AESTHETIC EYELIED SURGERY(BLEPHAROPLASTY)

What is the Aesthetic Eyelid Surgery(Blepharoplasty)?

Aesthetic eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is a set of surgical operations performed to stretch the tissue around the eye, remove the saggy skin and the excess tissue on the upper and lower eyelids. Aging with the constant effect of gravity weakens the supporting structure around the eyes, this weakness naturally causes saggy skin. Subsequently, the skin loses elasticity and loosens up; symptoms such as baggy eyelids, loose skin, discoloration, and wrinkles emerge.

Personal variables such as prolonged exposure to the Sun, irregular sleep patterns, excessive smoking, and alcohol use speed up the aging process of the skin. These changes cause the patient to have a dull, tired look and appear older.

Who is Suitable for Aesthetic Eyelid Surgery(Blepharoplasty)?

Aesthetic eyelid surgery is usually demanded by individuals over the age of 30. However, the surgery can be performed on anyone, at any age as long as the patient medically needs it. Although the operation does not stop the aging process of the eyelids, the positive effects of the surgery persist for 7-8 years. Since the eyelids have a highly vascularized structure with a very efficient blood flow, the surgical operations on this area leave the least amount of marks compared to other parts of the body. Therefore, the patients can have the surgery without worrying about post-operative marks or scars.

How to Prepare for Aesthetic Eyelid Surgery(Blepharoplasty)?

The patient should stop taking Aspirin, similar blood thinners, and some painkillers at least 15 days before the procedure as they increase the tendency to bleed during the surgery. The patient should quit or take a break from cigarettes or other tobacco products since they impede the healing process of the wounds. Herbal or supplementary products should also be avoided during this period.

How is the Aesthetic Upper Eyelid Surgery Performed?

The aesthetic upper eyelid surgery or droopy eyelid surgery is performed by cutting and removing the excess skin and tissue. The incision is carefully made following the folding line of the eyelid to avoid leaving any mark after the surgery.

How is the Aesthetic Lower Eyelid Surgery Performed?

The fat pockets above the cheekbones loosen and sag down with age. As a part of the initial treatment, these fat pockets are relocated and hung to their original position. This procedure is performed before operating on the lower eyelid itself. Correcting the location of the fat pockets alone may completely treat the patient’s symptoms sometimes and the patient may not require any further surgical intervention after this procedure. However, if the conditions such as baggy eyelids and saggy skin persist during the repeated physical examination, the surgeon proceeds with the lower eyelid surgery. The incision is precisely made right under the lower eyelashes. The small fat pockets under the eye socket are equally distributed, the excess skin and the muscle tissues are removed. This concludes the surgery process. The operation takes approximately 30-50 minutes for each eyelid and the procedure can change according to the patient’s symptoms/complaints: Upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both of the eyelids can be operated on simultaneously. It is possible to be discharged the same day after the surgery.

How is the Post Operative Recovery Process?

Swelling and bruising, dry eye, burning and/or stinging sensation, blurry vision may occur during the first few days after the surgery. Tear secretion might increase and the eyes might become sensitive to light for a short period. The patient might not be able to fully close their eyes for the first few days. All of these conditions are temporary and recover within 1 week. Keeping the head elevated during the first 3 days after the surgery will help to reduce the swelling. The patient can go back to work after 3 days if the job is not physically demanding. The patients who use contact lenses can start using them again after 1 week. The patients should use the medicine prescribed by their doctor after the operation. Usage of sunglasses is a must during the first 2 weeks to protect the eyes from the Sun and potential trauma.