Eyelid surgery is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures, as it not only serves an aesthetic function but also addresses health concerns. By removing excess skin from the eyelids, you not only alleviate pain and the feeling of heavy eyes but also rejuvenate your appearance. How does blepharoplasty work, and how long does its effect last?
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, helps remove excess skin from the eyelids. It serves both aesthetic and health purposes. As we age, excess skin can obstruct the field of vision, affecting sight. This can also occur with significant weight loss.
This condition is often accompanied by unpleasant symptoms such as excessive tearing, burning, and redness of the eyes, which can create a tired appearance. Eyelid surgery will:
- Alleviate pain, burning, and the sensation of heavy eyes
- Remove fat bags, or “under-eye bags”
- Smooth out wrinkles around the eyes
- Rejuvenate your facial expression
Who is Eyelid Surgery Suitable For?
Blepharoplasty is suitable for both women and men. Although it is most commonly performed on individuals over 40, younger people can also undergo the procedure, especially if there are genetic predispositions (such as congenital ptosis).
Eyelid surgery is ideal for anyone bothered by excess skin on the upper eyelid, drooping eyelids, or fat bags.
How Does Eyelid Surgery Work?
Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids, or both at once. Before the procedure, the plastic surgeon will recommend the most suitable technique for the surgery and any preoperative skin treatments or therapies for the skin and subcutaneous tissue around the eyes and face.
You can undergo one of two methods:
1.Blepharoplasma (Non-Invasive Blepharoplasty)
If you want to avoid a scalpel, this method is ideal for you. It is a non-invasive removal of loose skin from the eyelids using the Plasmatec device, which utilizes fractional plasma technology. This procedure also helps smooth out wrinkles around the eyes and remove dark circles.
Blepharoplasma is an alternative to traditional surgical blepharoplasty. The advantage is treatment without cutting into the skin, thus avoiding stitches and scars. The procedure lasts 30 to 60 minutes under local anesthesia, requires no hospitalization, and involves minimal recovery. You will see results immediately after the procedure.
2. Blepharoplasty (Surgical Eyelid Surgery)
This is a more invasive method of removing loose eyelid skin, involving a small surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia. It is often combined with other aesthetic procedures, such as a facelift, in which case it may be performed under general anesthesia.
During blepharoplasty, the surgeon makes an incision in the eyelid fold, removes excess skin, and may also reduce excess muscle. The wound is then closed with a fine stitch and covered with a special dressing. The procedure typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes.
Tip: There is also laser blepharoplasty, performed using a CO2 laser under general anesthesia. After the approximately hour-long procedure, you will need to rest at the clinic for at least one day. Laser blepharoplasty is commonly used to treat lower eyelids (wrinkles and bags under the eyes).
Recovery After Eyelid Surgery
If the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, you can go home immediately afterward. However, if general anesthesia is used, you will need to spend at least one day in the clinic. In both cases, it’s recommended to arrange transportation as you should not drive immediately after surgery.
After eyelid surgery, swelling and bruising typically occur and can last for one to two weeks. Your stitches will be removed about a week after the procedure, and around the 13th day, you can start massaging the scars. Use an unscented oily cream for this purpose.
Follow these guidelines after the surgery:
- For at least one week, maintain a restful regimen – avoid sports, reading, working with a computer, or watching TV for extended periods.
- Apply cold compresses or take pain relievers if necessary.
- Do not touch your eyelids after the stitches are removed; wait until the scars heal.
- Sleep with your head elevated for at least one week.
- After two weeks, you can return to physical activity and start applying makeup around your eyes.
- For two to three months, avoid direct sun exposure, use a high-SPF cream to protect your eyelids, and wear sunglasses.
The first results will be visible in a few days, but the final results are typically noticeable after four to eight weeks, when the swelling has completely gone down and the scars from the eyelid surgery are nearly invisible.
How Long Do the Results of Eyelid Surgery Last?
Since skin aging is a continuous process, the effect of blepharoplasty is not permanent. Therefore, the procedure may need to be repeated after a few years—usually, for upper eyelids, this happens five to seven years after surgery. However, results can last up to 10 years or even a lifetime.
Is Eyelid Surgery Covered by Insurance?
In such cases, you must first undergo an evaluation by a medical examiner and then find a clinic that works with your health insurance provider.
In such cases, you must first undergo an evaluation by a medical examiner and then find a clinic that works with your health insurance provider.
Can Complications Arise After Eyelid Surgery?
Complications are very rare with blepharoplasty, but you may experience pressure, dryness, or a foreign body sensation in your eyes, or have difficulty closing your eyes while sleeping. Dryness can be relieved with special eye drops, known as artificial tears. Other issues typically resolve over time, such as the foreign body sensation after swelling subsides, and the inability to fully close your eyes and pressure usually go away on their own.
Tip: Are you anxious about the surgery? We can offer guidance on how to manage it.
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