How do I realize if I need an eyelid plasty?

As time goes by we age, and skin loses its elasticity, and so does strength muscle. All these processes take place at the eyelid level and lead to underlining the adipose tissue and, so, contributing to the aged aspect of the skin.

Besides the negative aesthetic aspects, are also the ones of strictly medical nature that can’t be neglected. Felt eyelids can diminish visual field because they block complete eye opening.

Skin and fat excess can lead to visual field narrowing, wrinkles, under eye bags and dark circles appearing, offering the face a flaccid, tired and aged aspect.

Blepharoplasty (eyelid plasty) is the operation that corrects the felt eyes aspect by removing skin and adipose tissue excess from the certain area. This is practiced even sincer the ‘70s, with exceptional results in both men and women.

Types of blepharoplasty

  • Superior eyelid plasty

This refers in removing fat and skin excess from the superior eyelid. Often the skin excess is similar to a fold that covers the tars, that can disturb the eyesight.

  • Inferior eyelid plasty

It refers to removing skin excess and fat tissue bags from under the eye. This procedure helps, inclusively, in removing dark circles by repositioning the fat from under the eyes.

  • Inferior transconjuntival eyelid plasty (without incision on skin)

It is recommended only for young persons who do not have excess skin.

  • Superior and inferior eyelid plasty can be made simultaneously?

Eyelids can be remodeled during the same surgical intervention. Likewise, it can be associated with other types of interventions, like facial lift.

At what age can I have a blepharoplasty?

Normally the eyelid plasty is recommended to patients over 35 years, but if you inherit the felt or swollen eye lids aspect you can chose to have this intervention at a younger age.

Who cannot call on this operation?

In case you have medical history of thyroid problems, like hypothyroidism or Graves disease, the intervention is not indicated. Otherwise, there has to be taken in consideration the dry eye syndrome (the lack of a sufficient quantity of tears), hypertension or other cardiovascular diseases. In the same time, diabetes, retina decollation (detached) or glaucoma can constitute risk factors. It is possible that the doctor might recommend to do extra investigations to the ophthalmologist or internist before this intervention.

Adverse effects, risks and possible complications

Any surgical intervention involves a risk and it depends very much on each patient. Here we refer on each one’s healing capacity, so that the result is never predictable.

For example, double or foggy vision can occur few days after the intervention. If more tissue, than needed, is removed the ‘ectropion’ can appear, an inferior eyelid retraction that can block eye closure.

Preparing for the operation (Post operatory indications)

Which are the mandatory investigations before the operation?

  • As investigations you will be needing a visit to the ophtalomologist, depending on the doctor’s recommendation during the consultation
  • For general anesthesia you will be needing EKG and blood samples, recommended, of course, by the doctor before the intervention

What does pre operatory preparation involves?

  • With 2 weeks before operation, aspirin and drugs that contain this substance are prohibited
  • Usually, the operation must be made outside the menstrual period
  • In case of an infection or cold, the operation must be delayed
  • Do not follow a drastic intervention before the intervention because it can delay healing
  • Do not eat or drink anything after the midnight before the operation

Surgical procedure

How long does the blepharoplasty operation take?

The intervention takes between one and three hours, depending on how extended it is.

The incisions are delicate and they are made in the superior palpebral groove, and more exactly, right under the eye lashes for the inferior eyelid plasty, so that everything will be well hidden. The skin is separated from the underlying muscle, and afterwards the fat tissue bags are being removed. Finally, the excess skin is being removed and a delicate suture is being made.

What type of anesthesia is used?

Eyelid plasty is performed with local anesthesia as much as with general one.

How long will you be hospitalized in the case of blepharoplasty?

After the operation, the patient will be hospitalized over night, if the operation was made with general anesthetic. In case of local anesthesia, the patient will be discharged the same day.

Recovery after operation (post operatory recovery)

What does recovery after eyelid plasty involves?

Right after intervention, post surgical, you will notice the bruising and swelling of the area around the eyes. These can last from few days to few weeks so we recommend you to sleep with your head raised, on more pillows for improvement. There are situations in which the eyes won’t shut tightly as before the intervention and it can last few weeks. It is possible to have foggy vision, few days after the intervention, and it is an effect of the operation itself, adding the eye cream and the eye drops you will have to apply post surgically.

After how long can I retake my daily activities? (socio-professional)

The suture wires are removed after approximately 3-4 days. During 2 weeks you will have to avoid stressful activities, that can increase blood pressure. In 2 weeks after operation you will wear contact lenses and it is possible to bother you for a period. After 2-3 days, post surgery, you will be able to watch TV again. You will be able to return to your working place, after 7-10 days, depending on your occupation.

In the first months, a slight sunlight sensibility might persist so we recommend you to wear protection sunglasses.

Important to know, is that scars can remain with a slight shade of pink until 6-9 months, finally transforming into a fine white line.

With all this, you have to consider the fact that improvement will become more obvious in the net 2 weeks, until eyelids will completely deflate. In some cases, almost 2 months might be needed for this result to be visible.

Does blepharoplasty have any second effects? What are those?

One of them is blurry or foggy vison few days after intervention. The ectropion, an inferior eyelid retraction, might appear, which can prevent eye closing.

How much do the results of a successful blepharoplasty last?

The excellent results of an eyelid remodeling intervention are maintained for years, significantly improving the aesthetic aspect of the patient, likewise the physical and psychic ones. He/she can rejuvenate, with 5 years, the area that will be freed from bags, excess skin and wrinkles. Big attention in choosing a good doctor, only this is how you will be assured of your results.

What is the price of a blepharoplasty?

The prices vary, depending on the complexity of the intervention, if this is made only for the superior/inferior eyelids or both and, of course, the type of anesthesia matters also. The eyelid correction can cost between 600 – 1500 euros, therefor the price depends on many aspects that you will discuss with the doctor during the consultation.

On our website you can find other plastic surgery prices and other procedures that involve face rejuvenation.