Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift Surgery)

What is eyelid lift surgery?

Eyelid lift surgery is one of the most popular plastic surgeries worldwide. Although this is more often an aesthetic procedure, certain medical indications can also be addressed at the same time. For example, narrowed peripheral vision problem that appeared due to sagging skin fold is removed.

During surgery, upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both together can be corrected. During procedure, excess amount of skin and/or fatty tissue is removed, restoring more natural eye area anatomy and more open gaze. During consultation, plastic surgeon assess changes in face, patient's wishes and expectations, and discuss individual procedure plan.

Who can have eyelid lift (blepharoplasty)?

Eyelid correction can be performed on men and women of various ages for aesthetic appearance improvement or health problem solving. Sagging eyelids and "bags" under eyes create tired gaze impression, and excessive skin fold can reduce field of vision and obstruct sight.

Blepharoplasty is suitable for individuals who are in good physical and emotional health, have realistic expectations, and experience functional or aesthetic concerns related to the eyelids. Before procedure, comprehensive plastic surgeon consultation is necessary, during which existing health condition characteristics are discussed, such as thyroid disorders, increased blood pressure, glaucoma, dry eyes, or other chronic diseases. This allows assessing possible risks and selecting safest and most appropriate treatment plan.

Upper eyelid lift

Upper eyelid plastic surgery is performed through natural eyelid crease, so postoperative scar is usually barely noticeable and over time blends with natural eyelid line. Surgery course:

• Incision is made along natural upper eyelid crease, which is necessary to be able to remove or change position of fat, skin, and sometimes muscles.
• Depending on individual situation, excess skin, small muscle strip, and excess fat deposits (so-called "bags") are removed.
• If only upper eyelid correction is selected, so-called upper eyelid lift by removing excess skin fold usually lasts about 40 minutes.

Usually, sagging eyelid surgery is performed using local anesthesia. After surgery, if there are no complaints, going home is possible the same day.

Lower eyelid lift

Sometimes tired and puffy face impression is caused not by sagging upper eyelid but by "bags" under eyes. Then with lower eyelid plastic surgery, only this facial area can be corrected. Essential surgery course aspects:

• Depending on specific case, surgeon can make incision on inner side of lower eyelid (transconjunctival method) or on outer side - slightly below lash line (subciliary incision).
• Fat deposits that cause "bags" under eyes can be removed or redistributed to achieve smoother and more natural contour.
• If there is sagging skin excess, it is removed, and muscles under skin, when there are indications, can be secured to improve lower eyelid support function and reduce eyelid sagging risk.
• Such surgery lasts about 1–2 hours, depending on corrections performed.

If under-eye bags surgery is not complicated, it is most commonly performed using local anesthesia. After surgery, if there are no complaints, going home is possible the same day.

Eyelid plastic surgery is often part of larger complex facial correction and can be performed with other procedures, for example, face lift procedures.

Recovery after blepharoplasty

After eyelid surgery, after 3–4 hours pass, it is usually possible to go home. Wound healing continues for about 14 days, but after a few days, return to daily activities that do not require much physical effort is already possible. Recovery after blepharoplasty depends on the extent of the surgery and adherence to postoperative instructions. To ensure proper healing and optimal results, the following recommendations are usually given:

• heavy object lifting and head bending down are avoided;
• contact lens wearing is avoided for at least 1 week;
• until sutures are removed, alcohol and nicotine use and cosmetics use are discontinued;
• physical exercises are limited for at least a month;
• saunas, pools, and direct sun rays are avoided for at least 6 weeks.

It is also important to protect operated area from sun rays, as ultraviolet radiation can accentuate scars. When going outside, wearing sunglasses is advisable - they not only protect from UV rays but also help hide temporary bruising or swelling.