Blepharoplasty – characteristics of the surgery and the convalescence period, results and contraindications

The older we become the more we notice how much droopy eyelids affects our physical appearance, and in some cases even contribute to visual field reduction. The whole face seems sad and tired then. A solution to this problem is blepharoplasty – an eyelid surgery during which excess skin and fat tissue are removed from the upper and/ or lower eyelids. However, like all surgeries, blepharoplasty also raises certain doubts.

Collagen and elastin levels decrease with time, which leads to flaccidity of the skin on the eyelids. It affects all people at a particular age, hence blepharoplasty is popular not only among women but also among men. Everyone desires a more youthful and radiant look, and such correction can make you look even 10 years younger!

What are the contraindications to blepharoplasty?

An eyelid surgery is suitable for patients from various age groups. The most important factor is good general health condition. Blepharoplasty is not conducted in patients with skin infections, herpes or blood coagulation disorders. It is not allowed to have the procedure during menstruation, pregnancy or lactation.

Previous exposure of the skin area around the eyes to a HIFU or PLASMA aesthetic procedure also has a highly detrimental effect on the healing process after blepharoplasty.

Therefore, the first step before the surgery should be a qualifying appointment with the operating doctor. During the examination the ophthalmic surgeon will take a detailed medical history regarding the medicines you take, allergies you have and your general health situation, and will evaluate the condition of your eyes, which in turn will reveal any possible contraindications. A conversation with the doctor should also help you dispel any doubts and quell any fears you might have before the surgery.

What does blepharoplasty look like?

Eyelid correction is a quick, painless procedure which is both safe and effective. It is conducted in ambulatory conditions and takes approximately one hour. First the surgeon marks the incision lines in the natural eyelid creases and precisely determines the scope of the surgery depending on the anatomical predispositions of the patient. Then local anaesthesia is administered in the form of an injection. Once the operated area is disinfected and secured with sterile surgical dressing, the operating doctor begins the surgery – removes excess skin and ‘herniated’ fatty tissue. The procedure ends with putting the stitches and dressing.

How long is the convalescence period following a blepharoplasty procedure?

The dressing which is applied at the end of the surgery can be removed by the patients themselves on the next day afterwards, and a week after the surgery, during a follow-up appointment, the stitches are removed. Initially the area around the eyes will be slightly swollen and the scars will be reddened. They will heal with time and either become completely invisible or settle down and reduce to barely visible lines. On the upper eyelids the scars are usually hidden in the natural skin creases. In some cases bruises may appear right after he surgery or 2-3 days afterwards, but they will disappear within 7-10 days. It is crucial to follow the doctor’s recommendations, for any negligence may result in an increased risk of complications, which in turn will prolong the convalescence period.

You can return to your standard work routine after 8-14 days after the surgery. However, the length of the convalescence period depends on individual patient’s predispositions, type of surgery (correction of upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both) and individual skin features.

Eyelid surgery – what results can you count on?

The results of a blepharoplasty procedure are visible approximately two weeks after the surgery, but the swelling needs about 2-3 months to fully disappear and the incision takes up to 8 months before it becomes invisible.

The final results may be assessed about six months after the surgery and they depend on individual healing predispositions and patient’s anatomical features. The face looks natural, so the other people will not know that you have undergone a surgical procedure, but they will notice that your face looks relaxed and rejuvenated, as if you have come back from a long holiday. Your eyes will regain a radiant look. It is true that an eyelid surgery makes the whole face look younger. What is more, apart from refreshing your looks it will also boost your psychological well-being.

We have been conducting blepharoplasty procedures in our Centre since 2012. Contact us via phone or email to make an appointment for an examination qualifying for the surgery.

Powrót