Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic surgery that involves all changes and reshapes of the eyelid. It’s generally performed to remove excess skin and fat and strengthen connective tissue underneath the skin. One of the main reasons for blepharoplasty is aging.

Blepharoplasty is one of the most common surgeries in oculoplastic surgery. Eyelid surgery may involve several different procedures. The surgeon determines which procedures will be performed on the patient and arranges the operation accordingly. 

Blepharoplasty Procedure

Firstly, the patient should be checked detailly, and an oculoplastic examination of the patient should also be done. In this way, the function of the eyes and eyelids can be seen. The surgery can be done under local anesthesia or can be performed with sedation if the patient and the doctor are agreed.

If the patient's upper eyelid and lower eyelid should be treated together, it is usually started from the upper eyelid first. An incision is made on the upper lid along the eye crease. Usually, excess skin, fat and muscle tissue is removed together. The incision is then sutured and closed. In the lower eyelid, an incision is made inside the lower lid. Excess fat and skin are removed, and the saggy skin is intervened. If the patient's upper eyelid is close to the pupil, eyebrow muscle can be supported. This procedure is called ptosis. In blepharoplasty, incisions can be made with a scalpel, radiofrequency, electrocautery, or laser, depending on the surgeon's preference. There may be no need to close or tape the eyes after surgery.

Reasons for Blepharoplasty

The main reason for eyelid surgery is aging. As the skin loses its elasticity, drooping of the eyelids begins. In addition to this; unhealthy lifestyle, smoking and alcohol consumption, insufficient water intake, genetics, irregular sleep, stress, air pollution and ultraviolet radiation can be counted among other causes.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

After eyelid surgery, the surgeon may want the patient to remain under medical observation for a few days. This would be a necessary because some complications can be seen following days. The patient is discharged later and the precautions that should be taken by him/her are told. Some of these can be listed as follows:

• • Cleaning of the eyelids carefully,
• • Avoiding heavy workout for several weeks,
• • Avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption,
• • Not rubbing the eyes,
• • Not wearing contact lenses for 2 weeks,
• • Applying cold compress for swelling.