Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery

Blepharoplasty is a minimally invasive operation that removes excess skin, and sometimes fat, from the eyelids. With this surgery it is possible to treat age-related imperfections, thus achieving an improvement in the tired aspect of the face: the look recovers vitality and expressiveness, the eyes look bigger and the face has a younger and healthier appearance. In cases where the excess skin is very large and the eyelid limits the upper visual field, blepharoplasty also allows to recover the functionality of the eye. 

The intervention is performed under local anesthesia and sedation, lasts approximately one hour and the patient can leave the clinic soon. To minimize the risks that this surgery can have on the eye, it is recommended that it be done by an oculoplastic ophthalmologist, who has the necessary medical and surgical knowledge to treat this area.

It is one of the most demanded face aesthetic surgeries nowadays.

The operation improves the appearance of the eyelids. It can be supplemented with botulinum toxin injections or microneedling for wrinkles around the eyes.

 

 

• Upper blepharoplasty: consists of the removal of the excess skin of the upper eyelid. The surgeon makes a suture, which is hidden behind the crease of the eyelid. It is imperceptible after months and the skin found above the orbicular muscle that is underneath is tensed. It may be accompanied by removal of fat or lipectomy. This intervention is intended to return a younger look to the eye.

• Lower blepharoplasty: it involves the removal of an excess part of the skin of the lower eyelid, such as eye bags or dark circles. In some specific cases, the option of redistributing the fat instead of removing can also be considered. It can be performed internally via transconjuntival (without scars on skin) or externally via a subciliary incision (with minimal scar under the eyelashes).

• Transconjunctival blepharoplasty: the operation is performed on the inside of the eyelid, in the conjunctiva, so that it leaves no scar on the skin. Small and medium sized bags are usually made in this way, and this route is sometimes used to reposition the fat and give a natural appearance to the lower eyelid.

• Subciliary blepharoplasty: the operation is performed  through the skin with a minimal incision under the lower lashes.

When will I be able to go back to work?

The process and recovery time may vary in each patient and will depend on whether the patient has undergone an upper blepharoplasty, a lower blepharoplasty or both. Nevertheless, the recovery is usually quite fast and after a few weeks the patient will recover his appearance and will be able to return to work.

How long do the results take to be visible, and how long do they last?

Patients should wait at least two or three weeks or, even in some cases, up to four weeks, for the inflammation, edema and especially the bruise to disappear, in order to perceive the results. Thereafter the scar is not perceived, the effects are maintained in the long term and the bags of fat normally do not reappear.

When can I watch TV, read, wear contact lenses, make up or play sports?

During the hours or days after surgery, you may experience blurred vision, although you will be able to read and use electronic devices with a screen without problems and lead a normal but quite life. To wear makeup or put on contact lenses again, you must wait between 1 and 2 weeks, depending on whether you have undergone an upper or a lower blepharoplasty. From the second week onwards, physical exercise may be resumed as long as the doctor indicates.

From what age can I have a blepharoplasty?

There is no certain age, although the truth is that they are more frequent as the people gets older. From the age of 40 (in some cases before), it is usually when excess skin usually begins to appear on the upper eyelids, and fat bags on the lower eyelids.

Does blepharoplasty eliminate frown lines and “crow’s feet”?

Wrinkles on the skin around the eye do not disappear after the blepharoplasty, but our oculoplastic ophthalmologists also specialize in complementary cosmetic techniques, such as botulinum toxin, which helps reducing or eliminating crow’s feet, frown lines and front wrinkles. Microneedling of vitamins or hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, helps regenerate the collagen in the dermis and gives a more youthful appearance to the skin.

Why is it important that the operation is performed by an oculoplastic ophthalmologist?

The ophthalmologist specialized in ocular plastic surgery, in addition to providing good results at a cosmetic level, also knows the anatomy of the eyeball and the eyelids and, above all, knows how to preserve the function of the eye. Putting yourself in the hands of professionals with the necessary medical and surgical knowledge to treat this area minimizes the risks during the intervention and the postoperative problems.

In addition to that, at ICR we have the latest technology and a 24 hours emergency service, which makes it easier for patients to enjoy full availability whenever they need it.

How much does a blepharoplasty cost?

The price will depend on the technique that the oculoplastic ophthalmologist assesses as more appropriate for the particular case of each patient. From the previous visit with the surgeon and the diagnostic tests a personalized budget will be made. In ICR we offer different financing options according to needs. Ask us without obligation.