TL;DR:
- Eyelid plasty (blepharoplasty) is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fatty hernias around the eyes for cosmetic or functional purposes.
- It's safe when performed by an experienced surgeon.
- Indications: drooping eyelids (ptosis), "bags under the eyes" (fatty hernias), muscle defects, and excess skin.
- Preparation: Consult with a surgeon and ophthalmologist, stop blood-thinning medications, avoid alcohol, smoking, sun exposure, and heavy foods for 2 weeks prior.
- Upper eyelid correction: Local anesthesia; excess skin and small fat amounts removed; often outpatient with incisions in natural wrinkles.
- Lower eyelid correction: General anesthesia; skin and fat removed; incision hidden under lower lashes.
- Recovery: Stitches removed after a week; swelling subsides within 1-2 weeks; avoid exercise, heavy lifting, sunlight, and contact lenses.
- Results: Rejuvenated, more symmetrical eyes visible in ~1 month.
The eye area plays a special role in the appearance of the face. The upper eyelids are seen against the brow, forehead and temples, and the lower eyelids are seen against the cheek. Drooping, puffy eyelids, wrinkled skin around the eyes, dark circles and bags under the eyes – all these changes are associated with the natural aging process. Unfortunately, they make the face look tired and lacking in vitality. One procedure to effectively reverse these adverse changes is eyelid plasty. Eyelid excision by this method poses no health risks, as the procedure is considered safe if performed by an experienced surgeon. Eyelid correction surgery – blepharoplasty – is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fatty hernias. The name "blepharoplasty" comes from the Greek words "blepharon" (eyelid) and "plastos" (molding). In practice, this procedure means the removal of excess skin on the upper or lower eyelids, as well as the elimination of fatty hernias around the patient's eyes.
Indications
There are virtually no age restrictions for eyelid plastic surgery. **The procedure can be performed for cosmetic and functional indications. A patient who wishes to undergo eyelid surgery must be in good health and have no emotional or mental health problems. The procedure is also performed if there are such problems as:
- the presence of fatty hernias, commonly known as "bags under the eyes",
- muscle defects (overdeveloped part of the circular muscle of the eye),
- excess skin,
- ptosis (eyelid drooping) – can be age-related, but in some cases it is a hereditary phenomenon.
Before treatment
Before undergoing eyelid plastic surgery, a surgical doctor and an ophthalmologist must be consulted. During the consultation, the patient must provide a history of past medical conditions and procedures. It is also significant whether the patient wears glasses or contact lenses. It is not advisable to perform the procedure during the perimenopausal period (two days before it or during the first days of it). Two weeks before the scheduled operation, the patient should not take medications that interfere with blood clotting, smoke cigarettes, eat foods with garlic or ginger, sunbathe the face, apply makeup, mascara and creams. Do not drink alcohol for at least three days before the surgery date.
Course of eyelid surgery
Classic eyelid surgery is carried out using local anesthesia. It usually lasts about an hour. During the surgical procedure, excess skin is removed, as well as fat tissue (in case there is a fatty hernia). After the procedure, stitches are placed.
Upper eyelid correction
Upper eyelid correction is performed under local anesthesia and involves the removal of excess skin, sometimes with a small amount of fatty tissue. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. The incision is made in the natural wrinkles. In some cases, a so-called transconjunctival plication (without visible incisions) is performed. The procedure is often assisted by laser therapy.
Lower eyelid correction
Surgical correction of the lower eyelids is usually performed under general anesthesia. The incision is made just below the lower eyelashes. The surgeon separates the skin from the fat and muscle, and excises the excess skin and fat. The resulting scar is virtually invisible and remains hidden under the eyelashes. A portion of it fits into a natural wrinkle, known as a crow's feet.
Post-procedure recommendations and effects
In the first three days after the procedure, the patient may feel pain and swelling is visible. At that time it is recommended to apply cold compresses, which reduces discomfort and swelling, as well as bruises that form after the procedure. Sleeping with the head elevated is recommended, as this prevents fluid from collecting in the tissues surrounding the eyes and speeds up healing. Swelling may persist for three to five days (if skin alone was removed), or up to two weeks (if fatty tissue was also cut out). After undergoing eyelid plasty, you should not do any physical exercise or lift heavy objects. Most often, the stitches are removed after a week. After the procedure, it is important to ensure adequate protection from the sun. It is recommended to use a sunscreen. The eyes will then be sensitive to light, hence it is also necessary to wear sunglasses. Contact lenses should not be worn, as they cause dryness of the eye. The effect of eyelid plasty is usually visible after a month, during which time the swelling of the tissues also disappears completely. Eyelid plasty allows patients to regain confidence and remove the appearance of a tired face. The eyes regain a youthful appearance, appear larger and are more symmetrical. The scope of the procedure is tailored to the individual patient's needs. The operation can include blepharoplasty of the upper eyelid as well as the lower eyelid.
Conclusion
Eyelid plastic surgery is a straightforward, safe way to restore youthful, vibrant eyes. This procedure removes excess skin and fat, addressing droopy lids, bags, and other signs of aging. With proper preparation and aftercare, recovery is quick, and results are long-lasting. Whether targeting upper or lower eyelids, blepharoplasty transforms both appearance and confidence. If your goal is refreshed, natural-looking eyes, this procedure offers a proven solution tailored to individual needs.
