Blepharoplasty has become one of the most popular aesthetic procedures performed in our country and around the world. This operation can be performed on the lower and upper eyelids. Very successful results can be obtained through the operation, which is performed to correct sagging and deformities in the lower and upper eyelids due to genetic factors or aging. It should be noted that blepharoplasty procedures can also be used to eliminate the problems caused by accidents or traumas. We will explain how blepharoplasty is done, whether the results are permanent and answers to other questions. However, it would be useful to talk about the effects of aging on the eyelid first.

What Are the Symptoms of Eyelid Aging?

With aging, the skin loses its elasticity. The elastic structure of the skin decreases gradually with aging. The body region where this situation is most evident is the face. Excess skin begins to accumulate on the face and eyelids. In a sense, we can say that one of the first and clearest signs of aging appears on the eyelids. This image on the eyelids causes the person to look tired, dull and old. It may even be possible for the person to look older than they are, depending on the level of signs of aging on the eyelids. The signs of aging on the lower and upper eyelids are as follows:

  • Having bags under the eyes
  • Color changes under the eyes
  • Having a droopy upper eyelid
  • Wrinkles and sagging on the eyelid skin
  • Facial expression being tired and dull
  • The formation of wrinkles known as “crow’s feet” around the eyes

Excess skin on the eyelids is the most common cause of droopy upper eyelids. In some people, there may be an abundance of skin and droopy eyelids that can prevent vision. Sometimes, droopy eyelids may occur due to excess skin and sagging in the forehead area. However, it is now possible to completely eliminate this appearance. Excess skin is removed with blepharoplasty. Blepharoplasty can also be performed with other aesthetic procedures such as eyebrow lifting and forehead lifting. Thus, it is possible to give the person a younger face appearance.

What Is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is the operation performed to correct the bagging, excess skin and sagging of the lower and upper eyelids for various reasons. These problems can also occur due to aging, traumas, infection or injuries. For whatever reason, we can say that this image on the eyelids can be corrected with aesthetic operation.

Who Can Benefit from Blepharoplasty?

Those who have sagging problems in their lower and upper lids can benefit from blepharoplasty. This operation is needed mostly because of the excess skin and bagging that occurs with the increasing age. However, it is possible to perform blepharoplasty for different reasons. This procedure cannot be done for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. At the same time, in order for the operation to be performed, the person must not have a health problem that prevents the operation. In order to perform blepharoplasty, it is not necessary to observe a serious sagging or deformation. If there is a minimal sagging and the person is uncomfortable with it, the operation can be performed.

How Is Blepharoplasty Performed?

First of all, we should state that blepharoplasty is performed under anesthesia and the person does not feel pain during the procedure. Before the operation, the patient is evaluated and some measurements are made. It should be noted that the planning is done taking into account the natural curved lines of the eye. Then, an incision is made with a scalpel or cautery device and the excess skin that causes sagging is removed. The operation is completed by suturing the area.

Are Upper and Lower Blepharoplasties Performed Simultaneously?

Those who have problems with both the lower and upper eyelids are wondering if both eyelids can be intervened in the same operation. Upper and lower eyelids can be treated in a single session. Two separate surgeries are not required for either. However, in this case, both the operation time will be longer and the recovery period will be a little longer. It may be a little more challenging for the patient if the plan is to intervene in the lower and upper eyelids in a single session.

Are the Results of Blepharoplasty Permanent?

One of the frequently asked questions is the permanence of the results of the operation. We can say that the effect of the operation lasts for 10 to 15 years. The determining factor in this period is factors such as the skin structure of the person and age. However, aging will continue over time, and accordingly, after 10-15 years, the sagging appearance of the eyelids may begin to occur again. In this case, surgery can be performed again.

Is Blepharoplasty Risky?

We can say that blepharoplasty is one of the operations with the lowest risks. Of course, there are some risks in every surgery, but in cases such as choosing an experienced doctor and following the recommendations made by the doctor during the healing process, the risks are minimized. Edema, bruising, and mild leakage may rarely occur after surgery. All of these are temporary and not long-term. After the operation, maximum attention should be paid to hygiene and infection should be avoided. Thus, the healing process is completed without any problems.

What Should Be Considered Before Blepharoplasty?

The use of drugs with blood thinning features should be discontinued 15 days before the operation. Tobacco products should not be used, alcohol should not be consumed. Some food supplements and herbal teas can also have blood-thinning features. For this reason, it will be beneficial to stop the consumption of food supplements and herbal tea 15 days before. It is also important that the person informs his doctor about his current ailments and the drugs he uses, if any, before blepharoplasty.

At What Age Should Blepharoplasty Be Performed?

It would not be correct to talk about a clear age or age range in this regard. The skin structure of each individual is different, and the onset of sagging on the skin also changes with aging. For this reason, the important factor is the age when the person starts to complain about the current sagging or deformation. Even if a mild problem has occurred, blepharoplasty can be performed to relieve the patient’s discomfort. You don’t necessarily have to wait for a certain age.

What Is The Recovery Process After Blepharoplasty?

The recovery period is both short and does not force the patients. In the first 3 days after the operation, redness and swelling may occur on the skin. This appearance subsides and disappears on its own in a short time. Applying cold compresses to the area at intervals recommended by the doctor may reduce swelling and bruising. The bandage on the suture is removed after 3-4 days. Sutures dissolve on their own in the body, but if non-absorbable sutures are used, they are removed 7 days after the operation. On the other hand, we can say that the scars of the operation are reduced to an indistinct extent in a short period of 1 month.

It is also important to lie on a high pillow for the first few days after the operation and to stay away from environments such as Turkish bath, sea, pool. If there are drugs prescribed by the doctor, they should be used regularly. It is also important to stay away from sports activities that require a lot of effort in the first week.

Is There Any Pain After Blepharoplasty?

Pain or ache is not felt during the operation, but after the effect of the anesthesia wears off, a very mild pain can be felt. However, it should be noted that this pain is not severe enough to affect the daily life of the person and can be relieved with pain medication. Most patients feel pain only on the day of surgery. Rarely, the pain may be felt the next day.