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What is blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery? Discover all the secrets!

If you are looking for how to improve the appearance of your eyes because you have noticed that your eyelids look droopy or swollen, or you are bothered by the bags under your eyes, you will have seen the word blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery in many places.

In this article, we will explain what blepharoplasty consists of, who is a good candidate for this procedure, how the surgery is performed, approximately how much it costs, how long the effect lasts, how the eyes and gaze should look after the operation and possible risks. of the procedure.

 

What is blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery?

The word “blepharoplasty” comes from the Greek words “blepharon” meaning eyelid and “plastikos” meaning to mold or shape.

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure used to correct aesthetic and functional problems with the eyelids. It can be performed on the upper, lower or both eyelids. Aesthetic blepharoplasty aims to improve the patient’s image.

Essentially, in upper eyelid surgery, excess skin, muscle, and fat that can make the upper eyelids appear droopy or heavy are removed, and sometimes the eyebrow is lifted or periocular wrinkles are permanently smoothed.

In lower eyelid blepharoplasty, bags under the eyes that can make the eyes look tired and aged are removed. Sometimes the sagging cheek is stretched as an additional procedure.

There are different techniques to perform it, and the type of technique used will depend on the needs of each patient. In general, the surgery is performed under local anesthesia and sedation, and does not usually require hospital admission.

 

Who are good candidates for blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery?

 

Cosmetic blepharoplasty is a safe and effective procedure for many people, but it is not suitable for everyone. Good candidates include people who have:

 

• Excess skin on the eyelids.
• Bags under the eyes that make the eyes look tired or aged
• Very pronounced dark circles
• Loss of elasticity in the skin around the eyes due to aging.
• Difficulty applying makeup to the eyelids due to excessive skin
• Drooping or swollen upper eyelids.
• Tired or sad look.
• Realistic expectations.

 

It is also important to note that this procedure is not suitable for all patients. Patients who have serious medical problems, such as cardiovascular disease, bleeding disorders, autoimmune diseases, or uncontrolled diabetes, may not be good candidates for surgery.

The key is to speak with a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate for blepharoplasty. He will evaluate your specific needs and recommend the appropriate treatment.

 

What other options are there to improve the appearance of the eyelids?

 

If you are not a good candidate for this porcedure or you simply prefer to avoid surgery, there are other options for you that the surgeon can use, such as:

 

Fillers or dermal fillers

These fillers can help fill in wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes and improve the appearance of dark circles.

Neuromodulator injections

These medications generate chemodenervation and relax the muscles that create dynamic wrinkles due to gesticulation, and can help soften wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes and on the forehead.

Laser treatments

Laser, resurfacing or similar treatments can help tighten the skin of the eyelids and reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. These treatments can also reduce dark pigmentation under the eyes.

Skin care

Maintaining a good skin care routine can help improve the appearance of your eyelids. There is a group of substances that, combined, can be especially useful for improving the elasticity and hydration of the skin.

 

What are the benefits of blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery?

 

It is a very safe and effective surgical technique that can offer a series of benefits to those patients who undergo it. Some of the most notable benefits are:

Younger, fresher and rested appearance

Blepharoplasty can give the look a younger appearance, which can make the patient feel more attractive and vital.

Improves the appearance of the eyes

Blepharoplasty can remove excess tissues that accumulate in the eye area, which can significantly improve the appearance of the eyelids.

Increase self-esteem

By improving the appearance of the eyes and gaze, blepharoplasty can increase patients’ self-esteem and confidence in some cases.

Improves vision

In some cases, excess skin and fat on the upper eyelids can interfere with the field of vision. Blepharoplasty can correct this problem and improve the patient’s vision.

Lasting results

The results of Blepharoplasty with surgery are long-lasting and, while the aging process may continue, surgery can improve the appearance of the eyelids for many years.

 

How to prepare for blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery?

 

Before surgery, you will meet with your surgeon to discuss your goals, evaluate your health, and determine if you are a good candidate for blepharoplasty. You should also inform your surgeon about any medications you are taking, and follow all instructions.

The benefits, risks, alternatives, objectives and nature of the procedure will be discussed. Certain preoperative actions will be recommended, such as stopping smoking and avoiding certain medications.

Then the anesthesia team can review the preoperative and recommend the best anesthesia. In general, we do all cases under local anesthesia, with or without sedation. General anesthesia is rarely used.

 

Who should perform blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery?

 

This is a serious surgical procedure, with implications beyond aesthetics, since vision and the neurovascular structures of the ocular orbit must be safeguarded, and thus prevent blindness. It is recommended that only experienced and certified surgeons in oculofacial aesthetics perform the procedure, such as oculoplastic ophthalmological surgeons with extensive training in medical and surgical facial aesthetics, since the eyelids are their natural field of work day to day.

It is also common to see plastic surgeons (general and not focused on a single region of the body), maxillofacial surgeons or even otolaryngologists, who perform blepharoplasties. The most important thing is that they are specialist surgeons with certification and experience in blepharoplasty.

From my experience over the years, oculoplastic surgeons are the ones who absorb and solve not only the complex initial cases, but also receive the majority of cases that went badly, or did not satisfy the patient, in the hands of other specialists, which which we call secondary or revision surgeries.

What is blepharoplasty Blepharoplasty facial lifting and lipofilling | Dr Villamarin. Dr. Villamarín is the best oculoplastic surgeon for blepharoplasty and facial rejuvenation in Madrid and Valencia. Natural result. Best price.

 

How is blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) performed?

 

Before surgery, the surgeon will perform an evaluation and discuss your goals and expectations with you. The blepharoplasty procedure is performed under local anesthesia, with or without sedation, and generally lasts one to three hours.

During surgery, an incision is made in strategically designed locations on the upper or lower eyelid, depending on the area being treated. Through this incision, excess skin, fat, and muscle is removed and the skin is tightened to improve the appearance of the eyes.

The surgeon may use additional techniques depending on the patient’s specific needs. For example, in some cases, it may be necessary to perform a brow lift or wrinkle removal technique between the eyebrows or the side of the eye in combination with blepharoplasty to achieve a better result.

Operative closure depends on the surgeon’s personal technique, and in some cases there are no visible scars or stitches or it is not necessary to remove any stitches, as in the procedures designed by Dr. Villamarín for selected patients.

At the end, ointments and creams are applied and the eyes are temporarily covered. The head of the bed is elevated, ice is applied as indicated, vital signs and pupillary activity are checked, and hylotherapy may be applied in cases selected by Dr. Villamarín.

Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure, meaning the patient can return home the same day after surgery. It is common to experience swelling and bruising after the procedure, but these side effects will go away over time.

 

What care is necessary after the surgery?

 

After surgery, it is normal for the eyes to be somewhat swollen and sore, so it is recommended to apply cold compresses to reduce inflammation. It is also important to avoid intense physical activities and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from direct sunlight. Dr. Villamarín will tell you when you can return to your usual activities and when you should return for a check-up.

 

How long does recovery take after blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery?

 

Recovery from blepharoplasty varies from person to person, but it generally takes about 7-10 days to return to normal life. During the first few days after surgery, it is normal to experience swelling, bruising, and dry eyes. It is important to follow Dr. Villamarín’s instructions and avoid intense physical activities during the recovery period.

 

How long does the effect of blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery last?

 

Blepharoplasty with surgery produces very long-lasting results, although not permanent in the literal sense.

The effect of surgery can last 8-10 years or more, depending on the age and quality of the patient’s skin. It is important to continue taking care of your eye skin after surgery and avoid excessive sun exposure to prolong the results.

However, it is important to keep in mind that it does not stop the natural aging process of the skin. Therefore, it is possible that over time, the skin of the eyelids may lose firmness again and new wrinkles or folds may appear.

 

What are the results of blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery?

 

It’s a surgery that can have excellent results for those who perform it. Below, we present some of the most common results of this intervention:

 

More youthful appearance

One of the main results of blepharoplasty is that the patient obtains a younger appearance. This is because the intervention eliminates excess skin and fat that accumulates on the eyelids over time.

Elimination of dark circles and bags

Another advantage of blepharoplasty is that it allows you to eliminate dark circles and bags that form under the eyes.

Greater confidence

By improving the appearance of the eyes and gaze, blepharoplasty can make a person feel more confident and self-confident.

Greater visibility

In rare cases, excess skin on the eyelids can affect a person’s vision, especially on the upper part. Blepharoplasty helps improve visibility.

 

It is important to keep in mind that the results of blepharoplasty may vary from one patient to another, and that the success of the intervention will also depend on other factors such as age, skin type, health status and patient expectations.

 

Approximately how much does a blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery cost?

 

The price of blepharoplasty can vary depending on different factors, such as the country in which it is performed, the experience of the surgeon, the difficulty of the case and the type of anesthesia used. In general, the cost of a blepharoplasty ranges between 1,800 and 4,000 euros.

The experience and training of the specialist are fundamental factors in achieving a satisfactory and safe result, and are often directly related to their fees.

 

What are the risks and complications of blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery?

 

Although Blepharoplasty is a very safe cosmetic surgery, like any surgery, there are some associated risks. However, these risks are rare and can be reduced by following your doctor’s instructions before and after surgery. Some of the possible risks are:

Infection

After surgery, there is a risk of infection in the treated area. It is important to follow care instructions after surgery to minimize the risk of infection.

Hemorrhage

As with any surgery, there is a risk of bleeding. If this occurs, immediate medical attention should be sought.

Changes in eyelid sensation

After surgery, your eyelids may feel numb or have a tingling sensation. In most cases, this sensation goes away within a few weeks.

Scars

Although scars after Blepharoplasty are minimal and usually invisible, there is a risk of abnormal scarring.

Uncommon conditions

Asymmetry in the eyelids, anesthetic reactions.

 

Conclusions

In this article What is blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery? Discover all the secrets! We have explained how this surgery that can improve the appearance of the eyes and rejuvenate the face. It is important to speak with a certified oculoplastic surgeon who is an expert in cosmetic blepharoplasty (such as Dr. Villamarín) to evaluate whether you are a good candidate for surgery and to understand the possible risks and benefits. If blepharoplasty is not right for you, we have other non-surgical blepharoplasty options to improve the appearance of your eyelids, including laser treatments, dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle neuromodulators, and skin care. The most important thing is to make an informed decision, and have realistic expectations about the results.

If you want more information, do not hesitate to contact Dr. José Villamarín for an appointment in person or through his online consultation. Thank you.