Blepharoplasty is cosmetic eyelid surgery. Currently, to rejuvenate the area around the eyes, special attention is paid to reposition tissues that have undergone the changes of time and gravity, rather than to remove excess of skin and fat.
Thus, on the upper lids a conservative amount of skin can be removed, preserving, and tightening the muscle that closes the eyelids. If the eyebrows have a low position, they can be raised to its normal level, and avoid removing excess skin from the eyelids. In the lower eyelids, you can use some of the fat from the bags to fill the tear trough or depression found under the bags.
It is usually possible to do this through a transconjunctival approach, without visible scars. Special attention is given to the outer angles of the eyelids, called lateral canthi, where special tightening is used to avoid the common “operated look”that can occur if this area is lower after surgery. These changes are made after a careful eye exam is performed, to avoid risking visual function.
The eyelids are extremely complex and delicate. They protect the eyes, and give you an aesthetic appearance. The shape and position of the eyelids give unique features to the face.
Unfortunately, with aging, both the upper and lower eyelids may develop «bags» because the skin stretches, the muscles weakens and normal fat around the eye becomes more apparent.
In some patients, the causes are found in previous cosmetic procedures. We often see people who have operated in an exaggerated way, changing their face.
This is particularly important for people with «dry eyes» and using artificial tears, where an aggressive surgery may worsen their condition. It is crucial that eyelid surgery improves the aesthetic appearance without altering the function. The ophthalmologist trained in eyelid surgery, is specially trained to perform this procedure..He is familiar with the repair of undesirable sequelae of previous cosmetic surgery.
The most common treatment today is blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery. Incisions are made on the upper eyelid crease and are hidden. The lower lid can be operated by its internal side. Thus, upon completion of the healing process, the incisions are invisible.
I am male and I have bags in the upper eyelids. Will I keep my masculine appearance after surgery?
Yes, in male blepharoplasty special is taken to keep the masculine features of the eyelids.
Is recovery is very long?
I usually ask the patient to rest for 3 days after surgery, to place cold compresses. After this time, you can perform activities such as reading, computer use and others, and many patients can return to work. Usually, hematomas are present for no more than 2 weeks.
Is surgery painful?
This procedure is done with intravenous sedation so that it is completely pain free. After surgery, there might be some discomfort, but not severe pain.
Is it safe to have eyelid surgery if I have an eye disease?
Before any eyelid surgery I perform a complete eye exam. This rules out eye problems that may cause an undesirable outcome. Patients who have dry eyes or functional eyelid problems, can have surgery to address both their cosmetic and functional concerns..
Will surgery remove my crow feet?
Eyelid surgery will not correct crow’s feet. For this problem, botulinum toxin can be used to relax these wrinkles.
