Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure involving removal of excessive loose skin from the eyelids. It is usually performed for aesthetic reasons, since drooping eyelids cause older and more tired look of the face. It also happens, however, that they restrict the field of vision and often contribute to discomfort in the eye region, which is more intense during general fatigue of the body. Removal of excess skin allows to restore younger appearance of eyes and face.
Indications and contraindications for the procedure
- hypersensitivity to the medication administered during the procedure and to regional anaesthesia,
- inflammatory processes in the eye region,
- keloids.
During this visit, the doctor also discusses the procedure and postoperative behaviour in detail.
How is blepharoplasty carried out?
Postoperative instructions
Most patients return to an active life within 10 hours of the procedure. The sutures are removed after 7-10 days. After the procedure, the patient should use ointments and gels supporting good healing of the wound. Healing is a gradual process, so the postoperative site may change its looks for several months. The incision line eventually becomes pale and most frequently remains unnoticeable. Make-up may be usually applied after about 14 days. Sun protection is important. The effects of blepharoplasty are maintained for many years, making the eye region look younger, and improving the general facial appearance. Blepharoplasty may be repeated.
Blepharoplasty at OCHO
The procedure of blepharoplasty should be performed by doctors specialising in the surgery of eyelids and eye region. At the Eye Surgery Centres, the procedures are performed by: Professor Guy Ben Simon at the invitation of Professor Zagórski, and our surgeons working with him, including: Dr Justyna Kłos-Rola and dr Marta Piecyk-Sidor in Nałęczów, as well as dr Agnieszka Mielnik-Mierzwińska in Kraków.
FAQ
The surgery is performed for medical and aesthetic purposes. Medical indications include limited visual field, and sensation of heavy eyelids caused by their flaccidity. Aesthetic indications – rejuvenation of the eye region and improvement in the general facial appearance.
Blepharoplasty usually lasts about an hour, but a precise time depends on the scope of the procedure. In a typical procedure, incisions are made along the natural skin line of the eyelid, i.e. the eyelid crease. In some instances, the incisions may reach beyond the lateral canthus of the eye, but usually no further than the area of natural wrinkles. These wrinkles, called “crow’s feet”, are sometimes partially or completely smoothed owing to the blepharoplasty procedure. After the incisions are made, the doctor removes excess skin, so that the remaining tissue is additionally tensed. The blepharoplasty procedure also allows to restore the natural eyelid line, i.e. to restore natural look of the eyelid crease. Very thin sutures are used to close the incisions after the procedure, and the dressing is applied only on the eyelids. The dressing is removed on the second day after the procedure.
The sutures are removed 7-10 days after the procedure. The wound healing is a gradual process and may last even several months. The final effect may be assessed after about 3-6 months, depending on the operated area and the scope of the procedure. For the first 48 hours after the procedure, the use of cooling packs reducing bruising and swelling around the eyes is recommended. After the procedure, the patient must remember about good sun protection, should avoid physical effort for 2–4 weeks, and make-up may be usually applied after 14 days of the procedure.
We can perform the procedure, if it is done under general anaesthesia.
Currently, the procedure of removing excess skin from the eyelids at OCHO is performed only as a commercial procedure.
Only a healthy person may undergo the procedure. Laboratory tests (CBC, INR) and hepatitis B vaccinations are recommended. 10 days before the procedure, after consultations with the treating physician, the patient should withdraw anticoagulant agents (belonging to salicylates (Polopirin, Aspirin, Acard etc.), vitamin E, and should avoid garlic, ginger and ginseng). Other medications should be taken as before. On the day of the surgery, the patient should come at the appointed time with the identity document and certificate about the state of health. Before the procedure, the patient should have a detailed conversation with the physician concerning a potential risk related to the procedure, as well as the patient’s expectations as to the eyelid appearance post surgery.
At OCHO in Nałęczów, the waiting period for the procedure of blepharoplasty is on average from 5 to 10 weeks. Some specialists do not recommend this type of procedure during summer heat waves.
In most cases, the procedures of blepharoplasty are conducted under local anaesthesia and in one-day hospitalisation, which means that the patient can go home after the procedure. In some instances, however, when the procedure is carried out under general anaesthesia, the patient has to stay at OCHO overnight.
After the plastic surgery, dressings are applied on the eyelids, so you should not drive a car.
Non-life-saving procedures are not recommended in pregnant women.