Blepharoplasty treatment
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is a surgical technique designed to address excess skin and fatty deposits on the upper and lower eyelids. These symptoms, caused by the passage of time, give an appearance of ageing and fatigue that affects the entire face.
There is no ideal age for this type of procedure, as bags under the eyes can appear at both young and advanced ages, although as the tissues in this area relax, the bags become more pronounced and there is excess skin.
Blepharoplasty is a short procedure with a straightforward recovery period and long-lasting results. This technique can be applied alone or in conjunction with other cosmetic facial surgeries designed to eliminate facial wrinkles or sagging skin.
Book an appointment
CLÍNICA PLANAS' DATA PROTECTION INFORMATION CLICK HERE
Purposes: To respond to your requests and to send you commercial information about our products and services, including via electronic means. Rights: At any time, you can withdraw your consent, access, rectify, delete your data and exercise other rights at doctor@clinicaplanas.com. Additional Information: Privacy Policy.
What does eyelid surgery involve?
Upper eyelid surgery involves removing excess skin from the eyelids and restoring the muscle. In cases where necessary, fat pockets are also removed.
In contrast, it is often not necessary to remove skin in lower eyelid surgery, but only to remove excess fat. In these cases, we can perform what is known as transconjunctival blepharoplasty, in which we access the area through the conjunctiva (from the inside), thus removing fat pockets without leaving visible scars on the lower eyelids.
The procedure usually lasts between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on whether all four eyelids are operated on at the same time or only the upper or lower ones.
Advantages of blepharoplasty
Rejuvenated eyes
The key upside of blepharoplasty is its capacity to create a more open-eyed look, thereby lessening the impression of weariness and melancholy. This rejuvenates not only the eyes themselves, but the entire face.
Bag elimination
In cases where it is indicated, we also remove excess bags, which also make the eyes look aged. In many cases, the surgery can be performed transconjunctivally, leaving no visible scars.
Wrinkle correction
Blepharoplasty can slightly improve the appearance of the skin in the periocular area, but in cases where there is a significant amount of wrinkles, it can be combined with other surgeries such as a facelift or with aesthetic medicine treatments.
Antes y Después Blepharoplasty
Types of blepharoplasty
Upper blepharoplasty
When there is excess skin on the eyelid, we must remove it, designing the resection so that the scar matches your natural crease when opening your eyes.
Lower blepharoplasty
On the lower eyelids, this procedure removes fat pockets, which can sometimes be quite large. This intervention can be carried out in two ways:
- External approach (subciliary): a small incision is made under the eyelashes through which the fat pockets are removed and closed with a very fine suture, which also serves to tighten the skin.
- Internal approach (transconjunctival): a small incision is made inside the eyelid, without any external wound, through which the fat is removed via the inner mucosa of the eyelid. No sutures are necessary as this tissue heals very well on its own. In this type of operation, the eyes are protected with special contact lenses (eye protection) after applying anaesthetic drops. This procedure is most common for people under the age of 45 who do not need skin removed. The primary upside of this technique is that it leaves no scarring and does not reshape the eyes.
Sometimes an external canthoplasty is required to tighten the entire structure.
In both cases, the skin around the eyes is protected with sterile dressings throughout the procedure.
Laser blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty rejuvenates the eyes by treating sagging skin and, in some cases, excess fat in the lower eyelids. This surgery can be performed using a traditional scalpel or laser technology, depending on the case.
Third party content blocked
The original content cannot be displayed because you have chosen not to accept third-party cookies.
Review my choiceEyelid surgery preoperative stage
Blepharoplasty does not have any major preoperative requirements, beyond limiting tobacco consumption two weeks prior to the procedure to improve healing. During the initial consultation, the doctor will assess the condition of your eyes (vision, tear production, or possible infectious problems) and your general health. It is important to inform the doctor about your daily habits (particularly whether you smoke or drink alcohol), whether you wear glasses or contact lenses, whether you have any allergies or take any medication, etc.
The specialist will tell you what basic care you should follow in the days leading up to the operation:
1. The skin should be well hydrated and clean, free of any traces of cosmetics, wounds or injuries.
2. As for his eyes, there should be no infection that requires special care.
It is not necessary to visit an ophthalmologist before the operation, although it is advisable to provide the surgeon with your latest eye examination results.
Postoperative care
One week is usually enough for the patient to return to their normal routine without fear that others will notice they have undergone treatment, except for the disappearance of bags and excess skin on the eyelids.
During the days following the procedure, discomfort may occur on the eyelids, which can be easily relieved with the medication prescribed by the surgeon. During the postoperative stage, it is advisable to keep your head elevated and apply cold compresses several times a day as follows:
- Soak sterile compresses in cold water or chamomile tea, preferably boiled beforehand.
- Strain them lightly and then lay them directly onto your closed eyes. The cold and moisture will help to decongest your eyelids and prevent any build-up of secretions.
- Leave the compresses on your eyes until the cold sensation disappears, taking care not to rub your eyelids with them or try to clean them, so as not to damage the wound or pull out any stitches.
It is advisable to apply this two or three times in the morning and two or three times in the afternoon.
It is very important never to touch the wounds. If you experience eye irritation, signs of conjunctivitis, infection, or reactions to the anaesthetic, you should consult your specialist before taking any medication.
Wear large sunglasses that also provide side protection from the very first day and for two months after the surgery to protect the area from the sun.
Ten days after the operation, you may apply make-up to conceal any remaining bruising and scars, if they are still visible. It is advisable to use a high-factor sunscreen that can be used as a base for make-up.
Our specialists will let you know when you can watch television again (usually twenty-four hours after the procedure), read (usually forty-eight hours after the procedure), start wearing contact lenses again if you need them, and also return to work (usually between the fifth and seventh day after blepharoplasty). From then on, you will be able to get back to your normal social life without any sign of the procedure.
F.A.Q.
-
What medications should be avoided before and after eyelid surgery?
The surgeon will give specific instructions not to take anticoagulants (aspirin, vitamin E, etc.) well in advance. If you are taking any other medication, your specialist will assess your case and give you the corresponding instructions.
-
Will the procedure change the shape of my eyes?
The most common outcome is that the shape of the eyes will remain the same, which is usually the patient’s desired outcome. However, in some cases, patients may wish to slightly modify the shape of their eyes, for example, through canthopexy to make them more almond-shaped, or by lifting drooping eyebrows through an eyebrow lift.
-
When is blepharoplasty surgery contraindicated?
Blepharoplasty, like any surgical procedure, is contraindicated only in patients who, for health reasons, may react negatively to anaesthesia, the surgical process or recovery, hence the importance of performing complete preoperative tests.
-
What are the specific risks associated with blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, like any surgical procedure, is not without certain inherent risks, including:
- Bleeding or infection. These are rare but possible risks in any procedure.
- Scar alteration: although good healing is expected after surgery, abnormal scarring may occur between the eyelid and subcutaneous tissues. Scars can be unattractive and the skin around them may be uneven in colour.
- Asymmetry: the region of the face and human body is normally asymmetrical. Once blepharoplasty surgery has been performed, there may be variation from one side to the other.
- Eye irritation.
- Ectropion: displacement of the lower eyelid in the opposite direction to the eyeball is a rare complication. Further surgery may be required to correct this condition.
- Another potential problem, if more fat than is advisable is removed from the lower eyelid, is that the face could take on a hollow appearance.
-
Is it safe to repeat eyelid surgery after a few years?
The procedure on the upper eyelids can be repeated after several years if necessary. Lower eyelid surgery is performed with the aim of removing the fat from the bags that form there and, in our experience, this fat does not reappear until after a long period of time.
-
How can I avoid moving my head while sleeping on the side where I had blepharoplasty?
This is a common concern among patients, but patients rarely turn over in their sleep because the brain remains alert after surgery. If the person is really concerned about this issue, a typical U-shaped cushion can be used.
-
What is non-surgical blepharoplasty?
While cosmetic medical treatments can enhance the appearance of the periocular region, for instance by addressing expression lines, substantial drooping of the upper eyelids or excess fat deposits in the lower eyelids consistently demand a surgical solution. Blepharoplasty lets us correct these problems with very natural-looking results and a quick post-operative recovery.
-
Which is better, laser blepharoplasty or conventional blepharoplasty?
The choice of one instrument or another to perform blepharoplasty will be decided by the surgeon once the diagnosis has been made.
-
How should you apply eye make-up after blepharoplasty?
You should wait at least 15 days after surgery before using make-up, until all the contusions have disappeared and the scars have completely mended. After that, you can go back to your usual make-up without any problems.
Expert opinion
One of the lesser-known characteristics of this procedure is that the fat pockets do not usually come back. The results, therefore, are not only spectacular, but also long-lasting. After eyelid surgery, the face appears significantly younger with more intense and expressive eyes, which restore the beauty of youthful appeal.
The results are long-lasting and natural-looking. As signs of fatigue and facial ageing disappear, the face takes on a healthy, rejuvenated appearance and the eyes appear larger.
Blepharoplasty involves removing excess skin from the upper eyelid and removing excess ‘bags’ from the lower eyelid, which in most cases can be removed through the conjunctiva, i.e. without leaving a visible scar.
Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure where we correct eyelid defects such as sagging, excess skin and the appearance of bags, thus rejuvenating the eyes.
It is a short procedure with a quick recovery time, which means that it can sometimes escape the notice of even the patient’s closest acquaintances.
The results are long-lasting and natural-looking. As signs of fatigue and facial ageing disappear, the face takes on a healthy, rejuvenated appearance and the eyes appear larger.
Drooping eyelids, excess skin and bags give the eyes a tired and aged appearance. Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure that results in a fresher look and a rejuvenated face. All this with a quick recovery and no visible scars.
