What Is the Impact of Blepharoplasty?
In the discussion of blepharoplasty, the eyes and eyelid shape greatly affect facial aesthetics. If you have droopy eyelids and narrow eyes, your face may appear tired. On the other hand, having wide, bright eyes and puff-free eyelids can make you look younger than your actual age. Therefore, the appearance of the eyes and eyelids plays a key role in facial rejuvenation. Fortunately, with advances in medical science and various aesthetic surgeries now available, people can eliminate sagging and puffiness of their eyelids. One of these procedures is blepharoplasty. You might have heard the name before but not fully understood what it entails. This cosmetic surgery removes sagging and puffiness in the eyelids, making the face look younger. If you’re looking to enhance your facial beauty, this operation could be an excellent solution. In this article, you’ll learn more about this aesthetic—and therapeutic—procedure.
What type of surgery is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty refers to eyelid surgery, which is mostly cosmetic, but in some cases, it is also used to improve vision. Whether your upper eyelids are drooping or your lower eyelids are sagging, this surgery can help. Today, with advancements in surgical techniques, people can rejuvenate their faces with ease. Don’t worry—this cosmetic procedure is so simple and convenient that it’s often done on an outpatient basis and requires no significant recovery period. You won’t need to stay in the hospital afterward. During the surgery, excess fat from both upper and lower eyelids is removed, and drooping is completely corrected. This surgery not only enhances facial youthfulness but also improves the limited visual field of the patient. The results are often remarkable.
Blepharoplasty Applications How Is Blepharoplasty Performed?
The first step in eyelid surgery is to find a professional, skilled, and experienced specialist. Make sure to choose a surgeon with a solid background in this field. During the procedure, the surgeon makes incisions in specific areas of the upper and lower eyelids.
Then, the surgeon removes excess fat, muscle, or skin around the eyes. This enhances the patient’s eye appearance and gives a more youthful look. In addition, the surgeon can smooth out wrinkles around the eyes completely.
Note that this surgery not only corrects upper eyelid drooping but can also eliminate puffiness under the lower eyelids. The procedure is not difficult or complex and is completed in a short amount of time.
Targeted Areas for Blepharoplasty Who Is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Individuals whose vision is impaired due to fat deposits above the eyelids or who suffer from visual disturbances can consider eyelid surgery as a suitable solution. In such cases, blepharoplasty not only improves vision but also enhances the appearance of the eyes. Those seeking better rejuvenation of their eyelids can also benefit from this procedure. Through surgery, fat bags under the eyes can be removed and loose skin around the eyes tightened. Ultimately, anyone who values facial aesthetics should know that eyelid surgery can greatly improve facial rejuvenation. Common problems around the eyes can be frustrating, and this procedure offers an effective solution.
Ideal Candidates for Blepharoplasty
As mentioned previously, blepharoplasty is suitable for individuals who have impaired vision or bothersome fat deposits and wrinkles around the eyes. Fat bags under the eyes or fat accumulation behind the eyelids can affect vision.
If you are dealing with any of the following conditions, you may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery:
- Excessively loose eyelid muscles causing heaviness
- Severe drooping of eyelid muscles placing strain on the eyes
- Drooping eyebrows indicating sagging eyelids
- Extreme upper eyelid drooping causing visual weight
- Large fat deposits under the eyelids causing puffiness
- Wrinkles around the eyelids
What are the uses of blepharoplasty?
blepharoplasty is effective for both upper and lower eyelid surgery. Depending on the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s recommendation, both procedures can be performed simultaneously. In this section, we explain the two main applications of eyelid surgery:
Lower eyelid surgery
In this procedure, the fat deposits and puffiness under the lower eyelids are removed surgically. Even excess skin or tissue beneath the lower lid can be eliminated using this method.
Upper eyelid surgery
Through this surgery, the specialist completely removes the drooping of the upper eyelid and eliminates the accumulated fat tissues beneath the eyebrows. If the drooping is severe, this surgery can significantly improve the patient's field of vision.
Benefits of blepharoplasty
As mentioned earlier, eyelid surgery plays a major role in facial rejuvenation. The primary advantage of this procedure is enhancing the facial appearance. Additionally, it can improve the patient’s limited field of vision.
One of the most notable benefits is increased self-confidence. A younger appearance naturally leads to greater self-esteem. Moreover, this procedure rejuvenates the skin around the eyes, making it another positive outcome of blepharoplasty. Overall, its greatest benefit lies in achieving a fresher and more youthful appearance.
How long does blepharoplasty take?
Although blepharoplasty is considered a relatively simple cosmetic procedure, several factors can influence its duration. The time required largely depends on the extent of the necessary corrections to the eyelids.
If only minor changes are needed, the surgery may take just 30 to 45 minutes. In contrast, more extensive procedures could take up to 2 hours. The surgeon’s experience and skill also play a key role in how long the surgery takes.
Some surgeons perform the procedure quickly and efficiently. The good news is that patients are typically able to return home the same day and do not need to stay overnight.
Is blepharoplasty only cosmetic?
Although blepharoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries and is widely performed by aesthetic surgeons, it also has therapeutic benefits. This surgery corrects the shape and function of the eyelids while rejuvenating the surrounding skin.
In addition to enhancing appearance, blepharoplasty can also improve vision. While achieving a more youthful look is one benefit, the procedure also has a medical purpose by restoring better eyesight.
Is General or Local Anesthesia Used in Blepharoplasty?
As you may know, general anesthesia is typically reserved for complex or invasive surgeries. Since blepharoplasty is a relatively simple procedure, general anesthesia is usually not required.
Instead, local anesthesia is more commonly used. The doctor injects a numbing agent around the eyes, making the area insensitive to pain during the procedure. The patient remains awake and alert but feels no discomfort.
Because general anesthesia carries potential risks and may prolong recovery, most cosmetic surgeons prefer local anesthesia for eyelid surgeries. However, the type of anesthesia may vary based on the patient’s specific condition.
Post-Blepharoplasty Care
Although blepharoplasty is an outpatient and relatively simple procedure, it still qualifies as surgery and requires specific post-operative care. To achieve optimal results, patients must follow their surgeon’s instructions carefully and take prescribed medications regularly.
Proper care can help speed up healing and ensure the best possible outcome. If you’ve undergone this procedure, make sure to follow these important aftercare tips:
- Avoid eye-straining activities that may cause dryness
- Refrain from using phones and laptops
- Not watching TV
- Wear dark sunglasses to protect from wind and sunlight for a few weeks
- Use eye-specific sunscreen
- Avoid strenuous exercise for a few weeks
- Avoid lifting heavy objects for a few weeks
Recovery period after blepharoplasty
The good news is that blepharoplasty is an easy outpatient procedure with a short recovery time. Unlike some other cosmetic surgeries, it typically requires only about 2 weeks of rest. According to reports, any bruising usually disappears within this period.
Swelling caused by the surgery will also gradually fade over time. After 2 weeks, you can visit your surgeon to have the stitches removed. The recovery process is generally smooth and not painful.
Remember, by following all the post-operative care instructions properly, the results of your eyelid surgery can last a lifetime. Be sure to take all medications prescribed by your surgeon as directed.
The cost of blepharoplasty
It’s generally not possible to provide a fixed price for any cosmetic surgery, including blepharoplasty. The cost varies depending on the clinic or medical center where the procedure is performed. The surgeon’s expertise and experience also play a significant role in determining the price. Several factors affect the final cost of eyelid surgery, and in some cases, patients may end up paying a higher fee. Key factors influencing the cost include:
Condition of the patient’s eyelids
The extent of required corrections
Surgical techniques used
The surgeon’s fee
Services provided at the clinic
Cost of equipment and facilities
Blepharoplasty samples
How to Choose the Best Blepharoplasty Surgeon
As explained in this article, eyelid surgery is not a difficult procedure and doesn’t require complex care, but it has a major impact on facial aesthetics. Many people are now seeking this effective cosmetic procedure, and numerous surgeons operate in this field. Therefore, choosing the right doctor requires careful consideration.
Make sure to consult a skilled and experienced surgeon whose clinic is equipped with the latest cosmetic surgery tools. Dr. Benyamin Rahmaty is one such expert, offering various high-quality beauty services.
