Eyelid Aesthetic (Blepharoplasty)

What are the signs of aging in the upper eyelid?

When discussing the signs of aging on the face, it is important to view the face as a whole entity. Starting at the age of 30, displacement begins from the forehead and moves down to the eyebrows, causing an enlargement of the upper eyelid skin. In one's 50s, the thinning of the muscles in the upper eyelid leads to an increase in skin abundance and prominence of the fat pads in the eye socket. This natural process may appear earlier in some individuals, depending on genetic factors. For instance, patients who have had low-positioned eyebrows since their youth are more susceptible to these aging signs.

What are the signs of aging in the lower eyelid?

As we age, the signs of aging become more prominent not only in the eyelids but also in the entire face. In the 40s, the loss of volume in the cheeks due to gravity can lead to a rounded appearance under the lower eyelid and the formation of laugh lines. Additionally, the thinning of the skin and muscles in the lower eyelid can cause the appearance of crow's feet and the prominence of the fat pads in the eye socket. These changes are a natural part of the aging process, but may also be influenced by individual factors such as genetics.

What should be considered before the operation?

It is also important to stop smoking and alcohol consumption at least 2 weeks before the surgery as they can negatively affect the healing process. Avoiding blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti-inflammatory drugs can also reduce the risk of bleeding during the surgery.

It is advisable to have a detailed medical evaluation before the surgery, including a complete eye examination and other relevant tests. This will help your doctor determine if you are a good candidate for eyelid surgery and if there are any potential risks or complications.

Finally, make sure to discuss all your expectations, questions, and concerns with your doctor to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the procedure and what to expect during the recovery period.

How is the upper eyelid aesthetic surgery decided?

It is also important to note that eyelid surgery should be performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. The surgeon should have a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the eyelids and be able to assess the patient's expectations and goals from the procedure. A thorough preoperative evaluation is also necessary, including a detailed medical history, physical examination, and possibly additional testing, such as a visual field test, to ensure that the patient is a good candidate for the procedure. In some cases, the surgeon may recommend alternative or additional procedures, such as brow lift or Botox injections, to achieve the desired outcome. The surgeon should also provide the patient with a clear explanation of the procedure, its risks and benefits, and postoperative care instructions.

How is upper eyelid aesthetic surgery performed?

In lower eyelid surgery, the incision is usually made on the inside of the lid, so there is no visible scar. If the lower lid has a significant amount of excess skin and fat, an external incision may be made just below the lower lash line. The surgeon then removes the excess fat, tightens the muscles, and removes excess skin, if necessary. The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours and is performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient's preferences and the extent of the procedure. After the surgery, the patient may experience some swelling and bruising, which typically resolve within a few days to a week. The results of lower eyelid surgery are usually long-lasting and can greatly enhance the appearance of the lower lid and face.

How is the lower eyelid surgery decided?

In lower eyelid surgery, the incision is usually made just below the lower lashes or inside the lower eyelid, so that the scar is not visible. The fat pads in the lower eyelid may be removed, or repositioned to provide better support. The procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia, and takes about 1 to 2 hours to complete.

After the surgery, patients can expect some swelling and bruising, which typically resolves within a week or two. The results of lower eyelid surgery are long-lasting, and can help to restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance to the lower face. It is important to follow the post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon, which may include using cold compresses, avoiding certain activities, and using eye drops or ointments to promote healing.

What is done in lower eyelid surgery?

After the surgery, a thin bandage is placed around the eyes and should be kept for the first night. The patient should avoid any movements that may cause swelling or bruising around the eye area. Cold compresses can be applied to the eyes to reduce swelling. The stitches are removed within a week after the surgery. The swelling and bruising around the eyes generally subsides within the first 2 weeks. However, it may take up to 6 weeks for the swelling to completely disappear. The final result of the surgery is usually seen after a few months. Patients should avoid exposure to the sun and protect their eyes with sunglasses. It is also important to follow the postoperative care instructions provided by the surgeon to ensure the best outcome from the procedure.

What should we pay attention to after the surgery?

It's important to keep in mind that every individual's healing process can be different and it's important to follow the specific postoperative instructions provided by your surgeon. Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as well as following a healthy diet and getting enough sleep, can help ensure the best possible healing outcomes. You should also avoid wearing contact lenses for the first few days after the procedure and use artificial tears to keep your eyes lubricated. Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure that you are healing well. If you experience any unusual symptoms or unexpected changes, be sure to contact your surgeon immediately.

Will there be any scars after eyelid surgery?

Additionally, patients should avoid rubbing their eyes for at least 4 weeks after the surgery, as this can disrupt the healing process and increase the risk of infection. It is also important to avoid direct sunlight on the eyes for several weeks after the procedure, as UV light can damage the delicate skin and delay healing. You should follow all postoperative instructions carefully, and if you have any concerns, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible. With proper care and attention, most people are able to achieve excellent results from eyelid surgery and enjoy a more youthful, refreshed appearance around their eyes.

What are the risks of eyelid surgery?

• Although rare, bleeding problems may be encountered during or after eyelid surgery. If bleeding occurs after the operation, emergency drainage treatment may be required. Aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs should be stopped ten days before the operation because they increase the risk of bleeding. Hypertension that is not under medical control can also cause bleeding during or after the operation. Bleeding under the eyelids may delay healing and cause scarring.
• Infection is usually not expected after this surgery. In rare cases, if the infection develops, the problem can be solved with appropriate antibiotic treatment.
• Blindness is extremely unlikely after blepharoplasty. However, intraocular bleeding during or after surgery may cause this. With early diagnosis and drainage, this problem can be overcome.
• The most feared and relatively common complication is Ectropion - a condition in which your eyelid turns outward. This possibility increases in patients who have had a second surgery since previous eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can cause ectropion, particularly if a considerable amount of skin was removed from the eyelid at the time of surgery. In order to treat it, it may be necessary to take the skin from the upper eyelid.
• There may be changes in the appearance of the eyelid as a result of aging, sun exposure and some other conditions. Blepharoplasty surgery does not stop aging, nor does it continuously provide tension in the eyelid area. New surgeries and treatments may be required in the future to preserve the results of blepharoplasty surgery.