What exactly is blepharoplasty?
The eyelids and the periocular region (the area around the eyes) are among the first facial features to show signs of aging, e.g. eyelid «bags». Blepharoplasty is essentially a transformative, aesthetic surgical procedure that does not require hospitalization and is capable of rejuvenating and providing a rested appearance to your gaze and eyelids, restoring lost youthfulness from the effects of time.
Surgical blepharoplasty achieves the removal of excess skin from the upper and lower eyelids, as well as the removal of fat that accumulates in the lower eyelids (bags, dark circles).
In which cases is blepharoplasty recommended?
Surgical blepharoplasty is recommended and can be effective in the following cases:
• Sagging of the skin of the upper eyelid (folds that may affect vision)
• Drooping eyelids
• Excess fat resembling puffiness in the eyelids
• «Bags» under the eyes (increase in periorbital fat)
• Excess skin and wrinkles of the lower eyelids
Who are suitable candidates for blepharoplasty procedure?
Suitable candidates for blepharoplasty are individuals who:
• Are bothered by the appearance of their eyelids
• Face functional problems and have a section of their visual field affected by a significant amount of upper eyelid excess skin (dermatochalasis)
• Do not have a suspicious ophthalmologic history with previous eye conditions
• Do not have any health problems that may delay or affect the healing process
• Have realistic expectations for postoperative results
What is the exact procedure for blepharoplasty?
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is performed under local anesthesia, segmentally on each eyelid. In special cases, it can be done under sedation or general anesthesia. The sutures used are very thin, and the duration of the procedure is approximately 45 – 60 minutes.
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is done through a longitudinal incision along the upper eyelid. A crescent – shaped portion of the skin (excess skin) or fat is removed, and the incision at the end is closed with sutures, which are removed in a few days. When eyebrow drooping is observed (inadequate function of the frontalis muscle), the procedure can be combined with a brow lift.
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty can be performed either with a lengthwise incision below the eyelashes, with an incision just inside the eyelid (when excess skin does not need to be removed), or even without an external incision, depending on the case.
Evangelos Lokovitis MD, FEBOphth
Ophthalmic Surgeon
Specialist in Oculoplastics, Lacrimal & Orbital Surgery
Ophthalmica Institute
[email protected]