Blepharoplasty is an eyelid surgery that removes skin, excess muscle and fatty hernias from the upper and lower eyelids. Between the ages of 35 and 40, the skin loses elasticity, sags, and the muscles that hold the eyelids in place weaken, leading to the accumulation of excess skin and fat, wrinkles, eyelid puffiness or bags under the eyes. Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is one of the most popular plastic surgeries and is usually performed for aesthetic reasons. It is also an effective way to improve the vision of people whose upper eyelids are droopy and prevent them from seeing clearly. Some patients, due to a congenital disorder in the development of the eyelid elevator muscle, have drooping upper eyelids from birth, which cover the field of vision and interfere with vision. This leads to more rapid eye fatigue, especially when working on a computer, driving or reading.
When is blepharoplasty recommended?
- The upper eyelids are droopy and the eyelid skin is sagging;
- Excess upper eyelid skin interferes with normal vision, eye fatigue is frequent, and eye inflammation recurs frequently;
- Eye bags under the eyes;
- Lower eyelids are puffy and the skin is puffy;
- Congenital maldevelopment of the eyelid elevator muscle.
Blepharoplasty results
Blepharoplasty restores youthfulness and vitality to the eyes and solves the problem of impaired vision. The shape of the eyes is improved and the gaze becomes more open. Patient feedback on blepharoplasty is excellent. For most patients, blepharoplasty significantly improves the quality of life, and the procedure is safe, quick and long-lasting.
Blepharoplasty procedure
The duration of blepharoplasty surgery is about 1 hour. It can be performed on either the upper or lower eyelids, or the upper and lower eyelids can be corrected at the same time, in which case the operation takes up to 3 hours. The upper eyelids are corrected by removing excess skin, a little muscle, fatty hernias and a slight tightening of the skin. In upper eyelid surgery, the suture follows the natural boundary of the eyelid, making it virtually invisible. The lower eyelids are corrected by removing excess skin and fatty deposits, lightly stretching the skin and making an incision in the line of growth of the lower eyelashes. The operation is performed under local or general anaesthesia.
Eyelid surgery is often performed and combined with brow lift, filler injections and laser treatments.
After blepharoplasty it is recommended:
- Keep ice-cold compresses on the eyes for a few days after surgery;
- Use prescribed eye drops, ointments or artificial tears;
- Avoid heavy lifting for about a month, or vigorous sports;
- Do not wear contact lenses for about two weeks after surgery;
- Wear sunscreen with strong sun protection and sunglasses for several weeks;
- Sleep with your head elevated for a few days;
- Do not drink alcohol, take anti-inflammatory drugs or smoke for several weeks before and after surgery.
Quick facts about blepharoplasty:
- Surgery takes about 1 hour;
- Go home the same day, a few hours after surgery;
- The sutures are removed after about a week;
- Scars fade 3-6 months after surgery and become almost invisible;
- Results last 5-10 years. The effectiveness of the surgery depends on the patient’s lifestyle and genetics.
Possible side effects:
- Infection, bleeding;
- Dry, irritated eyes;
- Redness;
- Discoloration of the eyelid skin;
- Need for corrective surgery.
Blepharoplasty is performed at the Laser Dermatology Centre by plastic and reconstructive surgeon Domantas Stundys. The specific price of blepharoplasty is determined during the pre-operative consultation.
