Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid Surgery is Not a Luxury
Welcome to our esteemed plastic surgery clinic, where we specialize in enhancing your natural beauty and restoring youthful vitality. One of the transformative procedures we offer is eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty. The eyes are often considered the windows to the soul, but as time passes, the delicate skin around them can show signs of aging, stress, and fatigue. Eyelid surgery is an advanced cosmetic solution designed to rejuvenate the eyes, helping you look as vibrant and refreshed on the outside as you feel on the inside.
As the skin ages, it gradually loses its elasticity. Due to this loss of elasticity and the effects of gravity, the stretched skin on the upper eyelids folds onto itself, concealing the upper part of the eyeball and the upper portion of the pupil. On the lower eyelids, the stretched skin causes wrinkles and puffiness. The layer of fat around the eyes can also protrude due to thinning of the membrane surrounding it, similar to a hernia.
During eyelid surgery, excess and sagging skin on the upper eyelids, as well as under-eye bags, are removed. Typically performed for aesthetic reasons, in older individuals, excess skin on the upper eyelids can sag to such an extent that it hampers vision and becomes a concern for the patient. Eyelid surgery does not eliminate dark circles under the eyes or crow’s feet. Often, lifting the eyebrows is necessary to achieve the desired results.
It is crucial to understand that eyelid surgery is not merely a luxury but a way to restore a more youthful appearance and, in some cases, improve vision and overall comfort. By addressing the signs of aging around the eyes, individuals can regain confidence and feel more vibrant, aligning their outward appearance with how they truly feel inside.
The Procedure
The upper eyelid surgery or upper blepharoplasty typically lasts for about 45-60 minutes, the lower eyelid surgery or lower blepharoplasty lasts about 1,5 hours.
Upper Eyelid
First, the area is injected with lidocaine to numb it. Once the area is numbed, the surgeon makes a longitudinal incision along the eyelid crease. They separate the skin from the underlying tissues, removing excess fat tissue and skin. The skin is then sutured back together using continuous stitches. The stitches are usually left in for one week.
Lower Eyelid
First, the area is injected with lidocaine to numb it. Once the area is numbed the surgeon makes an incision, just below the lower lash line. In many cases, under-eye bags are caused by protruding fat pads. The surgeon carefully repositions or removes excess fat to create a smoother contour beneath the eyes. Fat repositioning can be especially beneficial for patients who have hollowness in the tear trough area, allowing the surgeon to redistribute fat for a more youthful appearance. Excess skin and lax muscles are addressed to eliminate wrinkles and sagging. The surgeon trims the surplus skin and tightens the underlying muscles to achieve a firmer and more rejuvenated lower eyelid contour. After the necessary adjustments are made, the incisions are closed using fine sutures. The sutures are designed to blend seamlessly with the skin and come out after a week.
Aftercare
Swelling and bruising are common after the surgery and they usually peak within the first 3 days. They may take a week or 2 to subside. Applying cold compresses and Arnica cream can help reduce swelling. After the lower eyelid surgery It is normal for the area to bleed for about a week. Some discomfort is normal after the surgery, but it’s typically manageable with the pain medication we give you. Usually patients use painkillers for the first 1-2 nights and afterwards they don’t need any. It is advisable if the patient doesn’t drive after the surgery for a couple days. It is important to rest and avoid strenuous activities for the first week or two. This helps with the healing process and reduces the risk of complications. Sutures will need to be removed after about a week. Eye Drops are prescribed to keep the eyes moist and prevent dryness and infection. Avoid using eye makeup for at least a week. Most people can return to work and normal activities within 1 week but full healing and final results may take several months. Protect your eyes from sun exposure, as they can be sensitive during the healing process.
The Result
You’ll notice an improvement in the appearance of your eyelids within a few weeks as the initial swelling and bruising subside. The final results of eyelid surgery may take several months to fully manifest. It can vary from 3 to 6 months, or even longer, for all swelling to completely subside, and the incision lines to mature and fade. Upper eyelid surgery typically lasts for 7-10 years. Lower eyelid surgery very rarely needs to be repeated. Of course, the eyes continue to age even after the procedure. If the eyelids sag again, it is likely that lifting the eyebrows may be necessary once more.
The Scars
For upper eyelids, these incisions are typically concealed in the upper eyelid crease. For lower eyelids, the incisions are often made just below the lower lash line. Everyone’s skin and healing process are unique. Some individuals may experience more noticeable scars, while others may have scars that are barely visible. The speed at which scars fade can also vary from person to person.
Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions, which may include proper wound care and scar management techniques, can help promote optimal scar healing and fading. This may involve the use of silicone sheets, scar creams, like growth factors and sun protection. Most blepharoplasty scars become less noticeable over time. While they may appear pink or red initially, they usually start to fade after a few months. It can take up to a year or more for scars to reach their final, mature appearance. Keep in mind that scars can continue to improve over the long term.
What is the Cat Eye Procedure?
Cat eye surgery, also known as a canthoplasty or a lateral canthoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at reshaping the outer corners of the eyes to create an almond-shaped or „cat eye” appearance. This procedure is popular among individuals who desire a more exotic or lifted eye shape, reminiscent of the feline gaze. Canthoplasty involves reshaping and repositioning the outer corners of the eyes. During the procedure, incisions are made at the outer corners, allowing the surgeon to adjust the tension of the canthal tendons and create the desired upward slant. This technique can be combined with canthopexy, which reinforces the lateral canthal tendon to maintain the newly created shape. Canthoplasty can be performed also for patients who have issues with droopy or sagging outer corner of the eyes, asymmetry between the eyes, or a tired and aged appearance. In this case the plastic surgeon makes precise incisions at the outer corners of the eyes to reposition and reshape the canthal tendons, which are responsible for supporting the eyelids. By adjusting the tension and angle of these tendons, the surgeon can create a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing eye shape. Canthoplasty is commonly performed in conjunction with blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), to achieve a harmonious and balanced facial appearance.
Temporal or Brow Lift
Since your temples and brows are within such close proximity to one another, smoothing out wrinkles in one area also inadvertently benefits the other area of the face as well. If your eyebrows are droopy or hang too low, then this could be the right procedure for you. An excellent alternative to the much more invasive eyebrow lift, which requires a longer recovery time, the brow lift is a lot faster and more convenient. A small incision is made along your hairline and then the skin and underlying muscles are lifted up to stretch out the drooping skin on your eyelids.
Risks and Complication of Eyelid Surgery
Blepharoplasty, like any surgical procedure, carries certain risks and potential complications. It’s important to be aware of these risks before deciding to undergo eyelid surgery. Some of the potential risks and complications associated with blepharoplasty include:
- Infection
Infection at the surgical site is a possible risk, although it’s relatively uncommon.
- Bleeding
Post-operative bleeding can occur, leading to hematomas (collections of blood). Surgeons take precautions to minimize this risk.
- Scarring
While efforts are made to minimize scarring and make incisions inconspicuous, visible scarring is a possible outcome of blepharoplasty.
- Asymmetry
There is a possibility of uneven or asymmetric results, where one eyelid looks different from the other.
- Dry Eyes
Some patients may experience temporary or, in rare cases, prolonged dry eyes after the surgery.
- Ectropion or Entropion
In some cases, the lower eyelid may turn outward (ectropion) or inward (entropion). These conditions can affect eye comfort and appearance.
- Vision Changes
Temporary or, in rare instances, permanent changes in vision can occur, but these are relatively uncommon.
- Overcorrection or Undercorrection
Sometimes, the procedure may not achieve the desired cosmetic outcome, resulting in either overcorrection (excessive removal of tissue) or undercorrection (insufficient tissue removal).
- Numbness and Sensation Changes
Temporary numbness or altered sensation in the eyelid area is common after surgery.
