BLEPHAROPLASTY

Eyelid plastic surgery

The eyelid surgery is one of the surgeries most widely performed in plastic surgery. It consists of the surgical correction of skin excess and of fat bags in the eyelids, which make the patient look older. Generally these symptoms take place around the age of 30, but some people have them earlier because of heredity. The patient must be aware that the effect of the plastic surgery is only local, it does not provide rejuvenation to the face. This can only be possible if blepharoplasty is combined with other techniques, such as lifting, for example, which aims at eliminating wrinkles. The scars are practically imperceptible in eyelid plastic surgery. After cicatrisation is complete, what occurs around the third month, they are practically hidden among the natural skin folds. Prior to this they can be concealed with make-up.

PREOPERATIVE PREPARATION

First of all there must be no make-up on the eyes on the day of hospitalization. On the previous day, the patient must not have any liquor or too much to eat. The patient must inform the doctor about any medication that he/she is taking, and must stop taking aspirin or any medication based on acetylsalicylic acid during the 10 previous days to the surgery. On the day of hospitalization the patient must carry sunglasses, for they will be worn after surgery.

SURGICAL PROCEDURE

Blepharoplasty is a rapid and simple surgery. The doctor performs an elliptical excision of the excess skin and also the fat bags that appear both on the upper and on the lower eyelids (normally, two on the upper part and three on the lower). The location and shape of the elliptical incision may vary in view of the edge of the eyes, according to the doctor’s artistic sensitiveness and his aim. The quantity of removed skin varies from patient to patient, but it is always larger on the upper eyelids. Local anesthesia is used, combined with a mild sedative in order to relax the patient. There are times when the patient can go home right after the surgery, being advised to rest for some hours, so that the swelling is smaller.

POSTOPERATIVE CARE

The patient must rest for 24 hours, all the while applying iced water compresses with drops of a dilute water solution of boric acid on the eyes. During the first days the patient must always lie on his/her back, keeping the head high up. The patient must not be exposed to the sun for a long period of time for the first 30 days and must wear sunglasses when outdoors. Pain is not usual during the postoperative period, but should it occur, ordinary painkillers should be enough. The stitches are removed after 72 hours.
The natural swelling starts decreasing from the forth day on, but the final result can be verified only after the third month. Light make-up can be worn after the tenth day, and the patient can return to his/her normal activities after the fifth day of the post surgery.

"The Regional Medicine Council doesn´t allow the exhibition of pre and postoperatory images".