unnatural and mismatched with the rest of the face’s appearance. Then, it usually needs to be combined with another surgical procedure, such as a temporal lift (which can be done simultaneously), a facelift, or a neck lift to achieve the best and most natural aesthetic results.
Blepharoplasty Without a Scalpel
Blepharoplasty can now also be performed without a scalpel, by injecting autologous fat – especially if the extent of the problem is not very great. The aesthetic improvement of the eyelids with the new micro fat grafting technique offers immediate and spectacular results, in an even more painless way compared to traditional blepharoplasty.
The plastic surgeon, under local anesthesia, takes a small amount of fat from areas of the body where it is available, such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, or arms. The fat is then processed and injected with a special cannula into the eyebrow area, achieving its lift: it is important to note that in cases where the type of aging of the upper eyelids creates “hollow” eyes, fat injection is the perfect application, while skin and fat removal from this area is a complete contraindication, as it will worsen the problem. Other areas where autologous fat is injected include the groove between the nose and lower eyelids and the area between the lower eyelids and cheekbones (achieving unified skin without hollows and wrinkles). At the same time, dark circles, “bags,” and fine wrinkles at the outer corner of the eyelids disappear – something that cannot be effectively achieved with the methods available until now.
The rejuvenation of the overall facial image brought about by blepharoplasty makes it particularly popular among women and men.
High Levels of Postoperative Satisfaction
As one of the top, timeless plastic surgeries for facial rejuvenation, blepharoplasty is accompanied by high postoperative satisfaction. “I had associated this specific surgery with difficult recovery… something that was disproved. When I removed the stitches, most local irritations had already subsided, and the result compensated me! In contrast to my friend’s experience with a widely advertised bloodless way of improving the eyelids, which only left her with a burn and a long recovery time,” “I finally stopped seeing myself constantly ‘sad’ and ‘tired’ in the mirror! Removing the excess skin and fat along with lifting the eyebrows highlighted the lost vitality of my gaze and the green color of my eyes, which was ‘hidden’ in ‘wrinkled’ eyelids,” “I was impressed by how the new appearance of my eyelids matched my other features… naturalness is the word that describes the result, exactly what the doctor promised me in our meeting before the surgery!” “After removing the excess skin, I can paint my eyes again and enjoy my favorite makeup,” “Blepharoplasty restored the almond shape of my eyes… the sagging and ‘bags’ had led me to look for it only in my old photos. And fortunately, now I have vision… without obstacles!”
Blepharoplasty FAQs
Answers to the most common questions about one of the most popular facial plastic surgeries worldwide.
Am I a suitable candidate for blepharoplasty?
Some of the reasons you might consider blepharoplasty are as follows: Firstly, when you have excess skin covering the natural fold of your upper eyelids or the upper eyelid has “fallen” and covers your vision – this mainly happens over time for both genders due to tissue relaxation. Also, when there are “bags,” grooves that make the skin of the lower eyelid stand out from the skin of the cheek, and “dark circles,” causing the eyes to look tired and sad. Thus, not only is your gaze not highlighted, but other attractive features of your face, such as a rare eye color, are “lost.” Another reason, particularly important for the female population, is when the upper surface of the eye has become very small – that is, the distance between the eyebrow and eyelids has decreased – or it is no longer smooth enough to apply makeup. Often, both upper and lower blepharoplasty are performed for therapeutic reasons, as removing excess skin from the upper eyelid improves peripheral vision, and strengthening the lower eyelid treats tear duct issues.
There are cases where aging shows the upper and lower eyelids as “hollowed.” Is the problem still treated the same way?
There are two ways aging affects our eyelids: one is a large excess of tissues and drooping, and the other is emaciation, i.e., “hollowed” eyes. The problem in the second case is due to fat atrophy and is best treated with so-called augmentative blepharoplasty, which involves injecting fat (micro fat grafting) or hyaluronic acid to address the atrophy.
How can I better prepare for my blepharoplasty?
The plastic surgeon will ask you detailed questions related to the health of your eyes, as he needs to consider any ophthalmological issues such as dry eyes, glaucoma, allergies, etc. Additionally, he may conduct an examination to check the production and drainage of your tears. It’s good to reduce smoking a few weeks before the surgery to help with better healing and avoid additional irritation. Also, avoid taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and homeopathic remedies that can cause postoperative bleeding.
Can blepharoplasty also improve my vision?
It’s not uncommon for excess skin around the eyes to obstruct vision. This can be due to the relaxation of the muscles that “lift” the eyelids, causing the eyelids to “cover” the part of the eye through which we see. If you believe that “droopy” eyelids are limiting your vision, a visit to an ophthalmologist for a visual field test can be particularly helpful. This special ophthalmological test’s results will determine whether or not removing the excess skin will improve your vision. If blepharoplasty is deemed medically necessary to improve vision, it becomes a matter of restoring the functionality of the eyelids and may be covered by insurance.
Are there factors that contribute to faster recovery after blepharoplasty?
The first 24 hours after the surgery, avoiding intense activity, keeping the head elevated, and using cold compresses to minimize swelling are very important. Since the surgery can interrupt the normal tear process that keeps the eyes hydrated and dry eyes may occur postoperatively, artificial tear eye drops can relieve dry eyes and positively contribute to healing. Avoid tasks or factors that can burden or irritate the eyes, such as watching TV, using a computer, using makeup and contact lenses, or engaging in sports activities. Additionally, proper protection of the skin and eyes from the harmful UV rays of the sun is essential after blepharoplasty: therefore, use sunscreen and dark sunglasses to effectively protect your eyes from infections and intense light.
When can I use contact lenses again after my blepharoplasty?
There is no absolute answer to your question. The time you can wear your lenses again varies depending on the recovery process. Additionally, some time is needed for the eyes to heal well and close properly, and for tear function to return to normal to address dry eyes. Generally, you can start using contact lenses when the swelling in the area subsides and the aforementioned symptoms improve. In any case, during the first months after your surgery, you need to carefully place and remove the contact lenses without stretching the corner of the eye.
How long does the aesthetic result of blepharoplasty last?
Most people undergo blepharoplasty once in their life, as the aesthetic result of blepharoplasty is long-lasting. In most cases, removing the “bags” and excess skin of the upper eyelid is a one-time process. However, keep in mind that nothing can stop the aging process: as it continues, your eyebrows may lose the desired height and “fall” again, resulting in the reappearance of excess skin on the upper eyelids, but in this case, the solution may be a brow lift and not a second blepharoplasty. Lower blepharoplasty, usually performed to remove “bags” and “dark circles,” also has permanent results.
